10 Ways to Earn More Money for Employed Tradies

💸 Earning more money is always top of mind for tradies. For some, it can feel like you’re constantly chasing your tail, just trying to keep up. But here’s the thing: if you’re not yet ready to start your own business (or that’s not even on your radar yet), you’ve still got plenty of ways to maximise what you’re earning as an employed tradie. Whether it’s bumping up your hourly rate or keeping more of what you make through smart tax strategies, there are practical ways to lift your income without burning yourself out.

Let’s break it down into ten real, actionable ways you can boost your take-home as an employed tradie.

1️⃣ Take an Audit of Your Day-to-Day

One of the simplest (but most overlooked) ways to earn more is to look at how you can make your boss’s life easier and the business more efficient. Think about small things you can take off your boss’s plate: doing the dump runs on your lunch break, swinging by the supplier before work, or picking up gear on your way home. These small acts of initiative can add real value — and when you prove yourself as someone who solves problems and saves time, you’re in a stronger position to ask for a pay bump.

2️⃣ Have a Frank Conversation About Upskilling

Sit down with your boss and let them know you want to become the most valuable member of the crew. Ask if there are specific tasks or duties you can take on to justify a higher hourly rate. You might be surprised: some jobs your boss would love to hand off, and they may actually save money overall by paying you a bit more to handle them.

3️⃣ Get Licences and Certifications

🧠 The more tickets you hold, the more valuable you become. Whether it’s your forklift ticket, working at heights, confined space, EWP, first aid, or anything else relevant to your trade, stacking up qualifications can push your pay up fast. Before you go self-employed, this is the easiest way to command premium rates within your company.

4️⃣ Specialise in a Niche

Specialists always command higher prices than generalists. Think about the medical world: a general GP charges one rate, but a specialist surgeon charges sky-high fees. Why? Because they’ve doubled down on a narrow skill set. Apply this thinking to your trade. Become the go-to expert in something niche — whether it’s high-end finishes, heritage restorations, or a specific type of install — and you’ll have more leverage to negotiate better pay.

5️⃣ Pay Less Tax (Legally!)

Less money going out is just as important as more money coming in. Work with a good trade accountant to make sure you’re optimising your personal tax position. This might include:

✅ Smarter deductions (tools, gear, travel, training) 

✅ Claiming expenses you’re missing 

✅ Contracting and distributing some income to a spouse or partner (if eligible) It’s worth brushing up on this — the savings can be huge over time.

6️⃣ Work Overtime or Weekends

💪 It might sound obvious, but putting your hand up for overtime, weekend work, or night shifts can dramatically boost your income. Even if you only do it occasionally, those extra hours often pay time-and-a-half or double time, making them well worth the effort.

7️⃣ Take On Private Work (Legally and Safely)

If you’ve got the right licenses, certificates, and insurance, you can take on after-hours or weekend work for friends, family, or personal contacts. Just make sure you’re doing it above board — it’s not worth risking fines or liability for a bit of extra cash.

8️⃣ Become a Team Leader or Leading Hand

Leadership roles inside your company come with better pay and more responsibility. If you’re reliable, organised, and able to guide the crew, put your hand up for leading hand or site supervisor roles. Not only does it boost your income, but it also sets you up for even bigger career moves down the line.

9️⃣ Bring in More Work

If you’re good at talking to clients or spotting extra jobs on-site, you can upsell add-ons or bring in new work for the company. If you help increase the revenue coming through the door, you have every right to ask for a cut or performance bonus. Be upfront and negotiate something fair with your boss.

🔟 Stay Loyal — But Know When to Walk

Sometimes sticking with one company pays off; loyalty can be rewarded with raises and promotions over time. But sometimes, you can hit a ceiling. If you’ve done all the above and your pay still isn’t moving, it might be time to quietly explore better offers. High-performing tradies are always in demand, and a strategic move to a new employer could mean a significant jump in pay.

Final Word

Boosting your income as an employed tradie isn’t just about working harder — it’s about working smarter. Think strategically about the value you bring, the niche you operate in, and how you can optimise both your incoming money and outgoing tax. And remember, your boss isn’t a mind reader: if you want more, you have to step up, prove your worth, and ask for it confidently.

Need help planning your next career move or want tips on positioning yourself for better pay? The Intrade crew is here to back you. 💥