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{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationFinancial benefits of a tradie career start from day 1
Financial benefits of a tradie career start from day 1
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“Workforce shortages remain one of the biggest constraints on increasing home building activity,” said HIA Executive Director Future Workforce, Mike Hermon.
“With the national focus on addressing Australia’s chronic housing shortages, demand for qualified trades is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. There are also the added benefits for apprentices of being paid to train, along with access to fee-free TAFE.
“This is a significant benefit to young people who are not then burdened by a HECS debt when they have completed their qualification.
Publicly available data shows that the typical period of study and expected market wage of an accountant and carpenter are similar, but when considering wages and cost to study there is a discrepancy of at least $50,000 in favour of the trade while training.
“The construction industry also has a shortage of professionals in essential tertiary-qualified roles that must be filled. However, the reality is there are many other degrees that do not offer the immediate pathway into well-paying employment that a construction trade offers,” said Mr Hermon.
“Career flexibility and opportunities for advancement post becoming a qualified tradesperson are limitless. Many tradespeople use their apprenticeship to progress their career into other related roles in their industry - today’s apprentices are tomorrow’s carpenters, builders and project managers.
“When armed with a trade qualification an individual earning potential can be equal to or greater than some positions requiring university degrees. A secure future is also another important benefit, with a pipeline of work for years to come and an exposure to job losses related to AI far less likely than many white-collar jobs,” concluded Mr Hermon.
| Profession | Accountant | Carpenter |
| Study Term | 3 to 4 years | 3 to 4 years |
| Net cost per year while training | -$17,376* | +$39,000 to $42,000** |
| Estimated salary | ***$80,000 to $95,000 | $80,000 to $95,000 |
* Cth Department of Education 2026 Indexed rates – Maximum annual fee for CSP, Table 1.
** Indicative salary range for second year carpentry apprentice, incorporating fee-free TAFE.
*** Estimated salary courtesy Seek.com.au 2026
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Financial benefits of a tradie career start from day 1
Analysis by the Housing Industry Association (HIA) shows that there can be immediate financial benefits for young people taking up a trade in comparison to tertiary education.
Independent economic modelling cautions against more tax on housing in Federal Budget
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