National trade shortfall: 141,000 workers — projected 300,000 by 2027

Where Should You Start
Your Trade Business?

Real demand data across 30 Australian regions and 9 trade categories. Find where your skills are needed most — shortage severity, hourly rates, competition levels, and growth projections.

$242 billion

Infrastructure Pipeline

54.3%

Trade Fill Rate

Lowest of any skill category

+3.4%

YoY Price Growth

1.2M homes

Housing Accord Target

Select Your Trade

Select a trade above

Choose your trade to see demand hotspots ranked by opportunity score.

Critical Shortages Right Now

These trade × region combinations have critical workforce shortages. Highest earning potential and lowest competition.

HVAC / Refrigeration

Pilbara, WA

Hourly Rate$140–$260
Competitors35
Revenue$260K–$400K

Electrical

Pilbara, WA

Hourly Rate$140–$250
Competitors85
Revenue$250K–$380K

Electrical

Sunshine Coast, QLD

Hourly Rate$95–$165
Competitors480
Revenue$185K–$275K

Plumbing

Sunshine Coast, QLD

Hourly Rate$95–$160
Competitors380
Revenue$180K–$265K

Plumbing

Pilbara, WA

Hourly Rate$130–$230
Competitors65
Revenue$240K–$360K

Electrical

Western Sydney, NSW

Hourly Rate$100–$170
Competitors1800
Revenue$190K–$280K

Carpentry

Sunshine Coast, QLD

Hourly Rate$85–$150
Competitors420
Revenue$175K–$260K

Roofing

Sunshine Coast, QLD

Hourly Rate$85–$155
Competitors120
Revenue$175K–$260K

Electrical

Warragul–Drouin (Baw Baw), VIC

Hourly Rate$95–$160
Competitors45
Revenue$180K–$260K

Ready to Start?

Get your complete formation checklist — trade licensing, insurance, WHS compliance, and government funding — tailored to your trade and state.

Data sourced from Infrastructure Australia, HIA, Jobs and Skills Australia, ABS, and industry surveys. Updated May 2026.