● Salary guide · 2026
NZ Trades Salary Guide: What You'll Earn in Australia in 2026
Australian trade salaries are significantly higher than their New Zealand equivalents. Skilled tradespeople routinely earn 30–50% more across the Tasman, before factoring in site allowances, superannuation, and tool-of-trade vehicles.
Fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) roles in WA and QLD often include accommodation, meals, and flights on top of the base salary shown below — making take-home substantially higher again.
| Trade / Role | Annual salary (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Diesel Fitter | $95,000 – $130,000 |
| Electrician | $90,000 – $120,000 |
| Boilermaker | $85,000 – $115,000 |
| Rigger | $90,000 – $125,000 |
| Civil Construction Worker | $80,000 – $110,000 |
| HR Truck Driver | $75,000 – $100,000 |
Indicative pre-tax base ranges. Superannuation (11.5%), site allowances, FIFO premiums and overtime sit on top.
● Super
What super means for your take-home
Australian employers are required to pay 11.5% superannuation on top of your base salary into a retirement fund — it isn't taken out of the headline number. So a $120,000 role is really $133,800 in total package value, with that extra $13,800 paid straight into your super each year.
● Roster types
FIFO vs residential — what's the difference
Residential roles are standard Monday–Friday work where you live near the site, like any job back home. FIFO (fly-in-fly-out) roles fly you to a remote mine or project site on rosters like 2/1 or 8/6, with accommodation, meals and flights covered by the employer. FIFO usually pays a 15–30% premium on base salary and is the fastest way to bank serious money in your first two years across the Tasman.
● The actual gap
NZ vs AU — the actual gap
The 30–50% uplift isn't theory. A diesel fitter on $85,000 NZD in Christchurch moves to a comparable role in Mackay for $130,000 AUD base — plus 11.5% super, FIFO loading, and a tool-of-trade vehicle. Same work, different country. Once you convert the currency and factor in super, take-home roughly doubles.
Ready to earn Australian money?
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