High-paying construction and trade jobs in Brisbane
Construction involves the planning, design, and execution of buildings and infrastructure. It includes various trades, each contributing specialized skills. Contractors, laborers, and electricians often work on projects, requiring expertise in safety standards and technical knowledge for successful outcomes.
The 207 construction and trade jobs listed below pay well, with salaries between $39.43 and $49.26 per hour. Trade Assistant, Laborer and Carpenter are among the most popular high-paying roles in Brisbane, QLD.
Job title
Updated Oct 17, 2026
Job title
Brisbane, QLD
Queensland
Job openings (Brisbane)
Site Engineer
Brisbane
$120,634
per year
Queensland
$116,508
per year
Carpenter
Brisbane
$50.73
per hour
Queensland
$51.58
per hour
Lead Hand
Brisbane
$49.26
per hour
Queensland
$51.58
per hour
Excavator Operator
Brisbane
$46.88
per hour
Queensland
$51.66
per hour
Tradesman
Brisbane
$41.69
per hour
Queensland
$43.61
per hour
Handy Man
Brisbane
$41.35
per hour
Queensland
$37.77
per hour
Trade Assistant
Brisbane
$39.43
per hour
Queensland
$38.55
per hour
Skilled Laborer
Brisbane
$38.17
per hour
Queensland
$38.02
per hour
Painter
Brisbane
$78,214
per year
Queensland
$79,090
per year
Laborer
Brisbane
$36.87
per hour
Queensland
$35.82
per hour
Job descriptions below are for educational purposes. Please refer to the employer's job description for complete details.
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Site Engineer
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Site Engineers oversee construction sites to ensure plans follow specifications, monitor progress, and coordinate subcontractors. They need civil engineering knowledge, proficiency in site safety standards, and strong problem-solving skills for complex technical challenges.
See 11 jobsAverage salary
Brisbane
$120,634 per yearQueensland
$116,508 per year -
Carpenter
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Carpenters construct, install, and repair wooden structures like frameworks, fittings, and furniture. They need expertise in measuring, cutting, and joining materials, knowledge of building codes, and strong problem-solving to work accurately and safely.
See 26 jobsAverage salary
Brisbane
$50.73 per hourQueensland
$51.58 per hour -
Lead Hand
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Lead Hands supervise daily work activities, coordinate team tasks, and ensure safety standards are met. They need hands-on expertise in the trade, knowledge of site procedures, and strong communication skills to guide crews effectively.
See 20 jobsAverage salary
Brisbane
$49.26 per hourQueensland
$51.58 per hour -
Excavator Operator
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Excavator Operators control heavy machinery to dig and move earth for construction sites, laying foundations or installing utilities. They need expertise in equipment operation, knowledge of safety standards, and the ability to interpret site plans accurately.
See 13 jobsAverage salary
Brisbane
$46.88 per hourQueensland
$51.66 per hour -
Tradesman
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Tradesmen install, maintain, and repair building structures, machinery, or systems using specialised tools. They need proficiency in trade techniques, knowledge of safety standards, and the ability to interpret technical plans. Practical problem-solving helps succeed.
See 22 jobsAverage salary
Brisbane
$41.69 per hourQueensland
$43.61 per hour -
Handy Man
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Handymen repair fixtures, maintain property systems, and handle basic carpentry and plumbing tasks. They need proficiency in tools, practical problem-solving skills, and knowledge of safety standards in residential or commercial settings.
See 10 jobsAverage salary
Brisbane
$41.35 per hourQueensland
$37.77 per hour -
Trade Assistant
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Trade Assistants support skilled tradespeople by preparing tools and materials, maintaining job sites, and assisting with basic tasks. They need practical knowledge of construction or trade environments, good teamwork skills, and the ability to follow safety procedures.
See 39 jobsAverage salary
Brisbane
$39.43 per hourQueensland
$38.55 per hour -
Skilled Laborer
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Skilled Laborers operate machinery, assemble components, and maintain safety standards in construction or manufacturing. They need expertise in tool use, knowledge of industry protocols, and physical stamina to perform precise, hands-on tasks efficiently and responsibly.
See 14 jobsAverage salary
Brisbane
$38.17 per hourQueensland
$38.02 per hour -
Painter
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Painters prepare, apply, and finish coatings on surfaces to protect or decorate structures. They need expertise in paint types, surface preparation techniques, and steady hand skills to ensure smooth, durable, and visually appealing results for various projects.
See 20 jobsAverage salary
Brisbane
$78,214 per yearQueensland
$79,090 per year -
Laborer
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Laborers handle manual site tasks like moving materials, operating basic equipment, and assisting trades. They need physical stamina, knowledge of safety procedures, and practical skills in tool use to support smooth, safe worksite operations.
See 32 jobsAverage salary
Brisbane
$36.87 per hourQueensland
$35.82 per hour