What Trade Makes the Most Money in Construction Today?

When you hear someone say what trade makes the most money, they’re not talking about getting rich overnight. They’re asking which skilled trade gives you the best return for the time, sweat, and training you put in. In construction, the answer isn’t about who works the hardest-it’s about who’s in highest demand with the fewest people willing to do the job.

Electricians Are Still the Top Earners

In New Zealand, licensed electricians consistently pull in the highest average wages among trades. A fully qualified electrician in Wellington earns between $75,000 and $110,000 a year. Senior electricians who run their own businesses or work on commercial projects-hospitals, data centers, high-rises-can hit $140,000 or more. Why? Because electricity is non-negotiable. Every new build, renovation, or retrofit needs it. And there aren’t enough qualified people to keep up. The industry estimates a shortage of over 2,000 electricians nationally by 2027.

It’s not just about plugging in outlets. Modern electricians work with solar systems, battery storage, EV chargers, smart home tech, and complex commercial power grids. Those skills command premiums. A job that used to pay $40 an hour now pays $80-$100 for emergency calls or specialized installations.

Plumbers Don’t Fall Far Behind

Plumbers are close behind electricians in earnings. A skilled plumber in New Zealand averages $70,000-$95,000 annually. But here’s the twist: plumbers who specialize in commercial or industrial systems-like hospital HVAC, large-scale water recycling, or gas line installations-can easily make $120,000. Why? Because fixing a leaky tap is one thing. Installing a full plumbing system for a 10-story apartment block is another.

Plus, plumbing work rarely stops. Water doesn’t wait for spring. Pipes burst in winter. Gas lines need inspection after earthquakes. That means steady work, even during downturns. Many plumbers now run their own companies, hiring apprentices and subcontracting jobs. That’s where the real money builds-through scalability, not just hourly rates.

Roofing: High Risk, High Reward

Roofing doesn’t sound glamorous, but it’s one of the most physically demanding trades-and one of the most profitable for those who stick with it. Top roofing contractors in Auckland and Wellington earn $100,000-$160,000 a year. How? They don’t just lay shingles. They manage teams, handle insurance claims, source specialty materials like metal cladding and waterproof membranes, and deal with strict building codes.

Roofing companies that specialize in commercial flat roofs or seismic retrofitting for older homes are in high demand. After the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake, roofing contractors who understood reinforced underlay systems and wind uplift standards saw a boom. Today, those who know how to install solar-integrated roofs or green roof systems charge 30-50% more than standard roofers.

Sheet Metal Workers: The Hidden High Earners

Most people don’t think of sheet metal workers when they ask what trade makes the most money. But they should. These are the people who fabricate and install ductwork for HVAC systems, custom metal cladding for commercial buildings, and complex ventilation systems in hospitals and labs.

In New Zealand, qualified sheet metal workers earn $70,000-$105,000. Those working on large-scale projects-like the new Wellington Hospital expansion or Christchurch’s commercial redevelopments-can make over $120,000. Why? Because their work requires precision, CAD skills, and knowledge of building regulations around air quality and fire safety. There are fewer than 1,200 certified sheet metal workers in the whole country. Demand? Always rising.

Why Some Trades Don’t Pay as Much

Not all construction trades are equal when it comes to pay. Carpenters, for example, make $60,000-$85,000 on average. That’s solid-but it’s not the same as electricians or plumbers. Why? Because carpentry is more common. There are thousands of carpenters. There aren’t thousands of electricians who can wire a data center. The supply and demand gap is the real driver.

Painters and general laborers? They earn less because their work is easier to replace. You don’t need a license to paint. You need certification to install gas lines or handle high-voltage systems. Licensing creates barriers-and those barriers protect wages.

Also, trades that rely on seasonal work-like landscaping or fencing-see income dips in winter. Electricians and plumbers? They work year-round. Rain, snow, or shine, someone needs power and water.

It’s Not Just the Paycheck-It’s the Business

The real money in trades isn’t always in hourly wages. It’s in owning a business. A single electrician might make $90,000. But an electrician who hires two apprentices, takes on commercial contracts, and runs a 24/7 emergency service can make $250,000+ a year. Same with plumbers. One guy fixing sinks vs. a company servicing apartment complexes? That’s a world of difference.

Many top earners in construction aren’t just skilled-they’re business-savvy. They know how to bid jobs, manage cash flow, use job scheduling software, and market their services online. The trade itself gets you in the door. The business skills keep you there-and make you rich.

What’s the Fastest Way to Get Paid Well?

If you’re starting out and want to earn big, here’s the roadmap:

1. Choose a trade with high demand and low supply: electrician, plumber, or sheet metal worker.
2. Get licensed. Don’t skip this. Unlicensed work is illegal and won’t get you insurance or contracts.
3. Specialize. Learn solar, EV charging, or commercial systems. That’s where the premium jobs are.
4. Work for a reputable company for 2-3 years. Build your reputation and skills.
5. Start your own business. Hire one apprentice. Scale slowly. Reinvest profits.

It takes time. But unlike university degrees that leave you with debt and no guarantee of a job, a trade gives you a license to earn from day one after certification.

Real Talk: The Trade Life Isn’t Easy

Yes, you can make good money. But you’ll wake up at 5 a.m. You’ll work in freezing rain. You’ll carry 50-pound rolls of copper pipe up three flights of stairs. You’ll get calls at midnight because a pipe burst. You’ll miss family dinners. You’ll have calloused hands and aching knees by 40.

But you’ll also own your time. You won’t answer to a boss who micromanages your Zoom calls. You’ll fix something real. And when you hand over the keys to a new home or turn on the lights in a clinic you wired-you’ll know you built something that lasts.

Bottom Line: What Trade Makes the Most Money?

Electricians lead the pack. Plumbers and sheet metal workers are right behind. Roofers and specialized trades can outearn them if they build businesses. The key isn’t picking the hardest job-it’s picking the one with the least competition and the most demand. And then, working smart enough to turn skill into a business.

If you’re serious about making money in construction, don’t chase the easiest path. Chase the one that’s in demand, hard to learn, and impossible to replace. That’s where the real pay is.