Scaffolder Jobs in Perth: Career Guide, Salary, and How to Get Licensed

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Scaffolders build the access platforms that allow every other trade to work at height safely. It’s physical, skilled work that’s essential on almost every commercial and industrial construction project in Perth.

Here’s your guide to scaffolder jobs in Perth.

What Does a Scaffolder Do?

Scaffolders erect, alter, and dismantle temporary scaffolding structures that provide safe working platforms and access for construction workers. Daily tasks include:

  • Reading scaffold plans and site drawings
  • Selecting and inspecting scaffold components — tubes, fittings, boards, braces
  • Erecting scaffold structures to Australian Standards (AS/NZS 1576)
  • Installing handrails, toe boards, access ladders, and safety mesh
  • Tying scaffolds to buildings and structures
  • Altering scaffolds as construction progresses
  • Dismantling scaffolds safely when work is complete
  • Conducting scaffold inspections and tagging

How to Become a Scaffolder in Perth

Scaffolding Licences

Scaffolders in Australia must hold a High Risk Work Licence (HRWL) for scaffolding. The licence classes are:

  • SB — Basic scaffolding: Erecting, altering, and dismantling modular or prefabricated scaffolding. This is the entry-level scaffolding licence.
  • SI — Intermediate scaffolding: Covers all basic scaffolding plus tube and coupler scaffolding, cantilevered and spurred scaffolding, and suspended scaffolding.
  • SA — Advanced scaffolding: Covers all scaffolding types including hung scaffolding, gin wheels, and complex scaffolding designs. Required for the most complex scaffold structures.

Training and Licensing Process

  1. Complete an accredited training course with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
  2. Pass the WorkSafe WA practical and theory assessment
  3. Receive your High Risk Work Licence
  4. Progress through licence classes with experience and additional training

Typical Career Path

  1. Scaffold labourer — carrying materials and assisting qualified scaffolders (no licence required, just a white card)
  2. SB — Basic scaffolding licence — erecting modular scaffolding
  3. SI — Intermediate scaffolding licence — more complex scaffold types
  4. SA — Advanced scaffolding licence — all scaffold types, including design work
  5. Scaffold supervisor — managing scaffold crews and scaffold plans on major projects
  6. Scaffold inspector — inspecting and certifying scaffold structures

Scaffolder Salary in Perth

Perth Metro

  • Scaffold labourer: $55,000 to $70,000
  • Scaffolder (SB — basic): $70,000 to $85,000
  • Scaffolder (SI — intermediate): $80,000 to $100,000
  • Scaffolder (SA — advanced): $90,000 to $120,000
  • Scaffold supervisor: $110,000 to $140,000

FIFO and Mining

  • Scaffolder (mining maintenance): $110,000 to $150,000
  • Scaffolder (shutdown/turnaround): $130,000 to $170,000
  • Scaffold supervisor (FIFO): $140,000 to $180,000

Types of Scaffolding Work in Perth

Commercial Construction

Providing access for trades on office buildings, shopping centres, apartments, schools, and hospitals across Perth. Commercial scaffolding involves complex designs, multiple levels, and coordination with other trades.

Industrial and Mining

Erecting scaffolds for maintenance, shutdown, and construction work on mine sites, processing plants, and industrial facilities. Mining scaffolding work is often FIFO and commands the highest rates.

Residential

Scaffolding for house construction, renovations, and multi-storey residential builds. Residential scaffolding tends to be simpler and uses more modular systems.

Infrastructure

Providing access for bridge construction, road infrastructure, and public works projects. Metronet and other infrastructure projects in Perth generate significant scaffolding demand.

Event and Temporary Structures

Erecting temporary structures for events, stages, and public installations. This niche work complements construction scaffolding for some companies.

Physical Demands

Scaffolding is one of the most physically demanding jobs in construction:

  • Carrying heavy steel tubes, fittings, and boards — often up ladders and at height
  • Working at significant heights in all weather conditions
  • Repetitive lifting, reaching, and climbing throughout the day
  • Working in confined and awkward positions
  • Starting early and working long hours on major projects

Physical fitness is not optional — it’s a daily requirement. Scaffolders tend to be among the fittest workers on any construction site.

Key Tickets and Requirements

  • HRWL scaffolding licence (SB, SI, or SA) — mandatory
  • White card — mandatory for all construction sites
  • Working at heights — essential (though scaffolders are inherently working at height)
  • First aid — expected by most employers
  • Rigging licence (RB) — valuable addition, particularly for advanced scaffolders
  • Driver’s licence — essential for getting to sites
  • Truck licence (HR/MR) — useful for transporting scaffold equipment

Find Scaffolder Jobs Through Perth Trades Recruitment

Perth Trades Recruitment places scaffolders in commercial, industrial, mining, and infrastructure roles across Perth and WA. Whether you hold a basic, intermediate, or advanced scaffolding licence, we can connect you with employers who need qualified scaffolders.

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Contact Perth Trades Recruitment to find scaffolding jobs in Perth.