Trades Assistant Salary in Melbourne (2026)

Last updated

Trades Assistants in Melbourne earn a median salary of $66,876 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $59,640 and $80,000. That sits 30% below Melbourne's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 26 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Melbourne in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 32th percentile by listing volume in Melbourne
💰 Trades Assistant · Melbourne
ADVERTISED RANGE
$59,640 – $80,000
Median: $66,876
Mid level $59,640 – $80,000
Overall $59k–$80k Mid $59k–$80k $57k $62k $67k $72k $77k $82k
⚠ Low confidence 26 listings · 05/07/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from advertised employer bands on Seek.com.au. Figures represent what employers publicly advertise and may differ from actual compensation. Sample size is small — treat figures as indicative.

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Bottom 10%  $59,640 Median  $66,876 $80,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Melbourne Market

Melbourne is the lowest-paying market for trades assistants in this data at $66,876, trailing Brisbane ($79k) and Perth ($77k) by a wide margin, both cities where resources and construction demand lift labour pay. It sits 30% below Melbourne's all-roles median, expected for an entry labouring role. Demand is modest (26 listings, score 32). Based on a small sample of 26, treat as directional.

Take Home Pay (based on median $66,876)

Weekly (net)
~$1,026
Monthly (net)
~$4,445
Annual (net)
~$53,336
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $74,566

Take-home calculated using 2025-26 ATO tax rates, no HECS debt, full Australian residency. Total package adds 11.5% superannuation to base salary. Adjust for your situation →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good starting salary for a junior Trades Assistant in Melbourne?
A trades assistant in Melbourne starts near the $59.6k floor, supporting qualified tradespeople on site. Reaching the $80k top comes from tickets and sector: a white card, forklift, EWP or confined-space ticket opens higher-paying industrial and construction roles, and consistent overtime lifts a given year's earnings. There is no trade qualification, so tickets and site type do the work.
Is $66,876 a good salary in Melbourne?
Depends. At $66,876 the median is 30% below Melbourne's $95k all-roles median and nets around $53k after tax, tight in the city. The gap is normal for an unqualified labouring role, but the sharper point is interstate: the same work pays $12k more in Brisbane and $10k more in Perth, where construction and resources demand is stronger. Melbourne is the weakest tracked market for this role.
How much does a Senior Trades Assistant make in Melbourne?
There is no senior tier here; the ceiling sits near $80k. The real move up is into a trade apprenticeship (electrical, mechanical, construction), which opens a much higher band, or a step to Storeperson or Forklift Operator work with the right tickets. Getting an apprenticeship or a licensed operator ticket is the route past $80k.

Other roles in Melbourne

Trades Assistant salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Melbourne
Melbourne (this page) $66,876 —
Brisbane $79,040 +18%
Perth $77,064 +15%
Sydney $70,000 +5%

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Data sourced from publicly listed job advertisements. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Seek or any third-party platforms. Salary ranges represent advertised figures and may differ from actual compensation. Updated monthly.