Plumber (General)
Shortage Now
States / territories with a shortage signal
Why this shortage: Long training gap
Snapshot
Median salary
A$90,800
Full-time annual
People employed
53,400
Estimated workforce
Shortage signal
Shortage (national)
Categories identify where a shortage occurs; they are not a severity score.
What you actually do
Installs and repairs water, drainage, gas and sewerage pipes and systems.
Scope note: Fire Protection Plumbers are excluded from this occupation. Fire Protection Plumbers are included in Occupation 363932 Fire Protection Plumber.
Read official OSCA descriptionSkills & main tasks
Official main tasks
- Interprets blueprints to plan plumbing system layout
- Joins pipes and fittings using various techniques
- Installs and repairs water supply, drainage systems and fixtures
- Installs and repairs solar hot water and heat pump systems
- Installs and repairs gas lines and appliances in compliance with safety regulations
- Installs and maintains fire hydrants and hose reels
- Tests plumbing systems for leaks and issues
- Clears blockages in pipes and drains
- Maintains and repairs plumbing systems in various types of buildings
Where people work
State / territory distribution
Highest education
Share of workers
Education & work pattern
Part-time
15%
Female rate
1%
Median age
32
2030 & 2035 employment outlook
to 2030
+5%
5,385 projected jobs
to 2035
+10%
10,587 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 is required.
Official VET pathways
Certificate III in Plumbing
Occupation ready
Certificate II in Drainage
Progression pathway
Certificate III in Roof Plumbing
Progression pathway
Certificate III in Water Industry Operations
Progression pathway
Certificate III in Gas Fitting
Progression pathway
Certificate III in Fire Protection
Progression pathway
Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services
Specialised training
Real jobs right now
Live signal from SEEK, Indeed & moreCurrent vacancy signal
TAS · May 2026
11
QLD · May 2026
311
NT · May 2026
23
VIC · May 2026
325
SA · May 2026
102
AUST · May 2026
1,364
Where could this career take you?
Compare state-level shortage signals, salary context, study options and visa information for Plumber (General).
Regional demand
Largest employment base
#1 Perth - North West
4,562 estimated employed
- 1
Perth - North West
4,562 employed
WA
+0.84%
year on year
- 2
Melbourne - Outer East
3,943 employed
VIC
+4.04%
year on year
- 3
Melbourne - South East
3,624 employed
VIC
-13.05%
year on year
- 4
Melbourne - West
3,549 employed
VIC
+3.23%
year on year
- 5
Melbourne - North East
3,285 employed
VIC
+12.19%
year on year
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Ranked by current shortage signal and projected employment growth.
Workers in this occupation
39,310
Moved in from another occupation
5,110
Moved to another occupation
3,210
Recommendation score: shortage = 2 points, no shortage = 1 point, plus 1 point for each 10% of projected growth to 2035.
- 1
5
points
- 2
3
points
- 3
3
points
- 4
3
points
- 5
3
points
Data status
- Classification
- OSCA 363131
- 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. A missing CSOL flag is not a finding of visa ineligibility; check the current Home Affairs list.