Construction and Mining Labourers

How to become a Pipe Layer

Lays, assembles and connects pipe systems made of steel, iron, plastic, concrete or other materials for water mains, sewers and drains.

Main tasks

Inspects the ground to determine the suitability for pipe laying, and digs and backfills trenches for pipe installation
Measures and cuts pipes to required lengths, and assembles and connects pipes using appropriate fittings and tools
Seals pipe joints to ensure they are watertight, tests pipe systems for leaks, and makes necessary repairs

Ways in

TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Gas Fitting (CPC32720); Certificate III in Roof Plumbing (CPC32620); Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services (CPC40920); Certificate II in Gas Supply Industry Operations (UEG20122); Certificate III in Plumbing (CPC32420); Certificate III in Trenchless Technology (RII31619); Certificate II in Drainage (CPC20720)
Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.

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.

Questions people ask

How do I become a Pipe Layer?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Gas Fitting; Certificate III in Roof Plumbing.

How much does a Pipe Layer earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $95,004 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Pipe Layer 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 Pipe Layer?

Usually not. Only 7% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Gas Fitting; Certificate III in Roof Plumbing.

Will AI change the work of a Pipe Layer?

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