How to become a Scaffolder
Erects and dismantles scaffolding to provide work platforms on building and industrial sites, and for temporary structures such as staging and seating.
Main tasks
- Fits and bolts tubes, support braces and components to form bases and build up scaffolding
- Lifts and positions sections of scaffolding
- Erects guard rails, guy wires, ropes and clamps, lays planks, and hangs safety nets
- Dismantles and removes scaffolding from building sites
Ways in
- TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Scaffolding (CPC30920); Certificate II in Construction (CPC20120)
- Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $151,320 a year
- About 26,400 people work in this job group now, and about 27,600 are projected by 2035. (+4.6%)
- 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.
Related jobs
- Steel Fixer
- Structural Steel Erector
- Plumber's Assistant
- Asbestos Removalist
- Builder's Labourer
- Concreter's Labourer
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Scaffolder?
Ways in include: Certificate III in Scaffolding; Certificate II in Construction.
How much does a Scaffolder earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $151,320 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Scaffolder a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 5% by 2035, from about 26,400 to about 27,600 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Scaffolder?
Usually not. Only 3% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Scaffolding; Certificate II in Construction.
Will AI change the work of a Scaffolder?
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