Plumbers salary and the national average
The national full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings in Australia are $2,083.70, or about $108,352 a year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). This figure, drawn from the ABS, is the benchmark used on this site. For plumbers, however, the picture is less straightforward. No official average or median salary is published for the occupation at the detailed level. Instead, plumbers' pay is shaped by award minimums, state labour markets, and individual experience.
Award minimums set a floor
The Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award, administered by Fair Work, provides the legal minimum pay for most plumbers. As of 1 July 2026, a Plumbing and mechanical services tradesperson level 1 earns at least $1,201.78 per week, or $31.63 per hour. That works out to roughly $62,493 a year for a full-time worker on a 38-hour week. Higher classifications attract higher rates: a tradesperson special class level 2 earns $1,303.78 per week ($34.31 per hour), and an advanced tradesperson level 1 earns $1,338.98 per week ($35.24 per hour). These award rates are well below the national full-time average, but they are only the starting point. Many plumbers earn above the award through enterprise agreements, overtime, or because they work in high-demand regions.
State differences matter
Where a plumber works can significantly affect their earnings. The ABS reports state-by-state full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings, which provide a useful context. For example:
- New South Wales: $109,658 a year
- Victoria: $106,137 a year
- Queensland: $106,064 a year
- South Australia: $102,450 a year
- Western Australia: $115,825 a year
- Tasmania: $96,008 a year
- Northern Territory: $103,173 a year
- Australian Capital Territory: $119,090 a year
Plumbers in Western Australia and the ACT, where overall earnings are highest, may see stronger pay packets. Conversely, those in Tasmania and South Australia may earn closer to the award minimum. The state averages reflect all industries, but plumbing wages tend to follow local economic conditions. For a deeper look at how each state compares, see States and territories.
Why no published median for plumbers?
The ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours provides median earnings for many occupations, but not for plumbers. The Jobs and Skills Australia occupation profile for Plumbers (General) notes that median weekly earnings are not produced for ANZSCO 6-digit occupations. This is because the sample size is too small to produce reliable estimates. As a result, the best official data point is the award rate. However, the all-employees median across Australia is about $74,100 a year, and the full-time median is about $90,532 (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025). Plumbers who are full-time and experienced likely earn above the all-employees median, but a precise figure is unavailable.
How the national line works
This site uses the national full-time adult ordinary-time average as its line. You can Place a salary on the line to see how any figure compares. For plumbers, entering the award minimum of $62,493 would show it well below the line, while a more typical market rate of, say, $90,000 would sit closer to the median. The line is an average, so many occupations fall above or below it.
Tax and take-home pay
For the 2026–27 income year, resident tax rates are: nil on the first $18,200, 15% on income up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, 37% up to $190,000, and 45% above that. A 2% Medicare levy applies before any reductions. A plumber earning $80,000 would pay about $16,267 in tax plus Medicare, leaving around $63,733 after tax. The progressive system means higher earners face a larger marginal rate.
Conclusion
Plumbers' pay is not captured by a single official figure. The award sets a minimum that is well below the national average, but actual earnings vary by state, employer, and skill level. For the most accurate picture, plumbers should consult their award or enterprise agreement and consider local market conditions. The national line provides a useful benchmark, but it is just one point of comparison.
For more on how different occupations compare, see Job medians.