What Type of Plumber Makes the Most Money? | Warragul, Australia Insights
When people think of plumbing, they often envision a wrench-wielding tradie fixing a leaky pipe. But plumbing is far more diverse—and lucrative—than that. From gas fitting to sanitary drainage design, the field branches into specializations that offer vastly different income potentials. So, what type of plumber makes the most money—particularly in growing regional hubs like Warragul, Victoria?
With Plumber Warragul, let’s explore the top-earning plumbing specializations, the qualifications required, and why local context matters when assessing plumbing income potential.
High-Earning Plumbing Specializations in Australia
Plumbing in Australia is a licensed trade, governed under strict compliance by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA). Every plumber must undergo a Certificate III in Plumbing and complete an apprenticeship before becoming registered or licensed.
However, not all plumbers earn the same—and specialization is key. Here are the types of plumbers commanding the highest income brackets in the trade.
1. Gas Fitters and Gas Plumbers
Median Earnings: $85,000–$120,000+
Gas plumbers handle the installation and maintenance of gas appliances, pipelines, LPG systems, and gas meters. In areas like Warragul, where residential development is increasing and properties often rely on LPG over natural gas, demand for certified gas fitters is on the rise.
Gas fitters generally need additional endorsements and certifications under the VBA. Because the risks associated with gas work are high, so are the rates—and rightly so.
2. Roof Plumbers
Median Earnings: $80,000–$110,000
Roof plumbers specialize in installing and repairing guttering, downpipes, roof flashing, and drainage systems. In Gippsland regions like Warragul, seasonal storms and aging housing stock often require roof plumbing upgrades or repairs, especially after weather events.
They work on both residential builds and commercial facilities, often commanding higher project-based fees, particularly in rural and regional Victoria where fewer tradespeople are licensed in this specialty.
Salient Entities: Colorbond roofs, rainwater harvesting, roof drainage codes, regional roofing compliance.
3. Plumbing Contractors / Business Owners
Median Earnings: $100,000–$200,000+ (variable)
The top earners in the plumbing world? Usually those who run the show. Plumbing contractors or business owners who manage teams of plumbers, subcontract for large building companies, or hold government tenders often out-earn all other categories.
In Warragul’s growing property development market, there’s increasing demand for scalable plumbing services—from multi-home subdivisions in Drouin to upgrades in town center commercial buildings.
The key? Licensing, business management skills, and a solid digital presence. Many successful contractors in regional Victoria invest in local SEO, Google Business Profiles, and strong community ties to scale fast.
4. Specialist Drainage and Sanitary Plumbers
Median Earnings: $75,000–$105,000
While often overlooked, drainage and sanitary plumbing involves the installation and maintenance of sewer lines, greywater systems, and wastewater treatment connections. In semi-rural regions like Warragul, where septic systems and tank-based waste management are common, this niche skill is vital.
These plumbers are often called in on council or infrastructure projects, making it a high-stakes, medium-volume specialization with competitive earning potential.
Factors Influencing Plumbing Income in Warragul
Now that we’ve scoped the plumbing specializations, let’s break down what uniquely influences plumbing incomes in Warragul, Australia:
1. Regional Demand and Supply Gaps
Warragul is part of the fast-growing Gippsland corridor, with the population expected to surge beyond 20,000 in coming years. As Melbourne residents seek affordable alternatives, construction booms are sweeping Warragul and nearby towns like Drouin, Longwarry, and Yarragon.
This creates trade gaps—particularly in licensed gas fitters and commercial drainage specialists—leading to higher pricing power for skilled tradespeople.
2. Licensing and Endorsements
The Victorian Building Authority provides distinct plumbing classes and endorsements, including for Type A appliance servicing, fire protection plumbing, backflow prevention, and more.
Each added certification widens your service range—and your earning ceiling.
A plumber in Warragul with gas, roofing, and Type A servicing endorsements can easily charge 20–40% more than a general plumber.
3. Business Savvy
Owning a plumbing business in Warragul with a strong digital marketing strategy—Google reviews, service area pages, and social proof—can catapult you into high six-figure income territory.
Tradies who invest in CRM software, team management systems, and local advertising in Gippsland often outperform solo operators by a significant margin.
4. Emergency and After-Hours Work
After-hours callouts, especially for burst pipes, no hot water, or blocked toilets, can fetch $250–$500 per visit. Plumbers who offer emergency services on weekends or evenings in Warragul’s underserved outer suburbs consistently earn more.
Pair that with low competition in off-peak hours, and your profitability per job goes up.
How to Become a High-Earning Plumber in Warragul
If you’re in or near Warragul and want to make top dollar in the plumbing trade like Plumber Warragul, here’s the roadmap:
- Complete your Cert III in Plumbing at a TAFE or RTO.
- Secure an apprenticeship with a local licensed plumber—many opportunities exist in the Baw Baw Shire.
- Gain multiple endorsements: Start with gas fitting and roofing, then move into backflow prevention or Type A servicing.
- Start or join a reputable plumbing business—leverage local directories like Hipages and ServiceSeeking.
- Invest in branding and online marketing—most of your competition won’t.
Local Insights: Warragul Plumbers in Demand
According to regional job listings and trade boards, Warragul currently has higher-than-average demand for:
- Licensed gas fitters
- Drainage system installers for subdivisions
- Roofing plumbers for new builds
- After-hours residential plumbers
This aligns with local infrastructure growth and planned developments, such as the Warragul Station Precinct Urban Design Framework and various Baw Baw Shire Council housing initiatives.
Conclusion: Who Makes the Most Money in Plumbing?
To circle back—what type of plumber makes the most money? In a local context like Warragul, Australia, it’s:
👉 Licensed plumbing contractors with specializations in gas fitting, roof plumbing, and drainage systems, who also run scalable businesses and invest in online visibility.
Earning potential in Warragul continues to climb as demand outpaces the supply of skilled plumbers. With the right certifications and strategy, even a single operator can generate six-figure incomes.
Final Tip for Warragul Tradies
Want to boost your plumbing income locally? Don’t just level up your tools—level up your brand. Invest in a clean website, respond to Google reviews, and add “plumber in Warragul” to your online listings. In a competitive but underserved market, visibility equals profitability.
