For many Australians considering a trade, plumbing remains a reliable and respected profession. With strong union representation, clear pathways to certification, and steady demand across the country—including in regional hubs like Warragul, Victoria—plumbing offers both financial and job security. One of the most common questions people ask is: how much do union plumbers make in Australia? With Plumber Warragul, we’ll break down the numbers, compare metro and regional rates, explain what influences pay, and focus specifically on Warragul and the surrounding Gippsland region.
Union Plumbing Wages: An Overview
In Australia, plumbing is a licensed trade, and most licensed plumbers are either employed under an enterprise agreement negotiated by unions like the Plumbing and Pipe Trades Employees Union (PPTEU) or operate as subcontractors. Those covered by union agreements typically receive better working conditions, consistent pay rates, and superannuation entitlements.
As of 2025, union plumbers in Australia earn an average of AUD $45 to $60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and type of plumbing work (residential, commercial, or industrial). For a standard 38-hour workweek, that translates to between $1,710 and $2,280 per week, or $88,920 to $118,560 annually before overtime, allowances, or bonuses.
Factors That Influence a Union Plumber’s Salary
Several variables can impact how much a union plumber earns in Australia:
1. Level of Experience
- Apprentice plumbers typically earn between $22–$28 per hour under union rates, increasing annually as they progress through the 4-year apprenticeship.
- Qualified journeymen or registered plumbers with 4+ years of experience can command higher hourly rates.
- Specialised plumbers (e.g., gas fitters, sanitary plumbers, or mechanical services plumbers) may earn premium rates.
2. Location (Metro vs. Regional)
In major cities like Melbourne or Sydney, base rates tend to be slightly higher due to cost of living. However, regional towns like Warragul benefit from:
- Strong demand due to regional growth.
- Fewer competing tradespeople.
- Local projects (e.g., school upgrades, infrastructure development, and housing estates).
In Warragul, union plumbers report average hourly rates of $42 to $55, depending on certification and type of work. That’s $79,872 to $108,680 annually, not including overtime, travel allowances, or tool allowances.
3. Type of Work
Plumbers who work on large-scale commercial projects or government infrastructure contracts (like schools or hospitals) often earn more than those doing routine maintenance or domestic work.
For more, visit https://plumberwarragul.com.au/.
What Makes Union Plumbing Jobs in Warragul Attractive?
Warragul is a growing regional hub just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne, nestled in the West Gippsland region. Thanks to increased migration from the city, the demand for trades—especially plumbing—has surged. Key benefits for plumbers in Warragul include:
- Ongoing housing developments in Drouin, Trafalgar, and Warragul.
- Agricultural infrastructure upgrades, including irrigation and drainage systems.
- Strong local government contracts and investments in schools and healthcare facilities.
Union plumbers in the area benefit from site allowances, RDOs (Rostered Days Off), and tool reimbursements under enterprise bargaining agreements (EBAs) negotiated by the PPTEU or CFMEU for multi-trade job sites.
Comparing Union and Non-Union Plumbing Wages
While many plumbers operate as independent contractors or sole traders, union-affiliated plumbers often enjoy more stability, especially in regional communities where project timelines can span months or years.
| Employment Type | Avg. Hourly Rate | Annual Salary Estimate | Entitlements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Union Plumber (EBA) | $45–$60 | $88,920–$118,560 | Super, RDOs, Paid OT |
| Non-Union Employee | $35–$45 | $68,640–$88,920 | Limited or variable |
| Self-Employed | Varies (per job) | Varies significantly | No benefits unless self-managed |
💡 Tip: In towns like Warragul, union sites are common in public infrastructure jobs and government tenders, making union affiliation both practical and profitable.
Apprenticeships and Entry Points for Local Residents
If you’re based in Warragul or the Gippsland area and looking to enter the plumbing trade, there are multiple local avenues for starting an apprenticeship:
- GippsTAFE (Warragul campus) offers Certificate III in Plumbing courses, usually tied to an apprenticeship pathway.
- Local employers, including plumbing businesses in Warragul and Drouin, often advertise apprenticeships through Australian Apprenticeships Victoria or JobActive.
- Group Training Organisations (GTOs) like AGA regularly place apprentices with host employers.
Apprentices earn union-award wages based on their year level, starting around $22/hour in the first year and increasing up to $35/hour by the fourth year. These roles include both hands-on learning and formal study.
Other Financial Considerations: Allowances, Super, and Overtime
Union plumbers under an EBA in Victoria often receive several additional entitlements that affect take-home pay:
- Travel allowances (if working outside metro zones or long distances from home base)
- Tool allowances (weekly compensation for maintaining personal tools)
- Industry allowances for working in hazardous or specialized conditions
- Superannuation contributions above the national minimum (often 10.5% or more)
- Overtime pay for hours worked beyond the standard 38-hour week (typically time-and-a-half or double time)
In total, many plumbers in Warragul earn well above base rates when factoring in these additions.
Future Outlook for Union Plumbers in Warragul
The future is bright for union plumbers in Warragul and broader West Gippsland. Key drivers include:
- Regional population growth fueling new residential builds
- Government funding for public infrastructure in regional Victoria
- Aging infrastructure and increased compliance requirements (especially for water and gas systems)
- Push for green plumbing and water efficiency retrofits in older homes
Moreover, with tradespeople in short supply in many regional areas, plumbers are in high demand, meaning job security and bargaining power remain strong.
Final Thoughts
So, how much do union plumbers make in Australia, particularly in Warragul? The answer depends on experience, job type, and union coverage—but it’s clear that a licensed union plumber in this region can earn anywhere from $42 to $55 per hour, often with added entitlements that push annual income into the six-figure range.
For local residents considering plumbing as a career, or tradies thinking about moving to regional Victoria, Warragul represents both opportunity and lifestyle balance—a growing town where skilled workers are valued and compensated accordingly.