Australian Resources Jobs Deliver Big on Wages

---

Two new studies out this week point to workers in the Australian resources industry earning some of the biggest wages in the world. Interestingly, skilled tradesmen are set to earn more than university graduates as the resources boom requires more and more skills.

Yesterday we wrote about the global skills shortage for jobs in mining, energy careers, and oil and gas jobs. New data suggests that skilled workers living in Australia stand to earn more than their counterparts anywhere else in the world.

Mining boom contributes to wage rises
 

The Hay Group’s 2012 Australian Salary Movement Index (ASMI) Report shows Australian workers are earning more than their counterparts in other countries. In addition, people employed in the resources industry, especially in regional areas, are enjoying the highest wages. Anyone with specialised skills is outperforming traditional job roles in areas such as accountancy, administration and marketing.

The author of the 2012 ASMI Report, Steven Payola a senior consultant at Hay Group, explains it this way:

“The salary movements across the Australian market over the past 12 months tell an interesting story. The pay gap between the resources sector and the rest of the market has widened dramatically, mirroring the trends in the patchwork economy which is currently seeing some sectors struggling while others enjoy boom times.”

Skilled trades a lucrative career option

An article in the Australian Financial Review reports an apprentice earns an average of $52,000 at the end of their apprenticeship. University graduates with a Bachelors degree, however, average about $50,000 a year for their first year of employment.

Kyla Jones, Site Director of Mining Oil and Gas Jobs, thinks it's good news for everyone.

"This is really encouraging news for people who prefer to work in the trades. Not everyone is interested in a career requiring a university degree. This new data proves how important trade skills are to Australia. Hopefully this will encourage more people to consider taking up an apprenticeship."

What this means for jobseekers

As the demand for skilled trades in mining and oil and gas increases, so too do the wages. Becoming a tradesman is not only a viable career path, it’s also become a lucrative one, too. Any worker with specialised skills including fields like engineering, metallurgy, and geology has an opportunity for a bright futre in Australia.
 

For more information

Visit our Careers and Industry Guide for more information about career planning and training. Check out our information on apprenticeships if you think a skilled trade is right for you.  
 

Were you surprised to learn skilled tradesmen can outearn a uni grad?

 

To learn more about the resources industry:

• Attend the Australian Uranium and Rare Earths Mining Conference held in Fremantle, WA on 18-19 July 2012.
• Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog. We’re publishing new information every day about employment in the Australian resource industry.
• If you’re looking for a job in mining, energy or oil and gas, make sure you visit our industry jobs board where we only advertise real jobs by real employers.