You might think that earning $200,000 a year sounds like a dream—especially when you’re working as a tradie, one of the highest-paid trades in Australia. However, for those at the top of the trade game, it’s not all smooth sailing. For many, the reality behind those big paychecks is long hours, constant stress, and the pressure of managing a business. While it’s true that some tradespeople are raking in the big bucks, the path to earning that kind of money is often far from glamorous.
The Reality Behind the Big Paycheck
Take Kristopher Bithel, a 15-year veteran electrician based in the Hunter Valley. Kristopher made the leap to becoming a sole trader after his previous employer went bust, leaving him with the option of either returning to a job he didn’t like or starting his own business. “There’s not a great deal of money in trades if you work for someone, but there is a fair bit of money in trades if you work for yourself,” Kristopher explains to Yahoo Finance.
But despite the potential for higher earnings, the reality of working for yourself in the trades is far more complicated. For Kristopher and others like him, the money comes with a hefty price—60-hour work weeks and the constant juggling of administrative tasks. Yes, the income is higher, but it comes at the cost of valuable free time, rest, and the ability to disconnect.
The Hidden Stress of Running a Trade Business
Even with software platforms like Tradify and Xero, which help tradies manage bookings, invoicing, and payments, the pressure doesn’t let up. Running your own business means handling everything from client relations to job scheduling to paying taxes. These platforms have made managing the business side of things easier, but for many tradies, it’s still a lot to handle.
Michael Steckler, CEO of Tradify, notes that for many sole traders, the stress of running a business is overwhelming. “They’re running jobs, they’re dealing with new customers, and they’re often doing it all on their own, possibly with the support of a family member,” he says. This heavy workload can lead to burnout, and it’s not uncommon for tradies to feel like they’re on a never-ending treadmill of work.
The Payoff (or Lack Thereof)
Despite working long hours and dealing with business management stresses, the financial rewards are still significant for those in the top of the trade world. But is the stress and sacrifice worth it? Some would argue that the money doesn’t make up for the strain on your mental health and personal life. For others, though, the long hours and pressure to perform may not be worth it in the long run.
For many tradespeople, the question becomes: How much money is enough when it comes at the cost of your health and happiness?
Changing the Trade Industry’s Culture
The story of Kristopher and other sole traders highlights a much bigger issue in the Australian trade industry: a culture of overwork and burnout. While tradies are often lauded for their hard work and ability to handle high-paying, physically demanding jobs, the reality is that many are struggling behind the scenes.
In an era where work-life balance is being championed, the traditional trade industry still has a long way to go in creating environments where workers can thrive without sacrificing their mental and physical well-being.
What Needs to Change?
As more tradespeople like Kristopher continue to pave their own paths, there needs to be a shift in how the industry views work-life balance. Software tools are a great start, but true change will require creating systems and support networks that reduce the stress on individual tradies. This includes better mental health support, manageable work hours, and a broader understanding of the strain these high-paying jobs can put on personal lives.
For now, tradies will continue to weigh the financial rewards against the personal costs. But it’s clear: $200,000 a year doesn’t always mean living the dream—for many, it’s a hard-earned battle.
