The Essential Role of Metal Fitters and Machinists in Australia: A 2024 Overview

25 November 2024

Metal Fitters and Machinists are the backbone of Australia’s manufacturing and mining sectors, contributing to the nation’s industrial strength. This article provides an in-depth look at the profession, including employment trends, demographic insights, and key opportunities for businesses and job seekers.


Employment Overview

With a workforce of 117,500 professionals, Metal Fitters and Machinists are one of Australia’s largest skilled trades. The role is experiencing steady annual employment growth, adding 900 new jobs each year, reflecting consistent demand in vital industries.


Key Demographics

Age Profile

The median age for Metal Fitters and Machinists is 38 years, indicating a workforce balanced between experience and emerging talent. Below is a breakdown of the age distribution:

Age Group Percentage of Workforce (%)
15-19 4.4%
20-24 9.6%
25-34 25.1%
35-44 21.6%
45-54 19.6%
55-59 9.6%
60-64 6.7%
65+ 3.4%

 

Gender Representation

Female participation in this profession is notably low at 3%, highlighting the significant gender gap in skilled trades.

Earnings and Work Hours

Metal Fitters and Machinists earn a competitive median weekly income of $2,243, making it an attractive trade for skilled professionals. With 95% of workers employed full-time, the role is characterized by long-term job stability.

Industry Employment

The top industries employing Metal Fitters and Machinists include:

  • Manufacturing
  • Mining
  • Other Services

These industries depend on the technical expertise of these professionals to maintain and enhance productivity in operations.


Geographical Insights

The workforce distribution highlights Queensland and Western Australia as major hubs for Metal Fitters and Machinists, driven by their robust mining and manufacturing activities. Here’s the regional breakdown:

State/Territory Percentage of Workforce (%)
New South Wales (NSW) 21.2%
Victoria (VIC) 15.9%
Queensland (QLD) 27.4%
South Australia (SA) 6.2%
Western Australia (WA) 26.2%
Tasmania (TAS) 2.2%
Northern Territory (NT) 1.0%
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) 0.1%

 

This data underscores the concentration of opportunities in resource-rich regions like Queensland and Western Australia.


Growth Opportunities in Metal Fitting and Machining

With steady growth and high demand in manufacturing and mining, Metal Fitters and Machinists remain integral to Australia’s economic strength. Businesses should focus on bridging the gender gap and upskilling workers to meet evolving technological demands.


For companies seeking skilled Metal Fitters and Machinists, visit our engineering recruitment to connect with Australia’s top talent and build a resilient workforce.

This article underscores the critical role of Metal Fitters and Machinists in supporting Australia’s industrial and resource sectors. Whether you’re looking to hire or enter this profession, staying informed is key to seizing opportunities.

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