High-paying construction and trade jobs in Melbourne
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 131 construction and trade jobs listed below pay well, with salaries between $35.75 and $41.90 per hour. Laborer, Carpenter and Handy Man are among the most popular high-paying roles in Melbourne, VIC.
Job title
Updated Oct 17, 2026
Job title
Melbourne, VIC
Victoria
Job openings (Melbourne)
Builder
Melbourne
$123,966
per year
Victoria
$87,391
per year
Lead Hand
Melbourne
$103,226
per year
Victoria
$91,412
per year
Site Engineer
Melbourne
$101,629
per year
Victoria
$95,439
per year
Carpenter
Melbourne
$46.56
per hour
Victoria
$38.42
per hour
Subcontractor
Melbourne
$41.90
per hour
Victoria
$40.38
per hour
Handy Man
Melbourne
$39.98
per hour
Victoria
$39.82
per hour
Plasterer
Melbourne
$80,383
per year
Victoria
$77,757
per year
Laborer
Melbourne
$35.75
per hour
Victoria
$34.69
per hour
Job descriptions below are for educational purposes. Please refer to the employer's job description for complete details.
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Builder
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Builders construct and renovate residential or commercial structures, interpret blueprints, and ensure compliance with safety standards. They need carpentry skills, knowledge of local construction regulations, and proficiency in using power tools and equipment.
See 17 jobsAverage salary
Melbourne
$123,966 per yearVictoria
$87,391 per year -
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 10 jobsAverage salary
Melbourne
$103,226 per yearVictoria
$91,412 per year -
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 9 jobsAverage salary
Melbourne
$101,629 per yearVictoria
$95,439 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 21 jobsAverage salary
Melbourne
$46.56 per hourVictoria
$38.42 per hour -
Subcontractor
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Subcontractors deliver specialised services under contracts with main suppliers, manage specific project segments, and ensure compliance with standards. They need expertise in their trade, knowledge of industry regulations, and strong communication skills to coordinate effectively.
See 9 jobsAverage salary
Melbourne
$41.90 per hourVictoria
$40.38 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 20 jobsAverage salary
Melbourne
$39.98 per hourVictoria
$39.82 per hour -
Plasterer
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Plasterers prepare and apply plaster to walls and ceilings, smoothing surfaces and repairing damage. They need expertise in mixing materials, knowledge of safety standards, and practical skills with hand and power tools to ensure quality finishes.
See 12 jobsAverage salary
Melbourne
$80,383 per yearVictoria
$77,757 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 33 jobsAverage salary
Melbourne
$35.75 per hourVictoria
$34.69 per hour