What Are the Top 3 Industries That Employ Plumbers?
Plumbing is far more than fixing leaky taps and unblocking drains — it’s a profession at the heart of multiple industries across Victoria, Australia. As the state continues to grow, both economically and demographically, the demand for skilled plumbers is surging in key sectors that rely heavily on dependable plumbing infrastructure.
With Plumber Warragul, we explore the top 3 industries that employ plumbers in Victoria, supported by current data, emerging trends, and local context. Whether you’re a job-seeker, career-switcher, or industry stakeholder, understanding the landscape of plumbing employment across industries will help you better align your skills, strategies, and expectations.
🔧 1. Construction and Building Industry (Focus Industry)
The construction sector is hands down the biggest employer of plumbers in Victoria — and across Australia. From residential housing developments in Geelong to high-rise commercial buildings in Melbourne’s CBD, plumbers are an indispensable part of every build.
Why Construction Dominates:
- New housing approvals in Victoria continue to rise, especially in growth corridors like Melton, Wyndham, and Casey.
- Large-scale infrastructure projects such as the Suburban Rail Loop, Level Crossing Removals, and Melbourne Metro Tunnel demand complex plumbing systems for water, drainage, and fire suppression.
- Government incentives for sustainable housing (like greywater recycling and solar hot water systems) mean plumbers are now doing more than ever before on-site.
Local Plumbing Work Includes:
- Rough-ins and fit-outs for residential and commercial builds
- Drainage and sewer line installation
- Water-efficient system integrations
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🚿 2. Facilities Management and Maintenance Services
Often overlooked but consistently vital, the facilities services industry is another top employer of plumbers in Victoria. With thousands of commercial buildings, hospitals, schools, and shopping centres needing ongoing maintenance, plumbers are a core part of asset management teams.
Key Employer Segments:
- Public and private schools under the Department of Education
- Aged care and healthcare facilities, including Royal Melbourne and St Vincent’s
- Major facilities managers like Spotless, Ventia, and BGIS
Typical Plumbing Work:
- Preventative maintenance (e.g., checking backflow valves, hot water units)
- Emergency plumbing services for burst pipes or blocked drains
- Compliance checks and upgrades to meet Victorian Building Authority (VBA) standards
Why It’s a Growth Area:
- Increase in urban density in suburbs like Box Hill, Dandenong, and Footscray boosts demand for commercial property plumbing.
- Ageing infrastructure in older buildings (many from the post-war boom) creates recurring service needs.
LSI + Local Optimization:
- Commercial plumbing contractors Victoria
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- Maintenance plumbing services for schools and hospitals
🏭 3. Manufacturing and Industrial Sector
Victoria has long been a hub of Australian manufacturing, and despite shifts toward automation, the industrial sector remains a significant employer of plumbers, especially in regions like Dandenong South, Laverton North, and Ballarat.
Plumbing in Industrial Settings:
- Process piping and hydraulic systems in food manufacturing plants
- High-pressure systems for factories in automotive, chemicals, and textiles
- Water supply and wastewater management in large-scale production facilities
Key Employers and Facilities:
- Nestlé, Carlton United Breweries, and Australian Paper in Gippsland
- Fisher & Paykel, Jayco, and other manufacturers across the South East Industrial Precinct
- Government infrastructure projects in water treatment and waste management
Why It Matters:
- Industrial plumbing often requires specialised licensing in areas like Type B gas fitting, backflow prevention, and pressure system management.
- The intersection of plumbing and environmental compliance (EPA Victoria guidelines) is becoming a lucrative niche.
🔍 Honorable Mentions: Other Growing Plumbing Sectors
While the top three industries dominate plumbing employment, other areas are quietly expanding:
- Mining and FIFO Roles: Plumbers with mining safety certifications are in demand at remote Victorian and interstate sites.
- Real Estate and Strata Management: Ongoing plumbing repairs in apartment complexes across inner Melbourne suburbs like Brunswick and South Yarra.
- Emergency and Disaster Response: Plumbers assist in emergency infrastructure fixes during bushfires and floods — particularly relevant in regional Victoria like Bendigo, Shepparton, and Mildura.
📈 Career Outlook: Why Now is a Good Time to Be a Plumber in Victoria
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, employment for plumbers is projected to grow by 6.6% by 2028. In Victoria alone, rising population figures (expected to hit 10 million by 2051) and infrastructure investments mean long-term job security.
Key tailwinds include:
- Mandatory licensing and compliance enforcement by the Victorian Building Authority
- Demand for eco-conscious plumbing solutions (e.g., rainwater tanks, smart irrigation)
- Shortage of qualified tradespeople in both metro and regional areas
Average wages for Victorian plumbers range from $38 to $55 per hour, depending on experience and specialization. Master plumbers and those with industrial experience often earn more.
🔧 Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Plumbing Path
So, what are the top 3 industries that employ plumbers in Victoria? Without question: construction, facilities management, and industrial manufacturing. Each sector offers unique benefits, work environments, and long-term career pathways.
Whether you’re a new apprentice considering your future or a seasoned plumber seeking better opportunities, understanding these industry segments can help you make smarter career moves. With the right certifications and a willingness to adapt to technology and compliance standards, you can tap into high-demand niches across the state — and stay ahead in a changing trades landscape.
