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How to Become a Licensed Plumber in Australia: careers in Building and Construction
Definition of a Licensed Plumber
A licensed plumber designs, installs, and maintains plumbing systems in modern buildings. These systems cover water supply, drainage, sewerage, gas, and mechanical services.
Before working alone, a plumber must hold a state licence. The Plumbing Code of Australia sets the rules. Getting a licence takes a four-year apprenticeship, licensing exams, and proven skill in all plumbing streams.
Licensed plumbers work in construction, on infrastructure, and in maintenance. They work with engineers, architects, and builders on large projects. Specialist streams include gas fitting, drainage, and mechanical services. Each stream opens a clear path for career growth.
About 107,600 plumbers work in Australia. Median full-time weekly earnings are $1,990 (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025). The sector adds 4,500 jobs a year. Demand from housing and commercial builds drives this growth.
About the author
Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.
