Almost every construction project will see a number of subcontractors working on site. It’s rare that a general contractor will have all the required skills and resources to complete all the work by itself. More often, in order to complete the project successfully, a general contractor will hire various types of subcontractors. Let’s take a look at six types of subbies what they do, and their average take-home pay.
Carpenters
Carpentry is an extremely versatile skill that can lead to a variety of work opportunities. Skilled carpenters need to be good with their hands, able to read technical plans and have an eye for detail. Working in the great outdoors and building things are just two of the many reasons to work as a carpenter.
According to the Australian Government’s Labour Market Information Portal (compiled in May 2019), the demand for carpenters and joiners in Australia is on the rise with an expected growth of 11.7 per cent by 2024.
The importance of carpentry is relevant throughout the entire construction process. If the framework is not spot on, it can later present issues with fitting doors and windows, or bowing frames that leave a poor finish. TradeRisk reports that the average take-home pay for carpenters in 2019 was $77,772.
Electricians
You are almost guaranteed to find an electrician on every construction site, be it domestic, commercial or industrial. Electricians can be found designing, installing and testing systems. They are also responsible for diagnostic works as well as repairing and maintaining electrical equipment.
Some may choose to focus on green energy if this field is close to their heart. TradeRisk reports that the average take-home pay for electricians in 2019 was $91,455.
Bricklayers
Bricklaying is a great career choice for those who enjoy working outdoors and don’t mind hard labour. There’s a lot more to bricklaying than just bricks and mortar. Bricklayers need to be able to read and understand plans and have a technical aptitude to understand the bigger picture and follow it through to completion.
Moving heavy materials, climbing scaffolding, and working with angles are all part of being a successful bricklayer. Although the job is physically demanding, it provides a real sense of pride when bricklayers see their work on display for the world to see.
TradeRisk reports that the average take-home pay for bricklayers in 2019 was $68,634.
Plumbers
When most people think of plumbing, toilets and taps are the first thing to pop into their mind. However, a plumber’s job description is much more diverse. Along with fixing toilets, dealing with drainage and repairing leaking pipes, a plumber may choose to specialise in one of the following areas:
- Drainage,
- Fire protection,
- Gasfitting,
- Irrigation (non-agricultural),
- Mechanical service,
- Roofing (stormwater),
- Water supply.
Plumbers who work with sustainable methods may focus on installing hot water systems derived from solar power or fit rainwater tanks to small and large projects. TradeRisk reports that the average take-home pay for plumbers in 2019 was $89,568.
Painters
According to SkillsRoad, painters have an above-average job outlook. Painting and decorating can be a very rewarding career, especially for those who like to be creative. With so many new and innovative products entering the market, a painter has the ability to produce some really eye-catching results.
Working with clients to understand their vision and advise on colour choices and textures are all part of the job. Painters use techniques including glazes, sponging and layering.
Some painters are also responsible for the external and internal appearance of a building and its protection from water, rust, mould and the extremities of fire. TradeRisk reports that the average take-home pay for painters in 2019 was $70,389.
Tilers
Tilers not only enjoy a physical aspect of the job but also a creative one. Working with clients to advise on the most suitable and aesthetically pleasing result is all part of being a tiler. For those working on large scale commercial projects, their work will be on display to large audiences.
Tiling requires a great deal of skill and won’t suit everybody. A successful tiler will need a steady hand, be physically fit and have good communication skills. They will also need a good understanding of maths to accurately calculate the area and price jobs. TradeRisk reports that the average take-home pay for tilers is $86,048.
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