Day: May 3, 2025

If you’ve ever wondered, “How much does a 1st year apprentice plumber earn in Australia?”, you’re not alone—especially in regional hubs like Warragul, Victoria, where trades are in high demand. Plumbing is a skilled trade that offers solid career progression, practical training, and excellent earning potential—starting from day one.

With Plumber Warragul, we’ll break down the average wages of a first-year apprentice plumber in Australia, explore what influences their pay, and zoom in on what aspiring plumbers in Warragul and the West Gippsland region can expect.

What is a Plumbing Apprenticeship in Australia?

A plumbing apprenticeship in Australia is typically a four-year vocational training program that combines on-the-job learning with classroom education. Apprentices work under licensed plumbers while studying towards a Certificate III in Plumbing—the nationally recognized qualification.

Throughout the apprenticeship, plumbers learn to:

• Install and maintain pipes, fixtures, and drainage systems
• Work with gas fitting, roofing, and sanitary systems
• Read blueprints and comply with Australian building codes
• Follow Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) standards

👉 Apprenticeships are regulated by state training authorities, and wages are governed by the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award [MA000036], set by the Fair Work Commission.

So, How Much Does a 1st Year Apprentice Plumber Earn in Australia?

As of 2025, a first-year plumbing apprentice in Australia earns approximately $22,000 to $30,000 annually, depending on several factors like:

• Age
• Prior qualifications
• Location
• Type of employment (full-time or part-time)
• Union agreements or enterprise bargaining

Hourly Rate:

Most 1st-year apprentices start with a base hourly rate of $13.80 to $17.50 before tax. Those over 21 years old (adult apprentices) can earn closer to $21.00–$24.00 per hour, thanks to adult apprentice wage rates.

💡 Note: These figures are based on national averages and current wage awards under Australian law. Always consult the latest wage tables from Fair Work Australia.

Apprentice Plumbing Wages in Warragul, VIC

Now, let’s talk about Warragul, a fast-growing regional center in Gippsland. Trades and construction jobs are in demand here, making it a great location for apprentices to start their journey.

What Affects Apprentice Pay in Warragul?

While base wages are dictated by national standards, several local and regional factors affect apprentice earnings in Warragul:

1. Cost of Living Adjustments: Warragul has a lower cost of living than Melbourne, but many local employers adjust wages slightly to attract workers in regional zones.
2. Workload Availability: In growing towns like Warragul, construction and renovation projects offer steady work, which can lead to overtime pay or performance bonuses.
3. Union Membership: Some local plumbing companies are aligned with the Plumbing and Pipe Trades Employees Union (PPTEU), which may negotiate better pay and entitlements.
4. Employer Agreements: Large builders and council contractors in Baw Baw Shire may offer above-award wages or tool allowances for plumbing apprentices.

Real-World Example:

A 17-year-old apprentice working full-time in Warragul with a small residential plumbing company may start at $14.20/hour, while a 22-year-old adult apprentice working with a commercial contractor might earn closer to $23.00/hour, not including overtime or superannuation.

Additional Benefits First-Year Apprentices Might Receive

Plumbing apprenticeships in Australia aren’t just about wages. Many employers—especially in places like Warragul—offer a suite of benefits to attract and retain talent:

• Tool and uniform allowances
• Paid training days at registered training organizations (RTOs) like Chisholm Institute or TAFE Gippsland
• Travel allowances for regional job sites
• On-site mentoring and career progression

👉 Some employers also offer structured reviews every 6 months, which may lead to wage increases earlier than the annual award increments. For more, visit https://plumberwarragul.com.au/.

How to Find a Plumbing Apprenticeship in Warragul

Starting your apprenticeship journey in Warragul is relatively straightforward. The region has a robust trade training ecosystem, supported by both public institutions and local businesses.

Where to Look:

• TAFE Gippsland – Warragul Campus: Offers pre-apprenticeship plumbing programs
• JobActive and Workforce Australia: National employment platforms that list apprenticeships
• Gippsland Trades and Labour Council: Sometimes posts local apprentice opportunities
• Networking with local plumbing businesses like:

  • Gippsland Plumbing Solutions
  • M&J Plumbing
  • Baw Baw Plumbing Services

💼 Tip: A pre-apprenticeship course in plumbing can significantly improve your employability and give you hands-on skills to hit the ground running.

Progression and Long-Term Earnings

The good news? Apprentice plumber wages increase yearly as you gain skills and responsibilities.

In Warragul, many qualified plumbers earn well above the national average due to regional housing booms and a shortage of licensed tradespeople.

Final Thoughts: Is a Plumbing Apprenticeship in Warragul Worth It?

Absolutely. If you’re based in or near Warragul, Victoria, and considering a trade, plumbing offers excellent long-term prospects. Even in your first year, you're gaining valuable skills while earning—something most university students can’t claim.

With a rising demand for infrastructure, real estate development, and regional expansion in West Gippsland, apprentice plumbers in Warragul are well-placed for a rewarding and financially stable career.

FAQs

Q: Do first-year apprentices in Warragul get paid superannuation?
A: Yes. Employers must pay superannuation contributions (10.5%) on top of wages.

Q: Can I negotiate my starting pay as a first-year apprentice?
A: Usually no, but employers in Warragul may offer tool allowances, travel stipends, or overtime that boosts take-home pay.

Q: Are plumbing apprenticeships hard to get into in regional areas like Warragul?
A: Not necessarily—there’s strong demand. Completing a Certificate II pre-apprenticeship can give you an edge.

In Warragul, Australia, the plumbing industry plays a crucial role in maintaining the infrastructure of homes, businesses, and public spaces. As with any trade, the earning potential for a plumber varies based on a variety of factors, including experience, specialization, and geographical location. Understanding which plumbers get paid the most in Warragul can help aspiring professionals make informed decisions about their career paths and guide property owners seeking to hire skilled professionals.

The Factors that Influence a Plumber’s Pay

Plumber Warragul highlights that plumbing is a trade that requires significant skill, training, and experience. The earning potential for a plumber is influenced by several factors, including:

• Experience Level: More experienced plumbers typically earn higher wages. As plumbers gain years of experience, they develop a deeper understanding of the trade, which enables them to handle complex plumbing systems and problems efficiently.
• Specialization: Certain plumbing specialties tend to command higher pay rates. For example, commercial plumbers, who work on larger, more complex systems in businesses or industrial settings, often earn more than residential plumbers.
• Licensing and Certification: Plumbers with specialized certifications, such as gasfitting, backflow prevention, or drain cleaning, are able to charge premium rates for their services.
• Demand and Location: In areas with high demand for plumbing services, plumbers can often command higher wages. Warragul, being a growing regional town in Victoria, sees a variety of plumbing needs from residential homes to commercial projects, affecting local pay scales.

What Plumber Gets Paid the Most in Warragul?

In Warragul, as in many other parts of Australia, plumbers’ pay scales are influenced by the demand for plumbing services and the complexity of the work involved. Let’s explore which plumbing professionals in Warragul typically earn the most.

1. Master Plumbers

A Master Plumber is the highest level a plumber can achieve in terms of certification and qualifications. They are highly experienced, licensed, and have demonstrated the highest standards of plumbing expertise. In Warragul, Master Plumbers are often called upon for large commercial and residential projects that require extensive knowledge of plumbing systems.

The reason Master Plumbers earn the most is their ability to handle complex plumbing tasks. They often oversee plumbing projects, ensure compliance with local building codes, and manage teams of other plumbers. Their broad skill set and leadership role in projects significantly raise their hourly rates, which can range from $100 to $150 per hour in Warragul.

2. Commercial Plumbers

Commercial plumbers specialize in large-scale plumbing systems for businesses, industries, and public buildings. Due to the scale of the systems they work on, commercial plumbing jobs are often more demanding and require specialized knowledge in pipefitting, industrial plumbing, and complex drainage systems. In Warragul, where the commercial sector is expanding, these plumbers are in high demand.

Given the complexity of their work, commercial plumbers in Warragul typically command higher pay than their residential counterparts. On average, commercial plumbers in the region can earn anywhere between $80 to $130 per hour depending on their experience and the project requirements.

3. Gasfitters and Heating Plumbers

Gasfitting is a specialized area of plumbing that involves installing and repairing gas lines and appliances. With the increasing demand for gas-powered heating systems and hot water systems in homes and businesses in Warragul, gasfitters and heating plumbers are among the top earners in the industry.

Gasfitters in Warragul typically earn between $90 to $130 per hour depending on their level of expertise. Plumbers who combine gasfitting with other specialties such as heating or air conditioning often enjoy even higher earnings due to the comprehensive skill set they offer.

4. Drainage Experts

Drainage plumbers, who specialize in the installation and maintenance of drainage systems, are essential for both residential and commercial buildings. Their work includes repairing clogged drains, installing new drainage systems, and dealing with stormwater runoff and sewerage systems. In Warragul, drainage plumbers are often called in for urgent repairs and large-scale installations, particularly in the growing suburban areas where new housing developments are booming.

Due to the specialized nature of their work, drainage experts can earn $80 to $120 per hour in Warragul. Plumbers who focus on stormwater management and underground drainage systems can often earn the highest rates in this category due to the complexity of the systems involved.

5. Emergency Plumbers

Emergency plumbing services are essential for urgent plumbing issues, such as burst pipes, gas leaks, and severe blockages that require immediate attention. In Warragul, emergency plumbers are in high demand, especially during extreme weather conditions or after natural disasters, which can cause plumbing systems to fail unexpectedly.

Emergency plumbers can command premium rates due to the nature of their work. In Warragul, these plumbers can earn between $120 to $180 per hour, with higher rates typically applied outside of regular business hours, including weekends and public holidays.

For more, visit Plumber Warragul.

Average Salary Ranges for Plumbers in Warragul

To provide a clearer picture of what plumbers earn in Warragul, here’s a breakdown of average salary ranges for various plumbing professionals in the area:

• Apprentice Plumbers: Apprentice plumbers in Warragul typically start at an hourly rate of $18 to $25 per hour, depending on their year of apprenticeship and experience.
• Licensed Plumbers: Fully qualified plumbers, without additional specializations, typically earn between $50,000 to $80,000 annually in Warragul. This can increase with experience and expertise.
• Master Plumbers: Master plumbers, who run their own plumbing businesses or oversee large projects, can earn upwards of $100,000 per year in Warragul, with some reaching higher earnings through specialized services and larger projects.
• Emergency and Specialized Plumbers: Plumbers who work in specialized fields or provide emergency services can expect to earn more, with rates ranging from $90,000 to $120,000 annually depending on workload and specialization.

How Plumbers Can Increase Their Earnings

Plumbers in Warragul who want to maximize their earning potential should consider the following strategies:

• Specialize: Developing expertise in high-demand areas such as gasfitting, drainage, or heating systems will allow plumbers to charge higher rates and attract more business.
• Obtain Further Certifications: Additional certifications, such as backflow prevention or environmental plumbing certifications, can increase a plumber’s value to clients.
• Expand into Commercial Plumbing: While residential plumbing is the most common, commercial plumbing often pays more due to the scale and complexity of the projects involved.
• Work After Hours: Emergency plumbing services, which often require working outside of regular hours, can be highly profitable.

Conclusion

In Warragul, Australia, the most lucrative plumbing careers are typically found among Master Plumbers, commercial plumbers, gasfitters, drainage experts, and emergency plumbers. By specializing, obtaining certifications, and expanding into more complex areas of plumbing, professionals can significantly increase their earnings. For those looking to hire the best plumber in Warragul, it’s important to consider not only the plumber’s skill set and experience but also their specialization in areas that command higher rates.

The demand for plumbing services in Warragul will continue to rise as the region grows, and understanding the factors that influence plumber salaries will help both professionals and property owners make more informed decisions.