The Current State of Plumbing in Australia
Plumbing is one of the most in-demand trade occupations in Australia. From new home builds to emergency repairs, licensed plumbers are essential to maintaining safe water and gas systems across the country.
But exactly how many licensed plumbers are operating in Australia today? We’ve analysed the latest data from state and territory licensing registers to provide a comprehensive picture.
National Overview
As of early 2026, Australia has a substantial plumbing workforce distributed across all states and territories. The total number of licensed plumbers — including those with restricted and full licences — represents one of the largest trade categories in the country.
Key trends include:
- Steady growth: The number of licensed plumbers has grown by approximately 2-3% annually over the past five years.
- Ageing workforce: A significant proportion of licence holders are aged over 50, raising concerns about future workforce capacity.
- Apprenticeship pipeline: Plumbing consistently ranks in the top 5 most popular trade apprenticeships nationally.
State-by-State Breakdown
The distribution of licensed plumbers broadly follows population patterns, but some states show notably higher per-capita rates:
- Queensland and Victoria have the highest absolute numbers, driven by strong residential construction activity.
- Western Australia shows the highest per-capita ratio of plumbers, reflecting the state’s mining and resources sector demand.
- Tasmania and the ACT have the smallest plumber workforces but report the tightest shortages relative to demand.
Why This Matters for Homeowners
Understanding plumber availability in your area can help you:
- Plan ahead: In areas with fewer plumbers, booking lead times can be longer — especially during peak seasons.
- Verify licences: With a large workforce, it’s important to confirm your plumber is genuinely licensed. Use our licence verification tools.
- Compare quotes: In areas with more plumbers, you may have greater scope to obtain competitive quotes.
What’s Driving Demand?
Several factors are contributing to ongoing demand for plumbers:
- New housing construction: Continued population growth and housing targets across major cities.
- Renovation boom: Post-pandemic renovation spending remains elevated, particularly for bathroom and kitchen upgrades.
- Regulatory requirements: Backflow prevention, gas safety checks, and hot water system compliance create recurring work.
For more on hiring a qualified plumber, read our guide on how to hire a licensed plumber in Australia.