Leading Hand Salary in Sydney (2026)

Last updated

Leading Hands in Sydney earn a median salary of $120,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $80,000 and $130,000. That sits 26% above Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 24 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Sydney in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 26th percentile by listing volume in Sydney ↓ -1 listings vs last month
💰 Leading Hand · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$80,000 – $130,000
Median: $120,000
May $100k
Jun $120k
↑ Trending up

Based on 2-month data — short-term movement only.

Mid level $80,000 – $130,000
Overall $80k–$130k Mid $80k–$130k $77k $88k $100k $111k $122k $133k
⚠ Low confidence 24 listings (-1 vs last month) · 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%  $80,000 Median  $120,000 $130,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

Based on 24 listings, treat as directional. The story here is momentum: the Sydney leading hand median jumped $20k on the month, from $100k to $120k, one of the sharpest rises in the batch. That now puts the role 26% above the city median and $20k ahead of Brisbane ($100k). The band ($80k to $130k) is narrow at the top, so leading hand acts as a well-paid ceiling for hands-on trades before the move into full site management.

Take Home Pay (based on median $120,000)

Weekly (net)
~$1,695
Monthly (net)
~$7,344
Annual (net)
~$88,133
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $133,800

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 Leading Hand in Sydney?
A leading hand is not an entry role, it is a promotion from the tools, so the floor of $80k (p10) assumes an experienced tradesperson. Reaching this band comes from a trade qualification plus the crew's trust to run a team on site; tickets, safety credentials, and coordinating a gang day to day are what carry someone toward the $130k top.
Is $120,000 a good salary in Sydney?
Yes. At $120k the median is 26% above Sydney's all-roles median and nets about $88k, strong for a hands-on construction role in an expensive city, and the recent jump shows the rate is rising. Leading hand pays a genuine premium over the trades it supervises, which is exactly what the role is meant to do.
How much does a Senior Leading Hand make in Sydney?
The band caps around $130k, so leading hand is near its ceiling once you reach the median. The next step is site supervisor or site manager, where pay climbs well past $150k, and that move trades running a crew for running a whole site, its program, safety and subcontractors.

Other roles in Sydney

Leading Hand salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Sydney
Sydney (this page) $120,000 —
Brisbane $100,000 -17%

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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.