Melbourne’s trade and construction market is booming in 2025, and many aspiring tradies, builders, and contractors are asking the same question: how much money can tradies really make in Melbourne? At Rokitup Media, we’ve analysed the latest income trends, project rates, and market insights to give you a clear picture of what tradies are earning — from entry-level apprentices to top-producing contractors.
But earning big isn’t just about showing up on-site. Marketing your skills effectively can help you land premium projects and attract high-paying clients, and that’s where Rokitup Media can help.
Average Earnings for Tradies in Melbourne (2025)
Tradies’ incomes vary a lot depending on their trade, experience, and whether they work on small jobs or large “premium” projects. Here are more realistic figures, based on what different trades are actually earning in Victoria / Melbourne now:
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Entry-level tradies / apprentices: ~ AU$60,000–80,000 — depending on the trade, qualifications, and whether they’re still completing an apprenticeship.
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Mid-level tradies / contractors: ~ AU$80,000–120,000 is common for those with experience and a steady flow of work.
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Top tradies / high-performing contractors: For tradies working on big renovations, custom homes, or commercial jobs, it’s possible to go past AU$200,000. Some very successful contractors / business owners may push toward AU$300,000+, depending on scale and margins.
Trade-Specific Examples (Plumbers, Electricians, etc.)
To give a clearer picture, here are some real-world examples from trades in Melbourne / Victoria:
Plumbers
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According to Indeed, plumbers in Melbourne make around AU$46.04 per hour on average. Indeed
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For licensed plumbers, Jora reports an average full-time salary of AU$115,000/year in Melbourne. Jora
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Trade plumbers (qualified but not necessarily licensed to the highest level) report an average of AU$85,000/year on Jora. Jora
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Apprentice plumbers in Melbourne make around AU$72,683/year, based on updated wage rates. Indeed+1
Electricians
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According to Jora aggregated tradie pay data, electricians in Melbourne / Victoria often make between AU$80,000 and AU$120,000/year, depending on experience and specialization. Jora
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The Building Institute reports that electricians are among the highest-earning tradies, with an average of AU$90,000/year for many in Australia (which would be similar in Victoria / Melbourne for many roles). buildinginstitute.edu.au
Project-Based Earnings and High-Value Work
Tradies’ income often comes from project fees rather than just hourly pay. Examples include:
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Small renovations or repairs: AU$5,000–20,000 per project
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Medium projects: AU$30,000–80,000, e.g., multi-room renovations or kitchen/bathroom upgrades
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High-end custom builds: AU$100,000+ per project, especially in Melbourne’s premium suburbs
For example, completing a AU$1 million home renovation with a standard contractor margin of 15–20% could net a tradie AU$150,000–200,000.
Key Factors That Affect Earnings
Several factors influence how much tradies make:
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Experience & Reputation – Skilled and reputable tradies attract bigger and higher-paying jobs.
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Project Volume – More projects lead to higher total earnings.
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Project Value – High-end renovations or luxury builds provide larger profits per project.
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Overheads & Costs – Materials, tools, staff, and business expenses affect net income.
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Market Conditions – Housing demand, construction trends, and seasonal factors can impact opportunities.
High-Value Melbourne Suburbs for Tradies
Focusing on high-end suburbs can dramatically increase project income. Tradies targeting premium areas often secure bigger, more profitable projects:
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Toorak – Luxury homes and multi-million-dollar renovations
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South Yarra – Boutique apartments and high-end interiors
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Brighton – Coastal prestige properties
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Hawthorn – Family homes with renovation potential
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Balwyn & Camberwell – Established properties ideal for extensions
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Kew – Heritage homes requiring specialist trades
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Malvern & Glen Iris – Upscale residential renovations
How Rokitup Media Helps Tradies Score Big
At Rokitup Media, we specialise in helping tradies attract more clients and secure high-value projects through professional media services:
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High-quality project photography – Highlight craftsmanship and completed projects with professional images.
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Cinematic videos – Showcase your work with walkthroughs, before-and-after shots, and lifestyle storytelling.
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Drone aerial footage – Perfect for larger builds or renovations, showing scale and quality from above.
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Social media-ready content – Optimised for Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to reach more clients and grow your brand.
These services not only make your work look professional but also position your business as a premium service provider, attracting wealthier clients and bigger projects.
The Bottom Line
In Melbourne 2025, tradies have incredible potential to earn substantial income. But success isn’t just about skill — it’s about marketing your services effectively. By leveraging Rokitup Media’s professional video and photo services, tradies can:
Whether you’re an apprentice just starting out or a seasoned contractor aiming for premium projects, Rokitup Media helps tradies stand out in a competitive Melbourne market and maximise their income.
