How to become a Fire Protection Plumber
Installs, tests, services and repairs water-based fire protection systems, including fire hydrants, hose reels and sprinkler systems.
Main tasks
- Installs, tests and maintains safety sprinkler systems
- Installs control valve assemblies, special hazard systems, fixed fire pump sets and portable fire equipment in accordance with Australian standards
- Connects static storage tanks for fixed fire protection systems
- Tests and maintains fire hydrant and hose reel installations
- Tests the integrity and function of water-based fire-suppression systems
- Inspects, tests and maintains gaseous fire-suppression systems
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Certificate III in Fire Protection. Trade occupations are usually entered through an apprenticeship: paid work plus this qualification, typically 3 to 4 years.
- TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Fire Protection (CPC32820); Certificate III in Fire Protection Inspection and Testing (CPP30821); Certificate II in Fire Protection Inspection and Testing (CPP20521); Certificate III in Gas Fitting (CPC32720); Certificate III in Plumbing (CPC32420); Certificate III in Roof Plumbing (CPC32620); Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services (CPC40920)
- Licence or registration: Registration or licensing is required.
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $103,480 a year
- About 103,600 people work in this job group now, and about 114,200 are projected by 2035. (+10.2%)
- 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 Fire Protection Plumber?
Ways in include: Certificate III in Fire Protection; Certificate III in Fire Protection Inspection and Testing; Certificate III in Fire Protection.
How much does a Fire Protection Plumber earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $103,480 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Fire Protection Plumber a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 10% by 2035, from about 103,600 to about 114,200 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Fire Protection Plumber?
Usually not. Only 1% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Fire Protection; Certificate III in Fire Protection Inspection and Testing; Certificate III in Fire Protection.
Will AI change the work of a Fire Protection Plumber?
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
Updated 2026-10-04