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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
For more information please contact:
Implementing carpentry registration and licensing Consultation Paper
Imposing registration and licensing on trades represents a significant impost, further degrading the capacity to deliver homes and other domestic building work. This submission, therefore, is not limited to responding to the Consultation Paper, rather, it addresses more broadly the significant risks that imposing registration and licensing on trades will have on the sector.
Government delays ATO credit card payment changes
The Federal Government has announced that the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will continue to accept credit card payments for tax liabilities until the end of the 2026-27 financial year, delaying changes that were previously due to take effect on 1 December.
Government provides breathing space for builders and tradies on ATO credit card ban
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) welcomes the Federal Government's stepping in and agreeing to delay the Australian Taxation Office's (ATO) proposed ban on credit card payments, providing builders, tradies and suppliers with much-needed breathing space while a longer-term solution is developed.
HIA Victoria not failing housing targets as badly as others is not success
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) says the Victorian results in the HIA National Housing Accord Update released yesterday, while not as poor as some other states, highlight the urgent need for a reset in housing policy after the upcoming state election.