Role Snapshot

ANZSCO Code: 333113, Concretor
NZR Code: NZR-148
Country: Australia
Role Variants: Concretor, Concrete Finisher, Formwork Carpenter, Concrete Pump Operator, Precast Concrete Installer, Infrastructure Concretor, Residential Concretor
Parent Category: Trades and Construction Roles
Skill Level: 3
Shortage List Status: Concretor (ANZSCO 333113) status on Australia’s skilled occupation lists should be confirmed at homeaffairs.gov.au as lists are reviewed periodically. Employer-sponsored visa pathways are available for concretors with qualifying work experience. State nomination pathways may also be available in states with active infrastructure pipelines.
Licensing: White Card (CPCCWHS1001) mandatory for all construction site workers nationally. Trade contractor licensing for self-employed concretors varies by state. Concrete pump operation requires documented competency training. Employed concretors working under a licensed contractor typically do not need their own individual licence in most states.

🇳🇿Also considering New Zealand?Concretor Roles in New ZealandGreen List Tier 2 status. Strong residential and infrastructure demand nationally.→

Concretors in Australia place, finish, and cure concrete for a wide range of construction applications. On residential sites, concretors work on foundations (slabs, footings, piles), driveways, paths, pool surrounds, and retaining structures. On commercial and infrastructure projects, the scope expands to include suspended slabs, tilt-up panels, bridges, tunnel linings, wharves, precast installation, and large-scale civil concrete structures. Concrete finishing is a specialist skill within the trade, requiring precise levelling, floating, trowelling, and surface treatment techniques to meet specification tolerances.

Australia’s construction market separates concretors into two broad streams: residential concretors focused on foundations and flatwork for the housing market, and commercial and infrastructure concretors working on major projects for civil and commercial contractors. Both streams have consistent demand; infrastructure concretors typically earn more but face more demanding schedules and conditions. Experienced concretors who can work across both residential and commercial contexts are most valuable to employers.

Tilt-up construction is a significant concrete work stream in Australia that is less common in some other markets. Tilt-up panels are precast on site and tilted up into position to form the walls of warehouses, industrial buildings, and large commercial structures. This technique is widespread across Australia’s growing industrial property and logistics sector, and concretors with tilt-up experience command a premium.

Typical employers: Residential concrete contractors; civil construction companies (CIMIC Group, Downer, Fulton Hogan, McConnell Dowell, John Holland, CPB Contractors); commercial construction companies (Lendlease, Multiplex, Buildcorp); precast concrete manufacturers (Hanson, Humes, Reinforced Earth); concrete pump hire and operation companies; self-employment as a residential concreting contractor.

Concretor Salaries in Australia (AUD, 2026)

Concretor salaries in Australia depend on experience level, sector (residential vs. infrastructure), project scale, and state. Infrastructure concretors on major civil projects earn at the premium end of the trade range, particularly on large projects covered by enterprise agreements. Residential concretors working on volume builder programmes earn steady employed incomes with potential for self-employment upside. All figures below are before tax.

Sydney and Melbourne typically pay at the top of the national range. Perth, Brisbane, and Darwin also have competitive rates given the volume of resources-sector infrastructure and residential construction. Day rates for concretors on enterprise agreement-covered infrastructure projects range from AUD $500 to $900 per day depending on experience, role, and project. Remote or difficult-access projects (mining sites, regional infrastructure) attract site allowances in addition to base rates.

Superannuation (11.5% of ordinary time earnings) is a mandatory employer contribution on top of salary. Overtime is standard on infrastructure projects with pour schedules that cannot be interrupted by standard working hours.

Where Are Concretors Hired in Australia?

Demand for concretors in Australia is driven by both residential building volumes and infrastructure investment. Australia’s infrastructure pipeline is substantial, with major transport, water, energy, and housing programmes running across all states simultaneously. Residential demand mirrors building approvals activity.

New South Wales (Sydney): The largest single market for concretors in Australia. Major infrastructure investment (Sydney Metro extensions, WestConnex, Parramatta Light Rail, state highway upgrades) runs alongside very high residential building volumes. Large civil contractors maintain active workforce pipelines in Sydney. High wages, high cost of living.

Victoria (Melbourne): One of Australia’s strongest infrastructure markets. The Suburban Rail Loop, the Level Crossing Removal Programme, the North East Link, and the West Gate Tunnel are all major concrete-intensive projects generating sustained demand. Melbourne’s residential construction volume adds flatwork and foundation demand alongside the infrastructure pipeline. Enterprise agreement rates on major Victorian infrastructure projects are among the highest in the country.

Queensland (Brisbane and South East Queensland): One of the strongest near-term growth markets for concretors in Australia. The 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games infrastructure programme adds to already strong commercial and residential demand. Cross River Rail, the Bruce Highway upgrade, and significant water infrastructure investment are all generating concrete work. QLD is a strong target for experienced concretors given the combination of residential and infrastructure demand.

Western Australia (Perth and regional WA): Perth’s residential construction market is active, and the resources sector in regional WA generates demand for concretors in mine site construction and infrastructure. Pilbara and Kimberley projects occasionally require concretors for mine facility and camp construction, typically on fly-in fly-out (FIFO) arrangements with above-market day rates and site allowances.

South Australia (Adelaide), Northern Territory (Darwin), ACT (Canberra): Consistent demand from residential construction and public infrastructure programmes. Defence infrastructure investment in the NT generates concrete work in Darwin and surrounding regions. Canberra’s government infrastructure and residential growth create steady concrete demand. Regional centres across all states have less competition for experienced concretors and faster access to leading hand roles.

Qualifications, Licences and Registration for Concretors in Australia

Concreting in Australia does not require a mandatory occupational licence for the core trade activities in most states. However, specific certifications apply to equipment operation and specialist work, and trade qualification is expected by most commercial and infrastructure employers. Self-employed concretors need a contractor licence in most states for residential and commercial work above a set threshold.

White Card (CPCCWHS1001): mandatory first step.
All workers entering Australian construction sites must hold a White Card before starting any site work. This is a nationally recognised one-day work health and safety induction delivered by RTOs across Australia. It is not state-specific and is recognised nationally. Obtain your White Card before your first day on any Australian construction site.

Trades Recognition Australia (TRA):
TRA is the national skills assessment body for trade occupations. A TRA assessment is required for immigration purposes and is useful for demonstrating trade equivalence to state licensing bodies and employers. The standard Australian qualification for concreting is CPC30320 Certificate III in Concreting. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) through an RTO is available for experienced overseas concretors. Initiate TRA assessment early given processing times of three to six months.

Concrete pump operator competency:
Concrete pump operation requires specific competency training. Safe Work Australia and state WHS regulators publish guidance on the safe operation of concrete pumps. Operators of large boom pumps on major projects hold additional site-specific inductions and competency sign-offs. This is documented training rather than a formal licence in most states, but it must be on file before operating pump equipment on site.

Plant operator competency:
Concretors on infrastructure projects frequently operate or work alongside small plant: plate compactors, concrete vibrators, ride-on trowelling machines, and occasionally small excavators or bobcats. Australia’s WHS legislation (the model WHS Act adopted in most states) requires that plant operators demonstrate competency. High-risk plant (tower cranes, certain excavators) requires a formal High Risk Work Licence issued by state WHS regulators.

State contractor licensing (for self-employed work):
Self-employed concretors operating as contractors in residential and commercial markets typically need a contractor licence in their target state. NSW Fair Trading, the QBCC, Building and Energy WA, and their counterparts in other states all have licensing categories that apply to concrete contracting work above a set threshold value. Check the specific requirements for your target state before commencing self-employed work.

Civil Contractors Federation (CCF):
The Civil Contractors Federation is the primary industry body for civil construction in Australia. CCF membership provides access to industry training, industry intelligence, tender information, and commercial networks. Useful for concretors targeting the infrastructure and civil market rather than residential work.

Visa Pathways for Concretors Moving to Australia

Concretor (ANZSCO 333113) immigration options should be confirmed at homeaffairs.gov.au as occupation list status is reviewed periodically. Employer-sponsored and state-nominated pathways are available for experienced concretors with a TRA skills assessment. Confirm your specific ANZSCO code and current list status with a licensed immigration adviser before submitting any visa application.

Skills in Demand (SID) visa, subclass 482:
The Skills in Demand visa replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. It requires employer sponsorship from an approved Australian sponsor. The applicable stream depends on the current occupation list status of ANZSCO 333113. Minimum salary requirements apply (the Core Skills Income Threshold, CSIT). The SID visa is issued for up to four years. A TRA skills assessment is required. Large civil contractors and residential concrete companies are approved sponsors and recruit overseas concretors via this pathway.

Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa, subclass 186 (permanent):
Permanent residence with employer nomination. The Temporary Residence Transition stream is available after at least two years on a subclass 482 visa with the nominating employer. The Direct Entry stream requires employer nomination and a TRA skills assessment.

Regional Skilled Migration visa, subclass 491:
State or territory nominated visa for regional Australia. Several states with active infrastructure pipelines have included concreting occupations on their state occupation lists. Adding five state nomination points is worth investigating for concretors targeting regional construction markets. After three years on subclass 491, apply for permanent residence via subclass 191.

TRA skills assessment: start early.
Initiate TRA assessment as early as possible. Processing times can be three to six months. Supporting documentation typically includes trade qualification certificates, statutory declarations from supervisors or employers confirming the type and scale of concrete work carried out, and evidence of years of experience.

New Zealand citizens have unrestricted work rights in Australia under the Special Category Visa (subclass 444) and do not require employer-sponsored visas. NZ concretors should obtain a White Card and check state contractor licensing requirements before commencing self-employed concrete contracting work. The Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 or 462) is available to nationals of certain countries as an initial entry pathway to assess the Australian market.

Are You Ready for the Australian Concretor Market?

Based on TEFI’s experience coaching overseas tradespeople into construction markets, these are the signals that indicate a concretor is well-positioned for a successful move to Australia:

Strong readiness indicators:

• Trade qualification at Level 3 equivalent or above (Certificate III, NVQ Level 2/3, or equivalent) with original certification documentation.
• Three or more years of post-qualification experience in concrete placement and finishing, with verifiable employer references.
• Experience across both flatwork (slabs, driveways, paths) and formed concrete (footings, walls, columns) is a strong differentiator in the Australian market.
• Concrete finishing skills (levelling, floating, power trowel, stamped or exposed aggregate finishes) are in consistent demand from both residential and commercial employers.
• Tilt-up panel experience is a specialist asset for Australia’s large industrial and logistics construction market.
• Knowledge of concrete mix design and quality control procedures (slump testing, curing methods) demonstrates depth of trade knowledge beyond basic placement.
• TRA skills assessment initiated or planned. White Card obtained or planned immediately on arrival.

Preparation steps before applying:

• Gather certified copies of your trade qualification and any apprenticeship or trade test documentation.
• Obtain detailed employer references describing the type of concrete work carried out (residential flatwork, commercial slabs, infrastructure, precast, tilt-up) and the scale of projects.
• Initiate TRA skills assessment early given three to six month processing times.
• Identify civil contractors and residential concrete companies in your target state that are approved sponsors under the SID visa framework.
• Check state contractor licensing requirements if you intend to operate self-employed.

Fabien Maisonneuve navigated the skilled migration process for a construction trade role and built a successful career in a new market within a short timeframe. His approach illustrates what preparation and the right employer outreach can achieve. Read Fabien’s story.

For a direct assessment of how your concreting background positions you in the Australian market, submit your CV to TEFI for a free review.

Where to Find Concretor Jobs in Australia

Concretor roles in Australia are advertised across mainstream job boards, and direct employer approaches to civil contractors and residential concrete companies are often productive given the scale of employer demand.

• SEEK Australia: the primary job board for construction and civil trades. Search “concretor”, “concrete finisher”, “concrete layer”, “formwork”, or “tilt-up”. Filter by state. Both residential concrete contractors and large civil companies advertise here.
• Indeed Australia: widely used for trades and civil construction roles. Worth monitoring alongside SEEK.
• LinkedIn: used by larger civil and commercial construction companies recruiting concretors for project-based or permanent roles.
• Civil Contractors Federation (CCF): industry body with member directories and market intelligence useful for identifying major civil contractors in your target state.

Direct employer approaches:
Major civil contractors active in Australia include CIMIC Group (Thiess, CPB), Downer Group, Fulton Hogan, John Holland, McConnell Dowell, and BMD Constructions. All operate in states with active infrastructure pipelines and recruit overseas tradespeople for major projects. Direct approaches through their careers pages are worthwhile for experienced concretors with infrastructure project backgrounds.

Recruitment agencies:
Hays Construction, Randstad Construction, Tradestaff Australia, and Programmed Skilled Workforce all operate in the concrete and civil trades market across Australia. Agency placements are useful for first-year arrivals building Australian employment history while establishing direct employer relationships for future roles.