Aussie tradies forced to defend insane pay packets after social media post about their six-figure salaries caused a stir

Aussie tradies have been forced to explain their sky-high salaries on national TV after workers went viral boasting about their pay packets on social media. 

In a video posted to TikTok in February by employment tech start-up getahead,  various Queensland tradespeople were interviewed and revealed how much money they earned.

The tradies interviewed include a plumber, carpenter, diesel fitter and auto electrician, with all boasting a six-figure salary. 

One second-year apprentice claimed to be making $1,100 per week, a coal miner said he earned $160,000 a year, while an auto electrician was on $120,000 per annum. 

The diesel fitter was one of the top earners, having specialised in heavy earth-moving machinery, revealing that he raked in $130 an hour - the equivalent of at least $250,000 per year. 

The video caused a stir online, with many Aussies claiming they were in the wrong business after hearing about the eye-watering wages.  

Chief executive of Carpentry Australia Jake McArthur and the industry body's Head of Development Nathan Quinn appeared on Sunrise on Wednesday defending the high pay packets. 

Mr McArthur said Australians needed to understand the reasons behind the high salaries. 

'There's a bit of a hoo-ha about this particular TikTok,' Mr McArthur said. 

'But we need to understand what's behind those pay packets. It's things like risk, [a variety] of different roles, of responsibilities, [and] skills.'

Mr Quinn added a tradie's salary also reflected their skills and the years of experience in their particular industry.  

'How much someone can make in a skill trade, such as carpentry, also depends on how long they've been in the industry,' Mr Quinn said. 

'As you move through, if you become a subcontractor, the salary can go up. Then if you're running your own business, if you've got the right support round you... the money and the opportunities are definitely there.

'It really depends on where someone's at in their life cycle. Depending on their circumstances … you can earn higher money depending on the conditions.'

Apprentices starting out in their respective fields tend to be on low salaries during the period they are trained and build up their experience and skills. 

Those seeking a trade are also subject to years of training, long hours, physically demanding jobs and some also work in either risky or grueling conditions.

Part of a tradesperson's wage is also generally put towards a work vehicle, expensive tools and sometimes pricey equipment such as safety and workwear. 

Mr McArthur explained the various factors are 'important considerations' to think about before starting a trade. 

'[However] it's a fantastic job and you do have great earning potential. Anyone who wants to get into the trade, particularly carpentry, the best trade of all, should dive in,' Mr McArthur said. 

Analysis by insurance brokerage Trade Risk found the gross average annual pay for a tradesperson was $90,940 - an 11 per cent increase compared with 2019 figures.  

'We believe it is the best representation of how much Aussie tradies are really earning, as it utilises the taxable incomes provided to us by thousands of self-employed tradies from around Australia,' its report said.

Boilermakers had the highest average pay with $112,535, followed by electricians on $96,338 and plumbers earning $95,507.

However for people in the mines, talent.com reported an average income of $124,000.

Entry-level positions start at $101,000 but the most experienced can bring home $180,000 per year.