In Australia’s booming trades industry, plumbing stands out as a career offering autonomy, flexibility, and strong earning potential. For those wondering how much self-employed plumbers earn in Australia, especially in Victoria, the answer is nuanced—and lucrative for those with the right mix of experience, licensing, and business savvy.
With Plumber Warragul, we’ll dive deep into the financial side of being a self-employed plumber in Victoria, exploring average incomes, contributing factors to higher earnings, and how regional demand shapes opportunities across the state—from Melbourne’s metro zones to rural townships like Ballarat and Bendigo.
💼 Self-Employed Plumbers in Victoria: A Snapshot
Plumbing in Australia is a licensed trade, regulated at the state level. In Victoria, all plumbers must be registered or licensed with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA). Being self-employed often means operating as a sole trader, subcontractor, or even managing a small team under an ABN (Australian Business Number).
Unlike employees who receive a consistent salary, self-employed plumbers set their own rates, invoice for completed jobs, and cover their own insurance, superannuation, and GST. This independence opens the door to higher earnings—but also more responsibility.
📊 Average Earnings: Self-Employed vs. Employed Plumbers
According to recent reports by Seek, PayScale, and ServiceSeeking, here’s how the numbers stack up in 2025:
| Category | Average Hourly Rate | Annual Income Estimate (Full-Time) |
|---|---|---|
| Employed Plumber (Victoria) | $38–$45 | $75,000–$90,000 |
| Self-Employed Plumber (Vic) | $65–$120+ | $110,000–$200,000+ |
The focus keyword—how much do self-employed plumbers earn in Australia?—finds its clearest answer within this wide range. Many sole trader plumbers in Victoria report earning between $120,000 and $160,000 annually, with top performers exceeding $200,000, particularly when offering emergency services or managing a team.
💸 Key Factors That Affect Earnings
1. Location (Urban vs Rural Victoria)
Metropolitan plumbers in Melbourne, Geelong, and Frankston often command higher rates due to higher demand, cost of living, and business density. Urban call-out fees are typically higher, and clients may require faster turnaround.
Rural plumbers in areas like Shepparton, Warrnambool, or Mildura might charge less per hour, but they often face less competition, meaning steadier work and loyal clientele.
2. Service Specialisation
General maintenance, blocked drains, and hot water systems are bread-and-butter tasks. However, those specialising in:
- Gas fitting
- Hydronic heating
- Commercial plumbing
- Backflow prevention and testing
…can charge a premium. Self-employed gas fitters in Victoria, for instance, may command $120+ per hour.
3. Emergency Availability
Offering 24/7 emergency call-outs dramatically increases earning potential. Emergency plumbing jobs in Victoria can yield $200–$300 per hour, especially during holidays or peak seasons.
4. Experience & Reputation
Newly qualified plumbers may start at $60–$80/hour, while seasoned pros with 10+ years under their belt can easily charge $100+. Google reviews, referrals, and repeat business play a huge role in rate justification.
5. Licensing & Insurance
Licensed plumbers who carry the appropriate public liability insurance and compliance certificates are trusted more, allowing them to charge more. Holding multiple VBA endorsements (e.g., drainage, roofing, mechanical services) also boosts marketability and income.
📉 Expenses That Reduce Net Income
While gross earnings may sound attractive, self-employed plumbers also face operational costs, such as:
- Tool and vehicle maintenance
- Fuel
- Business insurance
- Accounting and bookkeeping
- Plumbing licenses and continuing education
- GST and income tax obligations
On average, expenses consume 20–35% of gross income, meaning a plumber earning $150,000/year may take home $100,000–$115,000 after costs.
💬 Local Voices: What Plumbers Say in Victoria
We surveyed plumbers operating in Victoria’s diverse regions:
“In Melbourne’s southeast, I average around $95 per hour. Emergency call-outs push that to $250. Being on my own gives me full control—plus, I pocket more than when I worked for a company.” – Liam T., Moorabbin
“In Ballarat, there’s less competition, so I do all kinds of jobs—roofs, stormwater, even septic systems. I keep my rate at $85/hr and have no shortage of work.” – Jade F., Ballarat
“If you’re smart with scheduling and keep overheads low, you can easily make over $160K. But it takes years to build that client trust.” – Carlo M., Geelong
🧾 Strategies to Maximise Income
- Bundle Services: Offer plumbing + gas fitting or hot water + solar installs.
- Use Job Management Software: Automates invoicing, scheduling, and quoting.
- Implement Tiered Pricing: Different rates for standard hours, weekends, and emergency calls.
- Build a Local SEO Presence: Ranking on Google for terms like “emergency plumber in Mornington” or “hot water repair Geelong” ensures consistent leads.
- Get Reviews: 5-star Google and Yelp ratings boost trust—and booking rates.
🌏 Future Outlook for Plumbers in Victoria
With housing growth, aging infrastructure, and a push toward energy-efficient systems, demand for plumbers in Victoria is expected to grow 6% by 2028. The continued shortage of skilled trades—especially in regional towns—means self-employed plumbers are in a strong position to command higher fees.
Moreover, government subsidies for green tech installations (e.g., solar hot water systems) and housing renovation grants in regional Victoria are creating new niche opportunities.
Visit Plumber Warragul for more.
✅ Final Verdict: Is Self-Employment Worth It?
If you’re asking, how much do self-employed plumbers earn in Australia?, and you’re based in Victoria, the short answer is: a lot—if you know how to run a tight ship. While expenses and responsibilities increase, so too does flexibility, autonomy, and income ceiling.
For tradespeople willing to market themselves, specialise, and provide top-tier service, being a self-employed plumber in Victoria can easily surpass a six-figure income—making it one of the most rewarding career moves in Australia’s building and construction sector.