The highest-paid tradies can earn nearly four times as much as the average Aussie. With potentially huge wages and no requirement for a university degree, it’s easy to see why some recruiters are urging Aussies to “get into a trade” if they want to retire early.

Fresh data from SEEK has revealed the highest-paid tradie jobs in Australia, with managers topping the list. Construction managers were crowned the highest-paid tradies with average earnings of between $190,000 and $210,000 per year.

Construction managers are responsible for overseeing all operations on a building project from start to finish, and making sure the build is completed on time and within budget. They are usually employed by a development company.

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“Construction managers usually have a degree in construction, experience in project management in a related field, and extensive experience in the construction industry,” SEEK said.

Site managers came in second with average earnings of between $130,000 and $150,000. Unlike construction managers who are employed by the client, they work for the job site contractor (such as a construction company).

Construction is an in-demand industry at the moment, with BuildSkills Australia warning the country needs 90,000 extra construction workers to reach the government’s goal of building 1.2 million new homes in the next five years.

Are you a tradie with a story to share? Contact tamika.seeto@yahooinc.com

Miners came in third, earning wages between $120,000 and $140,000 per year. They are responsible for extracting resources from the goal, like coal, aluminium ore and iron ore, and can often work in rural and remote locations and be FIFO workers.

What are the best-paid tradie jobs?

1. Construction manager - $190,000 to $210,000

2. Site manager - $130,000 to $150,000

3. Miners - $120,000 to $140,000

4. Boilermaker - $115,000 to $135,000

5. Rigger - $95,000 to $115,000

6. Electrician - $90,000 to $110,000

7. Jeweller - $75,000 to $100,000

8. Plumber - $75,000 to $95,000

9. Welder - $75,000 to $85,000

10. Carpenter - $65,000 to $85,000

Recruitment expert Graham Wynn told Yahoo Finance trades could also be a pathway to becoming your own boss.

“I tell any parents, ‘Get your kids into a trade’. That's where the money is,” Wynn said.

"A lot of these guys start their own businesses further down the track and, by the time they are 50, they are retired."