From Charcoal Chicken to $35ph in 2 Months
We recently interviewed a young guy who used to sling charcoal chickens after school. Fast forward two months, and he’s pulling in $35 an hour as a waterproofing apprentice on a big commercial site 💰🛠️.
Yep, you read that right — just eight weeks after ditching the takeaway job, he’s making more per hour than most first-year apprentices in any high-priority trade, who often scrape by on under $20/hour.
So what’s going on here? Is waterproofing some sort of hidden goldmine in the trades? And is it worth chasing if you’re keen to fatten up your pay packet?
Let’s break it down.
Is Waterproofing Really a Trade?
First off, let’s clear something up — people often ask, “Is waterproofing even a real trade?”
Here’s the deal:
While waterproofing isn’t always a “licensed trade” like electrical or plumbing (depends on the state), it’s still highly specialised work.
And importantly — it’s work people will pay big for, because getting it wrong leads to massive, expensive damage.
✅ According to the Housing Industry Association (HIA), waterproofing failures are one of the top three causes of building defects in Australia.
That means the demand for skilled waterproofers — particularly on big commercial or government jobs — is through the roof (literally) 💦🏗️.
What Are Waterproofers Actually Earning?
Alright, here’s where it gets juicy.
✅ First-year apprentice waterproofers (especially on commercial sites):
👉 $30–$38/hour
✅ Experienced waterproofers (2–5 years on the tools):
👉 $40–$55/hour
✅ Top-end contractors or specialists:
👉 $60–$80/hour (sometimes even higher if they run their own crew)
✅ National average income:
👉 Between $90,000–$120,000 per year — compared to the Aussie national average for general trades of around $83,000/year
Not bad for a job most people don’t even realise is pulling in serious coin.
The Bigger Picture: Industry Stats
Australia’s waterproofing market is growing by 5–7% each year (IBISWorld, 2024)
Waterproofing is one of the top three most in-demand specialties in both residential and commercial construction
Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane report a skills shortage in waterproofing, driving up pay rates
Waterproofing companies often report higher profit margins than many other trade services, thanks to the specialised nature of the work
Why Do Waterproofers Get Paid So Well?
✅ It’s risky work. If you mess it up, the consequences are huge — think water damage, mold, structural issues.
✅ It’s specialised. Not just anyone can slap on some sealant and call it waterproofing. You need the right materials, methods, and know-how.
✅ It’s under the radar. Fewer apprentices or tradies aim for waterproofing, which keeps competition low and demand high.
✅ It’s a critical path job. On big projects, waterproofing delays can hold up the entire timeline — so the pressure (and pay) reflect that.
Takeaway: Should You Jump Into Waterproofing?
We’re not saying everyone should sprint to the nearest waterproofing crew and beg for an apprenticeship.
But if you’re:
👉 A young tradie looking for faster earning potential
👉 Switching careers and want a specialised skill
👉 Keen to eventually run your own small business in a high-demand niche
…then waterproofing is seriously worth looking into.
In just a couple of months, you could go from takeaway pay to making $35/hour — and with the right mindset, you can hit $50+ or more as you build experience.
Plus, with Australia’s booming construction pipeline and increasing compliance standards, this is a trade that’s not going away anytime soon.
Bonus: Hear It Straight from the Source
At the end of this article, we’ve got three TikTok videos lined up where real Aussie waterproofers spill the beans on what they’re earning.
👉 Want the real story? Watch the clips and hear it unfiltered from legends on the tools 💬💰.
