Builder job description
Where we source our data
Let’s get real. Job information online can often be overly optimistic — conveniently glossing over the raw bits. But when you’re making decisions about your future, you need all the facts.
That’s why we anonymously surveyed builders about their job, with hopes of getting an honest insight into what it’s really like.
While we did our best to ensure respondents were Australians and verified their job titles with proof of employment, we can’t guarantee complete accuracy — or that your experiences in the field will reflect theirs. So, we suggest that you take these insights as a guide only and try to talk to people in the field before making an important decision.
Where we source our data
Let’s get real. Job information online can often be overly optimistic — conveniently glossing over the raw bits. But when you’re making decisions about your future, you need all the facts.
That’s why we anonymously surveyed builders about their job, with hopes of getting an honest insight into what it’s really like.
While we did our best to ensure respondents were Australians and verified their job titles with proof of employment, we can’t guarantee complete accuracy — or that your experiences in the field will reflect theirs. So, we suggest that you take these insights as a guide only and try to talk to people in the field before making an important decision.
Physical
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.
Detail-oriented
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.
Social
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.
Tasks and responsibilities for a builder
A job as a builder involves many elements. Each day can be different from the last, and each project is unique.
So, what does a builder do? Builder duties can include:
- Interpreting or organising plans that meet building code regulations and client specifications
- Providing quotes for clients and submitting plans to local authorities
- Consulting with architects, engineers and other professionals
- Organising contractors, including carpenters, electricians and plumbers
- Completing building work as required to building codes and standards
Reasons to choose this job
Based on our career survey data, these are the factors that workers said were most important to them when choosing this job.
Job security
Where there are people, there are likely to be buildings. The construction industry is predicted to grow 2.4% annually over the next five years and produces 9% of Australia’s Gross Domestic Product. With builders taking up a large proportion of the workforce in the sector, jobs will be in abundance for the foreseeable future.
Respected
Humans have been building structures for thousands of years. As one of the oldest and most respected professions, builders are relied upon for their sound knowledge and expert skills to construct safe and useful buildings.
Enjoyable
Using hands-on, practical skills in domestic building to create homes for families, or your community, or renovate and uplift spaces can be extremely gratifying. You get to make a difference in the world around you and see the results for years to come doing what you love.
Job satisfaction
Overall job satisfaction
This overall score combines the critical factors in job satisfaction. It includes fulfilment, stress levels, and opportunities for advancement, based on our career survey data.
Stress level
How stressful workers feel their job is, based on our career survey data.
Fulfilment
How personally rewarding workers feel their job is, based on our career survey data.
Skill level
The skill level required to do this job is based on both our career survey data and official data from the Labour Market Information Portal.
Job market trends for a builder
According to the Australian Industry and Skills Committee, the Construction industry generates over $360 billion in revenue and has a projected annual growth rate of 2.4% in the next five years. The job outlook for project builders in Australia is a large occupation, and worker numbers are set to remain stable.
Median salary
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Projected job growth
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Pathway options
Job pathways are drawn from the Australian Apprenticeships Pathways site.
The specialist skills you gain as a builder can propel your career into senior construction roles or could allow you to branch out into new career paths.
Where a job as a builder could take you:
Junior
-
Trade assistant
Most common qualification:
Cert II in Construction (CPC20120)
-
Pipelayer
Most common qualification:
Certificate III in Civil Construction (Pipe Laying) (RII30920) -
Road construction worker
Most common qualification:
Certificate III in Civil Construction (Road Construction and Maintenance) (RII30920) -
Traffic controller
Most common qualification:
Certificate III in Civil Construction (Traffic Management) (RII30920)
Mid
-
Builder
Most common qualification:
Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40120)
-
Electrician
Most common qualification:
Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820)
-
Construction estimator
Most common qualification:
Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) (CPC40120) -
Building inspector
Most common qualification:
Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (CPC50220) -
Construction site foreman
Most common qualification:
Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) (CPC40120) -
Contract administrator
Most common qualification:
Certificate IV in Building Project Support (Contract Administrator) (CPC40320)
Senior
-
Construction project manager
Most common qualification:
Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) (CPC50320) -
Construction manager
Most common qualification:
Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) (CPC50320) -
Quantity surveyor
Most common qualification:
Bachelor of Construction Management
Skills you might already have
Based on our career survey data, the soft skills that workers said were most needed to do their job well.
Practical skills and knowledge are essential for building, but there are also natural abilities that make builders great at their job. These skills can be with you from birth or gained through past jobs or life experiences.
A desired builder soft skill set:
Teamwork
Being able to communicate and work effectively with a team of builders and other professionals or subcontractors is extremely important in a role as a builder. Cooperation is one of the main tasks in any construction role to ensure the project is successful from start to finish.
Problem-solving
Like many jobs, building projects hit snags along the way. Being able to assess and find a solution to any problems that arise quickly and efficiently is a huge advantage in a role as a builder.
Active listening
Communication skills are essential when interpreting the wants and needs of clients, stakeholders and other professionals involved in a project. Active listening might involve reading between the lines or picking up on frustrations.
Hard skills
The job-specific skills that workers said were most important, supplemented with data from JobOutlook and online job advertisements.
The majority of the practical skills you need in a role as a builder are learned on the job or through prior training provided by an RTO (registered training organisation).
What skills do you need to be a builder? Some technical builder skills include:
OHS (occupational health and safety)
First aid
Building plan interpretation
Construction building codes and standards
Structural principle application
Cost estimates for projects
Risk management
Project material sourcing and procurement
How to become a builder
-
Complete an apprenticeship
An excellent way to gain entry into a building job is to complete an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships allow you to earn money while getting valuable work experience and qualifications. Find out more about Australian apprenticeships here.
-
Study
Completing a formal VET qualification in building and construction like a Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40120) or a Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (CPC50220) is the best way to gain the skills needed for a job as a builder and makes you a good candidate for future employers.
-
Get your builders licence
To become a builder in Australia, you must either have a licence or be registered. This will depend on the state you live in. Before you apply for either, you need work experience and the right qualification for your location. More about this can be found on state government websites.
-
Get a White Card
To work on a construction site in Australia, you are required to have a White Card. These can be gained by completing a short course through an RTO (registered training organisation).
Explore related qualifications
An accredited VET course provided by TAFE or an RTO will give you the practical and theoretical skills needed to gain an entry-level position as a builder and progress your professional development.
Two popular builders qualifications:
Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40120)
This course prepares learners for roles in building services, site managing and managing small to medium-sized building businesses. It covers knowledge of structural principles, codes, standards and legal requirements to Class 1 and 10, to a maximum of two storeys and Class 2 to 9 Type C constructions. In addition, it teaches the skills to plan and supervise safe building and construction work, prepare and administer contracts, and apply quality principles to building and construction projects.
This course can be obtained through an Australian Apprenticeship. More info on this can be found here.
Occupation outcomes could include:
- Builder
- Construction Supervisor
- Site Manager
- Site Supervisor
- Leading Hand
The average duration for this course is one year. It can be studied full-time or part-time, and it can be studied online. More information on this course and its pathways can be found here.
5 providers offer this course
Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (CPC50220)
This course prepares learners for the roles of a building professional who can apply knowledge of structural principles, risk management, financial management, estimating and preparing and administering building and construction contracts. It also teaches skills in selecting contractors, overseeing building work and its quality and managing construction work in projects including residential and commercial with the following limitations:
- Residential construction limited to National Construction Code Class 1 and 10 buildings to a maximum of 3 storeys.
- Commercial construction limited to National Construction Code Class 2 to 9 buildings, Type C and B construction.
The resulting occupational titles can include:
- Builder
- General Foreperson
- Building Inspector
This course is available as part of an Australian Apprenticeship. Find out more here.
More information on course requirements can be found here.
The average duration of this diploma is 18 months, and the course delivery method can be online, depending on the course provider.
5 providers offer this course
Related subjects
Jobs in the construction or trade industry are always looking for enthusiastic newcomers. If you would like to look into a different career that is stable, enjoyable and well respected in our communities, there are many to choose from:
Related articles
A job as a builder might be just what you are looking for. Here, you can access a huge list of helpful articles, resources and real-life success stories from people in the building industry.
How to Get Your High Risk Work Licence in Melbourne
Read More
Benefits of Working in Construction in a Post-COVID World
Read More
Mature Age Apprenticeships: Are They Worth It?
Read More
Apprenticeships and Traineeships: 6 Major Myths Debunked
Read More
Traineeships Benefit Employers and Employees
Read More
Five Reasons Being a Female Construction Worker is a Brilliant Idea
Read More
Your Guide to Carpentry: Salaries, Apprenticeships and More!
Read More
Career Quiz - Labourer/Tradesperson
Read More
Building a Construction Career: Your Personal Information Toolkit
Read More
How to Find the Apprenticeship You Want!
Read More
Career Quiz Results: The Artisan
Read More
7 Jobs That Allow You to Work Outdoors
Read More
Career Quiz: What Job Should I Do? (Backed by Real Data)
Read More
What Qualification Should You Take On? (New Guide)
Read More
Career Change Later in Life: 3 Success Stories That Will Inspire You
Read More
What Jobs Are In Demand In Australia? High Demand Jobs in Every Industry
Read More
How to Become a Plumber: The Best Career Move for You
Read More
Job cluster: The Artisan
What are job clusters?
The seven job clusters are sets of closely related jobs that share skills, making it easy to apply skills learned in one career to another.
The idea of the seven job clusters first appeared in a 2016 research report by the Foundation for Young Australians, titled “The New Work Mindset”. Researchers analysed thousands of online job advertisements and found that jobs are more similar than commonly thought — and the skills you gain in one position are easy to bring to another. In fact, they can help you get 13 other closely related jobs.
This model is a great way to think about 21st-century careers, where the average person changes career five times. We’ve used this framework (along with the much-loved Holland Codes model) to build a career quiz.
Why not take it and find out which job cluster feels like home?
What are job clusters?
The seven job clusters are sets of closely related jobs that share skills, making it easy to apply skills learned in one career to another.
The idea of the seven job clusters first appeared in a 2016 research report by the Foundation for Young Australians, titled “The New Work Mindset”. Researchers analysed thousands of online job advertisements and found that jobs are more similar than commonly thought — and the skills you gain in one position are easy to bring to another. In fact, they can help you get 13 other closely related jobs.
This model is a great way to think about 21st-century careers, where the average person changes career five times. We’ve used this framework (along with the much-loved Holland Codes model) to build a career quiz.
Why not take it and find out which job cluster feels like home?
The building industry is perfect for people who are hard workers and work well in a team environment. A role as a builder fits well with The Artisan career persona.
The Artisan appreciates a direct and defined job role that is practical and stable. They are great with hands-on work and are good communicators.
Take the Career Quiz to discover what jobs are a great fit for you.
Frequently asked questions
What qualifications do I need to be a builder?
Each state and territory has its own requirements to gain a builder’s licence. Most people require a qualification like a Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40120) or a Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (CPC50220) to become a registered building practitioner.
What skills do you need to be a builder?
To become a builder, you need to have a good eye for detail, be a practical problem solver and work well in a team of other professionals. You will also need the skills and knowledge for building, and these can be gained through an accredited VET course supplier like an RTO (registered training organisation)
How much do builders earn?
In Australia, the average salary for a builder is $95,000. Senior builder roles and business owners can earn a much higher salary.