Plumbers in Western Australia

Western Australia (WA) needs skilled plumbers and is offering a wide range of residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing roles right now.

Are you feeling drained from the everyday grind and want a change of location? Turn your pipe dream into a reality and move to WA and be part of one or many exciting projects happening in our beautiful state!

Below you can find out more about what you need to work as a plumber in WA and what you need to move.

If you’re ready to check out all the plumbing jobs available now, go to Seek.

Plumber licences in WA

You’ll need a Plumbing tradesperson’s licence to trade as a plumber in WA. Learn more about the Plumbing tradesperson’s licence on the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) website.

If you work in construction, you’ll need a Construction Induction Card, also known as a white card.  More information is available under the Construction Induction Training page on the DMIRS website.

Required registration and licences

  • Plumbing tradesperson licence

You may also require:

  • Construction Induction Card

  • Driver’s licence (C Class)

  • Gasfitter permit

Plumbers moving to WA from overseas

You'll need a valid visa to work in Australia. There are several different visa options available, including temporary and permanent visas, depending on your situation and qualifications. More information on the types of visas available can be found on the Migration WA website.

Do you already hold an overseas qualification in plumbing? Plumbers qualified overseas must complete a Trades Recognition Australia assessment (TRA) (external link). The assessment will allow you to receive an Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR).

This will record your technical skills against relevant Australian Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications. You’ll need the OTSR to gain a provisional licence.

A provisional licence will enable you to work under the supervision of a licenced plumber. This means you can still work while you complete Australian context gap training. Once you’ve completed your gap training, you can apply for your plumbing tradesperson’s licence.

If you intend to work with gas, you must obtain a G-class gasfitter permit (external link).

Find out more on the steps to become a licenced plumber in WA via the Migration WA website.

Skilled workers seeking to connect with WA employers can do so by registering for the Skilled Migrant Employment Register (external link). If an employer wishes to contact you through the register, Migration WA will provide them with your contact details.

Plumbers moving to WA from another state or territory within Australia

You’ll need to apply for mutual recognition (external link). This entitles you to trade in another state once you’ve informed the second state’s licencing authority.

Interstate plumbers may be eligible for automatic mutual recognition (external link) in WA.

WA plumbing services are unique as there is a crossover in gas fitting services. Other Australian states and territories classify these as separate services.

If you intend to work with gas, you must carry a valid permit. Further information on gasfitter permits is available on the DMIRS website.

If you need a vehicle for your work, you’ll need to ensure your Driver’s licence/s are transferred. If you’re bringing a vehicle with you, you must transfer the registration over to WA. Learn more about licence and vehicle registration transfers via the Department of Transport website.

How much can I earn as an plumber in Australia?

$73,689

According to the Australia Bureau of Statistics Employee Earnings (May 2021 release), plumbers earn an estimated $73,689 per year.

What kind of work could I have as a plumber in WA?

Some work general WA plumbers can expect includes:

  • Installing, maintaining, and repairing liquid systems. This includes water, waste and ventilation pipes, as well as drainage systems

  • Reading blueprints and drawings

  • Identifying material specs for construction or repairs

  • Attending to urgent repairs

  • Installing liquid related appliances. Such as, hot water systems, refrigerators, freezers, washing machines and more

  • Mapping out layouts for laying out pipes and systems.

Plumbers qualified and carrying a valid gasfitter permit can also expect work which involves:  

  • Installing, maintaining, and repairing gas systems

  • Installing gas appliances, flues and pressure regulating devices.

How to become a plumber in WA

WA plumbers must complete a Certificate II in Plumbing before undertaking an apprenticeship.

A general plumbers apprenticeship takes 4 years and must be undertaken with a registered plumber. As part of the apprenticeship, you’ll complete a Certificate III in Plumbing. Specialised areas may involve further education, training, and licensing.

If you’re considering applying for apprenticeships and traineeships, you could qualify for reduced tuition fees under the State Government’s Lower Fees, Local Skills initiative.

For more information, visit the Jobs & Skills WA website.

Training and qualifications

  • Certificate II in Plumbing (Plumbing Pre-apprenticeship) (52887WA)

  • 4-year apprenticeship

  • Certificate III in Plumbing (CPC32420)

Ready to look for your next plumber role in WA?

Explore WA’s exciting project pipeline

  • METRONET

    METRONET is the single largest investment in public transport WA has ever seen, creating more than 10,000 jobs.

  • Housing Construction Project

    The WA Government’s $2.4 billion investment in social housing and homelessness.

  • Geraldton Port

    The WA Government is investing $350 million to expand the Port of Geraldton creating 2,700 jobs.

  • New Women and Babies Hospital

    This $1.8 billion WA Government project will create more than 1,400 jobs during construction.

View Projects