A tradesman with a little-known job revealed he earns up to $200,000 a year and there is plenty of work available in the industry.
The man’s bumper salary was exposed when an interviewer from job search app Getahead stopped him on a Brisbane street last week.
In the interview he said he works as a fire technician and earns between $120,000 and $200,000 a year “depending on how hard he works.”
“I think my apprentice will make $80,000 this year,” he said.
“I do all the fire detection systems.”
A fire technician (pictured) revealed he earns up to $200,000 a year installing fire alarms, fire suppression systems and exit signage.
The trader explained that he had to complete a four-year apprenticeship before getting the job, but believes it was worth it.
‘We work everywhere. I’ve worked in prisons,’ she said.
“You work in interesting and different places.”
However, he admitted that his work is not all rosy.
When asked if things “can go wrong” at work, the trader replied: “Hugely.”
‘If something goes offline you can’t go back home, that’s the only thing.
‘You can’t just put down your tools and walk away at the end of the day.
“That’s why they pay you the money.”
Fire technicians are responsible for installing fire alarms and exit signs.
They also need to install and test fire extinguishers, hoses, reels, hydrants and fire blankets.
The tradesman recommended the job to electricians looking for a change of pace.
‘There are lots of jobs. If you’re a ‘sparker’ and want to get involved, give them a call,” she said.
“There are a lot of jobs available.”
Dozens of commenters were shocked to hear how much the man earned.
“I’m passionate about FIFO and I don’t understand that much,” one wrote.
“Sounds good guys, you gotta remember he doesn’t work 9 to 5.” She travels far doing 10 to 24 hour days. Night work plus guard services,” said another.
A fellow fire technician wrote: ‘Fire sprinkler installer $380 per head… 6,000 heads on site we are doing right now.’
Data from Jobs and Skills Australia shows there are 4,100 fire technicians employed across Australia.
The average working age is 40 years and only four percent of the active population are women.
Jobs and Skills Australia data shows there are 4,100 fire technicians employed across Australia with an average age of 40 years.
“Fire protection equipment technicians install, test and maintain fire protection equipment and systems,” Jobs and Skills Australia said.
Those wishing to work as a fire technician need a Certificate III in Fire Protection Inspection and Testing from the Fire Industry Academy.
The course is delivered in the workplace and participants need a minimum of 12 months of experience servicing fire protection equipment or systems, or have experience in plumbing, electrical or fire-related work to graduate.