Electrical Distribution Trades Worker
Shortage Now
States / territories with a shortage signal
Why this shortage: Long training gap
Snapshot
Median salary
A$158,500
Full-time annual
People employed
6,300
Estimated workforce
Shortage signal
Shortage (national)
Categories identify where a shortage occurs; they are not a severity score.
What you actually do
Installs, joins, maintains and repairs electrical cables, transmission and distribution systems for both overhead and underground lines.
Specialisations
Skills & main tasks
Official main tasks
- Installs and maintains distribution overhead and underground conductors and cables, low voltage overhead services, poles, structures and hardware
- Installs cable joints in underground conduits and trenches
- Performs routine maintenance of overhead and underground power lines, cables and auxiliary equipment
- Identifies and diagnoses faults and solves problems in the distribution and underground networks
- Inspects and tests cables and cable joints to identify faults and determine repair or replacement needs
- Selects and prepares cables, connectors and other material for cable jointing
- Terminates cables by connecting them to electrical equipment and overhead lines
- May operate heavy plant equipment such as elevated work platforms and portable equipment such as hydraulic drills
- May undertake substation installation and maintenance, and specialised testing and revenue meter installation
Where people work
State / territory distribution
Highest education
Share of workers
Education & work pattern
Part-time
7%
Female rate
2%
Median age
40
2030 & 2035 employment outlook
to 2030
+1%
101 projected jobs
to 2035
+5%
624 projected jobs
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OSCA skill level 3
A classification attribute describing the occupation; it is not a personal eligibility or qualification decision.
Registration or licensing
Registration or licensing may be required.
Official VET pathways
Certificate III in ESI - Transmission Overhead
Occupation ready
Certificate IV in ESI - Substations
Occupation ready
Certificate III in ESI - Distribution Overhead
Occupation ready
Certificate III in ESI - Distribution Underground
Occupation ready
Certificate III in ESI - Very Remote Community Utilities
Progression pathway
Certificate III in ESI - Rail Traction
Progression pathway
Certificate II in Transmission Line Construction
Progression pathway
Certificate IV in ESI - Network Systems
Progression pathway
Certificate II in Remote Area Essential Service
Progression pathway
Certificate II in ESI - Powerline Vegetation Control
Progression pathway
Advanced Diploma of ESI - Power Systems
Specialised training
Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
Transferable skills
Real jobs right now
Live signal from SEEK, Indeed & moreCurrent vacancy signal
QLD · May 2026
17
ACT · May 2026
4
VIC · May 2026
31
NT · May 2026
1
SA · May 2026
4
NSW · May 2026
42
Where could this career take you?
Compare state-level shortage signals, salary context, study options and visa information for Electrical Distribution Trades Worker.
Regional demand
Largest employment base
#1 Melbourne - South East
1,010 estimated employed
- 1
Melbourne - South East
1,010 employed
VIC
+10.87%
year on year
- 2
Perth - North West
622 employed
WA
-30.11%
year on year
- 3
Bendigo
493 employed
VIC
+17.66%
year on year
- 4
Central West
257 employed
NSW
+16.82%
year on year
- 5
Melbourne - West
241 employed
VIC
+13.68%
year on year
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Ranked by current shortage signal and projected employment growth.
Workers in this occupation
8,095
Moved in from another occupation
505
Moved to another occupation
400
Recommendation score: shortage = 2 points, no shortage = 1 point, plus 1 point for each 10% of projected growth to 2035.
- 1
5
points
- 2
4
points
- 3
3
points
- 4
3
points
Data status
- Classification
- OSCA 381131
- Last updated
- Refresh pending
- Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia OSL · Jobs and Skills Australia DOM · ABS OSCA · OSCA 2024 — Jobs and Skills Australia
Labour-market data coverage
- Shortage signal and drivers: JSA Occupation Shortage List (ANZSCO unit group where applicable).
- Work profile, state distribution and education: JSA Occupation Profiles (ANZSCO mapped).
- Regional employment: JSA NERO, June 2026.
- Career-move observations: JSA DOM, last available 2020–21. Observed Australian worker transitions are not personalised recommendations; many contractors and sole traders are excluded, as are transitions below 10 workers.
- Vacancy signal: JSA Internet Vacancy Index, 3-month average (ANZSCO unit group).
- Employment outlook: JSA employment projections (ANZSCO unit group).
- Training pathways: JSA Training Occupation Pathways.
Data confidence: estimate.