How Much Do Tradies Get Paid in Perth? The Complete 2026 Salary Guide
If you’re a tradie working in Perth — or thinking about starting a career in construction — one of the first things you want to know is how much you can expect to earn. With Perth in the middle of a historic construction boom and skilled tradespeople in short supply, wages across virtually every construction trade have been climbing steadily through 2025 and into 2026.
Perth Tradie Salary Overview: 2026 Rates at a Glance
Perth has historically offered some of the highest tradie pay rates in Australia, driven by competition from the mining and resources sector. With the current labour shortage pushing wages up a further 8–12% across trades, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the best years for tradie earnings in WA.
Electricians
Licensed electricians are among the highest-paid tradies in Perth. An A-grade electrician working in commercial or residential construction can expect to earn between $85,000 and $105,000 per year, with hourly rates typically ranging from $45 to $55 per hour. FIFO electricians can push well above $120,000, and in some cases beyond $175,000 in remote WA locations.
Plumbers
Plumbers in Perth earn an average annual salary of $80,000 to $110,000, with hourly rates between $42 and $55 per hour. Major infrastructure projects and Perth’s expanding residential housing pipeline continue to drive strong demand.
Carpenters
Carpenters in Perth can expect to earn between $65,000 and $90,000 per year, with hourly rates from $36 to $48 per hour. Carpenters who progress into site supervision roles can see earnings jump to $90,000–$130,000 per year.
Bricklayers
Bricklayers are one of the most in-demand trades in Perth. Experienced bricklayers are earning $50 to $65 per hour, with annual earnings ranging from $90,000 to $130,000. The bricklaying shortage is the most severe of any trade nationally.
Plasterers
Plasterers in Perth earn between $45 and $55 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from $80,000 to $100,000. The shortage of plasterers in WA has pushed rates upward over the past 18 months.
Site Labourers
Entry-level site labourers in Perth earn between $30 and $38 per hour, with annual earnings of $55,000 to $72,000. Labourers with additional tickets such as EWP and forklift can command $35 to $42 per hour.
What’s Driving Pay Rates Up in Perth?
The state government’s $1.4 billion housing program, METRONET rail expansion, Henderson Defence developments, and Tonkin Highway upgrades are all happening simultaneously. The trades availability index for Perth sits at -0.68, meaning there are significantly more roles than available tradies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average hourly rate for a tradie in Perth in 2026?
Site labourers start around $30–$38 per hour, while licensed trades like electricians and plumbers earn $45–$55 per hour. Specialist trades like crane operators and bricklayers can earn $55–$80 per hour.
Which trade pays the most in Perth?
Crane operators, FIFO electricians, and bricklayers are currently among the highest-paid trades in Perth.
Are Perth tradie wages going up in 2026?
Yes. Wages across construction trades in Perth are rising 8–12% due to the tightening labour market.
Looking for construction work in Perth? Register with PerthTrades Recruitment for free and we’ll match you to the highest-paying roles available. Browse current vacancies.