How to become a Drainage, Sewerage and Stormwater Labourer
Performs routine tasks in maintaining drainage, sewerage and stormwater systems.
Main tasks
- Cleans and performs minor repairs to stormwater drains and canals
- Checks for cracks and leaks in sewerage systems
- Assists with the installation of on-site domestic wastewater treatment plants, disposal systems, stormwater systems, and below ground sanitary drainage systems
- Installs prefabricated inspection openings and inspection chambers
Ways in
- TAFE and VET: Certificate II in Drainage (CPC20720); Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing (CPC31420); Certificate III in Roof Plumbing (CPC32620); Certificate III in Water Industry Operations (NWP30222); Certificate II in Irrigation (AHC21124); Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services (CPC40920); Certificate II in Landscaping (AHC21624); Certificate III in Plumbing (CPC32420)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $95,004 a year
- About 73,000 people work in this job group now, and about 77,700 are projected by 2035. (+6.4%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Drainage, Sewerage and Stormwater Labourer?
Ways in include: Certificate II in Drainage; Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing.
How much does a Drainage, Sewerage and Stormwater Labourer earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $95,004 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Drainage, Sewerage and Stormwater Labourer a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 6% by 2035, from about 73,000 to about 77,700 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Drainage, Sewerage and Stormwater Labourer?
Usually not. Only 6% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate II in Drainage; Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing.
Will AI change the work of a Drainage, Sewerage and Stormwater Labourer?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04