What’s the Best Trade Qualification for High-Paying Jobs in Australia?
If you’re good with your hands and want to earn top dollar, getting into a skilled trade is one of the smartest career moves you can make in Australia. But not all trades are equal — and the right trade qualification can set you up for big paydays.
So, which trades are paying the most in 2025? And how can you get qualified faster without spending years in the classroom?
Top Paying Skilled Trades in Australia (2025)
Here’s a breakdown of some of the best paying skilled trades in Australia and the nationally recognised qualifications that can help you land the job — or level up if you’re already in the industry.
1. Mobile Plant Mechanic
- Qualification: Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade (MEM30219)
- Why it pays: Work on heavy vehicles and machinery used in mining, construction, and civil projects – all high-demand industries.
- Average Salary: $120K–$160K+
- RPL Available: Yes – fast-track with RPL Australia options.
2. Fabrication Boilermaker / Welder
- Qualification: Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (MEM31922)
- Why it pays: Boilermakers and welders are always needed in industries like shipbuilding, manufacturing, and mining.
- Average Salary: $100K–$140K
- Also known as: cert 3 engineering fabrication / cert iii engineering fabrication
3. Cabinet Maker / Shopfitter
- Qualification: Certificate III in Cabinet Making (MSF30322)
- Why it pays: Shopfitters and cabinet makers working in commercial and residential sectors are in high demand — especially in custom kitchens and fit-outs.
- Average Salary: $85K–$120K
- RPL Friendly: Yes – we offer cabinet making RPL for experienced tradies.
4. Wall and Floor Tiler
- Qualification: Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling (CPC31320)
- Why it pays: With new builds, home renovations, and luxury interiors growing, tilers are in short supply across Australia.
- Average Salary: $80K–$110K
- Great for: Tradies looking to become licensed or run their own tiling business.
5. Painter and Decorator
- Qualification: Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (CPC30620)
- Why it pays: Consistent demand in residential and commercial sectors — especially with high-end interior work and finishing.
- Average Salary: $75K–$100K
- RPL Available: Yes – this is one of the most popular qualifications for RPL.
How to Get Qualified Fast (No Classroom)
Already working in a trade? You might not need to start from scratch.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows experienced workers to convert their hands-on skills into a nationally recognised qualification — without unnecessary study or repeat training.
Whether it’s a Certificate III in Cabinet Making, Certificate III in Wall and Floor tiling, or a Certificate III in Engineering mechanical trade, we assess your on-the-job experience and guide you through the process.
Learn more about recognised prior learning and how it works.
Don’t Waste Years on a Formal Apprenticeship
Already working in the trade but missing the paperwork?
With RPL, you can:
✅ Get your qualification faster
✅ Increase your income
✅ Meet Australian Apprenticeship Pathways requirements
Read more about apprenticeship pathways and trade recognition in Australia.
Start Your Trade Qualification Today
At Gimbal Group, we help tradies across Australia get formally recognised through recognition of prior learning (RPL) — no fluff, no classroom, no wasted time.
You could have your trade qualification sorted in weeks — not years.
👉 Check if you’re eligible for RPL
👉 Get in touch today for a free skills check.
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