10 Highest Paying Jobs In Construction, Trades & Architecture
By
Adelle
Have a knack for problem solving or prefer practical jobs that have you working with your hands? If you answered yes, then a career in construction, trade or architecture may be right up your alley!
Thankfully for you, we've got our Year13 Expo coming up on Thursday 24 September, where we'll be shining a spotlight on the Construction, Trades & Architecture industries. We've got speakers and exhibitors to tell you all about it and provide you with a bunch of options and opportunities if you're interested in either of these industries!
While these are obviously different industries, they’re all based around designing, building and maintaining infrastructure. Take a look around - there are literally construction works everywhere! From homes and schools to roads and bridges, there are always heaaaaaps of jobs available that can pay the big bucks!
Interested? Let’s sum up the highest paying jobs in construction, trades and architecture.
Trade
If you hate the idea of being stuck at a desk all day then a trade might be the way to go! Working in a trade gets you on your feet as well as working outside and travelling between work sites for a change of scenery.
1. Plumber
Plumbers have a wide range of job responsibilities including installation and repairing water, drainage, gas and sewerage pipes and systems. It ain't all just about declogging toilets!
Salary: $110,000
2. Concreter
Concreters mix, pour and finish concrete for a range of structures that need to be robust and durable. Think floors, footpaths, ramps or even bridges!
Salary: $107,500
3. Carpenter
If you didn’t know this already, carpenters don’t actually lay carpet. Instead, they work with timber in order to construct and maintain buildings, furniture and other objects.
Salary: $102,424
4. Electrician
If a bit of maths and problem solving is your forte, or you’re intrigued by how electrical systems work, then maybe a career as a sparky may interest you.
Salary: $85,972
How do I get there?
In order to work in a trade role, you will usually have to complete an apprenticeship or traineeship to get the necessary qualifications. An apprenticeship or traineeship will award you a Cert III, Cert IV or Diploma in a certain industry, and from there you are qualified to work on site, or even start your own business in your trade.
Construction
Buildings, bridges, tunnels, roads, homes, hospitals, and factories...there are construction works everywhere! These projects involve building brand new works and the refurbishment of old buildings.
5. Construction Manager
Construction managers are responsible for overseeing building and construction projects from the early planning stages, right through to the implementation and final result.
Salary: $205,000
6. General Foreman
A site foreman is essentially in overall control of a construction site’s operational activities and is responsible for ensuring the health and safety of all personnel on the site.
Salary: $158,005
7. Scaffolder
If you aren’t terrified of heights, then maybe scaffolding is your calling. Scaffolders assemble and dismantle temporary platforms or structures at events or on work sites
Salary: $94,603
How do I get there?
Like a trade, you would need to complete an apprenticeship or traineeship to get the necessary qualifications. To move into a management role, you will need five to ten years work experience on site, however a bachelor's degree could give you access to more senior positions in this industry.
Architecture
If you’re decent at maths and problem solving or have a flair for creativity then architecture might just be calling your name. While based around designing, building and maintaining infrastructure, architecture is mainly concerned with the aesthetics, prioritising form and design.
8. ICT Architect
Now this one might not involve sketching buildings as such, but an ICT (information and communications technology) architect is actually responsible for an organisation’s ICT technical infrastructure. Sound daunting? You’ll need to possess a strong business and IT background for this one!
Salary: $137,136
9. Commercial/Residential Architect
Just like Ted Moseby from HIMYM, these types of architects work with builders, engineers, surveyors and lawyers to design building projects for commercial buildings or people’s homes.
Salary: $91,710
10. Landscape architect
For all the environment and outdoor lovers out there this one's for you! Landscape architects are concerned with transforming the outside world into public spaces, designing attractive and functional public parks, gardens, playgrounds and even uni campuses.
Salary: $84,868
How do I get there?
To get into architecture, you’ll need a university degree. An architecture degree takes a minimum of five years (depending where you do it), plus two years of practical training on the job. If you're keen on more info, suss out our Year13 Construction, Trades & Architecture Expo for a bunch of webinars and exhibitors who can give you the rundown!
If all of these sound pretty sweet but you’re not sure exactly where you want to fit into the world of construction, trades and architecture industries, feel free to suss out our post-school plan here! With q’s that’ll dig deep into your talents, values, interests and personality, you’ll figure out some jobs that would suit you perfectly. The planner doesn’t end there though. It’ll also give you all the hot goss on how to get to your chosen career path which is pretty dang handy! Big yeehaw! Check out the post-school plan here!
