GITNUXREPORT 2026

Western Australia Construction Industry Statistics

Western Australia's construction industry is a thriving sector facing workforce shortages despite high wages.

Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

WA construction contributed $28.4 billion to state GDP in 2021-22, or 8.7% of total GSP.

Statistic 2

Total value of construction work done in WA reached $42.7 billion in 2022-23.

Statistic 3

Residential building approvals in WA totaled $12.3 billion in value for 2023.

Statistic 4

Non-residential construction output in WA was valued at $18.9 billion in 2022.

Statistic 5

Engineering construction in WA contributed $15.2 billion to the economy in 2023.

Statistic 6

WA construction industry's multiplier effect generated $1.85 in additional economic activity per $1 spent in 2022.

Statistic 7

Taxes paid by WA construction sector amounted to $3.7 billion in 2022-23.

Statistic 8

Export-related construction services from WA reached $2.1 billion in 2023.

Statistic 9

WA construction supported 156,000 indirect jobs through supply chains in 2022.

Statistic 10

Investment in WA construction was forecasted at $50 billion for 2023-27.

Statistic 11

Heavy and civil engineering construction generated 45% of WA's construction value added in 2022.

Statistic 12

WA construction firms' average revenue per business was $4.2 million in 2023.

Statistic 13

Profit margins in WA construction averaged 6.8% in 2022-23.

Statistic 14

Material costs represented 42% of total construction expenses in WA in 2023.

Statistic 15

WA construction paid $8.9 billion in wages and salaries in 2022.

Statistic 16

There were 12,450 residential dwellings approved in WA in 2023.

Statistic 17

WA construction industry's share of business investment was 22% in 2022-23.

Statistic 18

Value of public sector construction in WA was $10.4 billion in 2023.

Statistic 19

Private sector non-residential construction in WA valued at $9.5 billion in 2022.

Statistic 20

In 2022, Western Australia's construction industry employed 128,500 full-time equivalent workers, accounting for 9.2% of the state's total employment.

Statistic 21

The average weekly wage for construction workers in Western Australia was $2,150 in the June 2023 quarter, 25% higher than the national average.

Statistic 22

Women represented 12.4% of the construction workforce in Western Australia as of 2023, up from 10.1% in 2019.

Statistic 23

There were 4,200 apprentices and trainees in Western Australia's construction sector in 2022, comprising 3.3% of the total workforce.

Statistic 24

Labour turnover in WA construction reached 18.7% in 2023, driven by shortages in skilled trades like electricians.

Statistic 25

65% of construction businesses in Western Australia reported difficulties recruiting carpenters in 2023.

Statistic 26

The construction industry in WA had 15,300 vacancies unfilled as of March 2023.

Statistic 27

Indigenous employment in WA construction stood at 4.8% in 2022, with initiatives targeting 7% by 2025.

Statistic 28

Over 22,000 workers in WA construction hold White Card certifications as of 2023.

Statistic 29

Migrant workers made up 28% of WA's construction workforce in 2022, primarily from the UK and Philippines.

Statistic 30

Youth under 25 years comprised 14.2% of WA construction employees in 2023.

Statistic 31

7,500 construction workers in WA transitioned to supervisory roles between 2020-2023.

Statistic 32

WA construction saw a 12% increase in female site managers from 2021 to 2023.

Statistic 33

Average hours worked per week by WA construction workers was 41.8 hours in 2022.

Statistic 34

32% of WA construction firms offered mental health support programs to employees in 2023.

Statistic 35

WA construction employment grew by 5.4% year-on-year in the 2022-23 financial year.

Statistic 36

There were 2,100 engineering professionals employed in WA construction in 2023.

Statistic 37

Casual employment accounted for 22.5% of WA construction jobs in 2022.

Statistic 38

18,400 WA construction workers participated in upskilling programs in 2023.

Statistic 39

The median age of WA construction workers was 42 years in 2023.

Statistic 40

METRONET rail projects in WA had a total budget of $10.2 billion as of 2023.

Statistic 41

The Perth City Link project involved 8.5 km of new roads and tunnels, completed in 2022 at $1.2 billion cost.

Statistic 42

Onslow Marine Support Base construction valued at $540 million, employing 1,200 peak workers.

Statistic 43

WA's Highway 94 upgrade included 120 km of road widening, budgeted at $450 million in 2023.

Statistic 44

The new Perth Stadium (Optus Stadium) hosted 45 major events in its first year post-2018 opening.

Statistic 45

Rio Tinto's Western Range iron ore project in WA valued at $1.7 billion, starting 2023.

Statistic 46

Elizabeth Quay development in Perth featured 2 km waterfront precinct, completed 2016 at $440 million.

Statistic 47

WA's Common User Facility at Port Hedland handles 50 million tonnes of iron ore annually post-2023 upgrade.

Statistic 48

The $1.6 billion Muchea Rail Deviation project broke ground in 2023 for lithium rail access.

Statistic 49

Forrestfield-Airport Link tunnel project spanned 8.5 km with 3 new stations, opened 2024.

Statistic 50

WA's Wheatstone LNG project Phase 2 added 300 jobs and $800 million in construction value.

Statistic 51

The $2.3 billion Koodaideri iron ore mine ramp-up included 200 km of rail in 2022.

Statistic 52

Perth's Crown Towers hotel expansion added 500 rooms at $600 million cost in 2023.

Statistic 53

WA's Road Ranger network expanded to 45 sites by 2023 for heavy vehicle safety.

Statistic 54

The $900 million Woodside Pluto LNG Train 2 commenced construction in 2023.

Statistic 55

Murdoch Health and Knowledge Precinct Phase 2 included 50,000 sqm new facilities.

Statistic 56

WA's Pilbara hydrogen hub project allocated $150 million for initial infrastructure in 2023.

Statistic 57

The 2023 WA construction fatality rate was 4.2 per 100,000 workers, below national average of 5.1.

Statistic 58

Lost time injury frequency rate in WA construction dropped to 12.4 per million hours in 2023.

Statistic 59

78% of WA construction sites complied with scaffold regulations in 2023 audits.

Statistic 60

Falls from height caused 35% of serious injuries in WA construction in 2022.

Statistic 61

WA construction recorded 2.1 million hours trained in safety programs in 2023.

Statistic 62

Heat-related incidents in WA construction rose 15% during 2023 summer months.

Statistic 63

92% of WA construction workers used PPE correctly as per 2023 surveys.

Statistic 64

Machinery-related incidents accounted for 22% of WA construction claims in 2022.

Statistic 65

WA introduced mandatory high-risk work licenses for 18 crane types in 2023.

Statistic 66

Mental health claims in WA construction increased 28% from 2020 to 2023.

Statistic 67

65% reduction in silica dust exposure violations on WA sites since 2020 regulations.

Statistic 68

WA construction safety investment totaled $450 million in 2023.

Statistic 69

Traffic management incidents dropped 40% after 2023 WA guidelines update.

Statistic 70

1,200 WA construction firms certified under ISO 45001 safety standard by 2023.

Statistic 71

Musculoskeletal disorders represented 48% of WA construction workers' comp claims in 2022.

Statistic 72

Drone usage for site inspections reduced access-related risks by 55% in 2023 pilots.

Statistic 73

WA's BlueFit program trained 8,500 workers in fatigue management by 2023.

Statistic 74

Asbestos removal incidents fell 22% in WA construction post-2022 audits.

Statistic 75

Construction output in WA is projected to grow 4.2% annually to 2028.

Statistic 76

Residential construction demand in WA expected to add 15,000 homes by 2025.

Statistic 77

Prefab modular construction adoption rose to 18% of WA projects in 2023.

Statistic 78

Digital twin technology implemented in 25% of major WA projects by 2024.

Statistic 79

Sustainable materials usage in WA construction increased 32% since 2020.

Statistic 80

BIM (Building Information Modelling) mandatory for all WA public projects over $10m from 2024.

Statistic 81

WA construction carbon emissions targeted for 40% reduction by 2030.

Statistic 82

Labour costs projected to rise 5.8% annually in WA construction to 2027.

Statistic 83

Off-site manufacturing expected to capture 30% of WA residential market by 2028.

Statistic 84

AI-driven project management tools adopted by 40% of WA firms in 2023.

Statistic 85

Green building certifications (Green Star) reached 150 projects in WA by 2023.

Statistic 86

WA construction inflation peaked at 7.2% in 2023, expected to ease to 3.5% by 2025.

Statistic 87

Hydrogen infrastructure projects to drive 20% of new WA construction value by 2030.

Statistic 88

Remote monitoring tech reduced site visits by 35% in WA Pilbara projects 2023.

Statistic 89

WA apartment vacancy rates influenced 12% drop in high-rise approvals in 2023.

Sources
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While the cranes towering over Western Australia paint a picture of booming growth, the true story of its $42.7 billion construction industry is written in the details of a 25% higher-than-average wage, a critical 18.7% labour turnover rate, and a workforce where women now represent over 12% of the hands building the state's future.

Key Takeaways

  • In 2022, Western Australia's construction industry employed 128,500 full-time equivalent workers, accounting for 9.2% of the state's total employment.
  • The average weekly wage for construction workers in Western Australia was $2,150 in the June 2023 quarter, 25% higher than the national average.
  • Women represented 12.4% of the construction workforce in Western Australia as of 2023, up from 10.1% in 2019.
  • WA construction contributed $28.4 billion to state GDP in 2021-22, or 8.7% of total GSP.
  • Total value of construction work done in WA reached $42.7 billion in 2022-23.
  • Residential building approvals in WA totaled $12.3 billion in value for 2023.
  • METRONET rail projects in WA had a total budget of $10.2 billion as of 2023.
  • The Perth City Link project involved 8.5 km of new roads and tunnels, completed in 2022 at $1.2 billion cost.
  • Onslow Marine Support Base construction valued at $540 million, employing 1,200 peak workers.
  • The 2023 WA construction fatality rate was 4.2 per 100,000 workers, below national average of 5.1.
  • Lost time injury frequency rate in WA construction dropped to 12.4 per million hours in 2023.
  • 78% of WA construction sites complied with scaffold regulations in 2023 audits.
  • Construction output in WA is projected to grow 4.2% annually to 2028.
  • Residential construction demand in WA expected to add 15,000 homes by 2025.
  • Prefab modular construction adoption rose to 18% of WA projects in 2023.

Western Australia's construction industry is a thriving sector facing workforce shortages despite high wages.

Economic Value

  • WA construction contributed $28.4 billion to state GDP in 2021-22, or 8.7% of total GSP.
  • Total value of construction work done in WA reached $42.7 billion in 2022-23.
  • Residential building approvals in WA totaled $12.3 billion in value for 2023.
  • Non-residential construction output in WA was valued at $18.9 billion in 2022.
  • Engineering construction in WA contributed $15.2 billion to the economy in 2023.
  • WA construction industry's multiplier effect generated $1.85 in additional economic activity per $1 spent in 2022.
  • Taxes paid by WA construction sector amounted to $3.7 billion in 2022-23.
  • Export-related construction services from WA reached $2.1 billion in 2023.
  • WA construction supported 156,000 indirect jobs through supply chains in 2022.
  • Investment in WA construction was forecasted at $50 billion for 2023-27.
  • Heavy and civil engineering construction generated 45% of WA's construction value added in 2022.
  • WA construction firms' average revenue per business was $4.2 million in 2023.
  • Profit margins in WA construction averaged 6.8% in 2022-23.
  • Material costs represented 42% of total construction expenses in WA in 2023.
  • WA construction paid $8.9 billion in wages and salaries in 2022.
  • There were 12,450 residential dwellings approved in WA in 2023.
  • WA construction industry's share of business investment was 22% in 2022-23.
  • Value of public sector construction in WA was $10.4 billion in 2023.
  • Private sector non-residential construction in WA valued at $9.5 billion in 2022.

Economic Value Interpretation

While the dust never truly settles, Western Australia's construction sector is clearly the state's economic scaffolding, silently but indispensably propping up nearly 9% of its wealth, generating billions in taxes and wages, and proving that for every dollar it spends, the entire economy gets a nearly two-dollar adrenaline shot.

Employment

  • In 2022, Western Australia's construction industry employed 128,500 full-time equivalent workers, accounting for 9.2% of the state's total employment.
  • The average weekly wage for construction workers in Western Australia was $2,150 in the June 2023 quarter, 25% higher than the national average.
  • Women represented 12.4% of the construction workforce in Western Australia as of 2023, up from 10.1% in 2019.
  • There were 4,200 apprentices and trainees in Western Australia's construction sector in 2022, comprising 3.3% of the total workforce.
  • Labour turnover in WA construction reached 18.7% in 2023, driven by shortages in skilled trades like electricians.
  • 65% of construction businesses in Western Australia reported difficulties recruiting carpenters in 2023.
  • The construction industry in WA had 15,300 vacancies unfilled as of March 2023.
  • Indigenous employment in WA construction stood at 4.8% in 2022, with initiatives targeting 7% by 2025.
  • Over 22,000 workers in WA construction hold White Card certifications as of 2023.
  • Migrant workers made up 28% of WA's construction workforce in 2022, primarily from the UK and Philippines.
  • Youth under 25 years comprised 14.2% of WA construction employees in 2023.
  • 7,500 construction workers in WA transitioned to supervisory roles between 2020-2023.
  • WA construction saw a 12% increase in female site managers from 2021 to 2023.
  • Average hours worked per week by WA construction workers was 41.8 hours in 2022.
  • 32% of WA construction firms offered mental health support programs to employees in 2023.
  • WA construction employment grew by 5.4% year-on-year in the 2022-23 financial year.
  • There were 2,100 engineering professionals employed in WA construction in 2023.
  • Casual employment accounted for 22.5% of WA construction jobs in 2022.
  • 18,400 WA construction workers participated in upskilling programs in 2023.
  • The median age of WA construction workers was 42 years in 2023.

Employment Interpretation

Western Australia's construction industry is simultaneously thriving with high wages and growth while grappling with critical shortages and turnover, yet it's slowly building a more diverse and trained future—if only it could find enough carpenters to finish the job.

Projects

  • METRONET rail projects in WA had a total budget of $10.2 billion as of 2023.
  • The Perth City Link project involved 8.5 km of new roads and tunnels, completed in 2022 at $1.2 billion cost.
  • Onslow Marine Support Base construction valued at $540 million, employing 1,200 peak workers.
  • WA's Highway 94 upgrade included 120 km of road widening, budgeted at $450 million in 2023.
  • The new Perth Stadium (Optus Stadium) hosted 45 major events in its first year post-2018 opening.
  • Rio Tinto's Western Range iron ore project in WA valued at $1.7 billion, starting 2023.
  • Elizabeth Quay development in Perth featured 2 km waterfront precinct, completed 2016 at $440 million.
  • WA's Common User Facility at Port Hedland handles 50 million tonnes of iron ore annually post-2023 upgrade.
  • The $1.6 billion Muchea Rail Deviation project broke ground in 2023 for lithium rail access.
  • Forrestfield-Airport Link tunnel project spanned 8.5 km with 3 new stations, opened 2024.
  • WA's Wheatstone LNG project Phase 2 added 300 jobs and $800 million in construction value.
  • The $2.3 billion Koodaideri iron ore mine ramp-up included 200 km of rail in 2022.
  • Perth's Crown Towers hotel expansion added 500 rooms at $600 million cost in 2023.
  • WA's Road Ranger network expanded to 45 sites by 2023 for heavy vehicle safety.
  • The $900 million Woodside Pluto LNG Train 2 commenced construction in 2023.
  • Murdoch Health and Knowledge Precinct Phase 2 included 50,000 sqm new facilities.
  • WA's Pilbara hydrogen hub project allocated $150 million for initial infrastructure in 2023.

Projects Interpretation

Western Australia's construction industry is clearly betting the farm on a future where you can get from a lithium mine to a football game on a new train, fueled by hydrogen, while everything you pass was either dug up, processed, or shipped out on infrastructure that didn't exist a decade ago.

Safety

  • The 2023 WA construction fatality rate was 4.2 per 100,000 workers, below national average of 5.1.
  • Lost time injury frequency rate in WA construction dropped to 12.4 per million hours in 2023.
  • 78% of WA construction sites complied with scaffold regulations in 2023 audits.
  • Falls from height caused 35% of serious injuries in WA construction in 2022.
  • WA construction recorded 2.1 million hours trained in safety programs in 2023.
  • Heat-related incidents in WA construction rose 15% during 2023 summer months.
  • 92% of WA construction workers used PPE correctly as per 2023 surveys.
  • Machinery-related incidents accounted for 22% of WA construction claims in 2022.
  • WA introduced mandatory high-risk work licenses for 18 crane types in 2023.
  • Mental health claims in WA construction increased 28% from 2020 to 2023.
  • 65% reduction in silica dust exposure violations on WA sites since 2020 regulations.
  • WA construction safety investment totaled $450 million in 2023.
  • Traffic management incidents dropped 40% after 2023 WA guidelines update.
  • 1,200 WA construction firms certified under ISO 45001 safety standard by 2023.
  • Musculoskeletal disorders represented 48% of WA construction workers' comp claims in 2022.
  • Drone usage for site inspections reduced access-related risks by 55% in 2023 pilots.
  • WA's BlueFit program trained 8,500 workers in fatigue management by 2023.
  • Asbestos removal incidents fell 22% in WA construction post-2022 audits.

Safety Interpretation

While Western Australia's construction industry can celebrate a fatality rate below the national average and commendable progress on compliance and training, the stubborn prevalence of falls, a rise in heat incidents and mental health claims, and the heavy burden of musculoskeletal injuries reveal a sector still climbing its own scaffolding toward true safety, not just statistical improvement.

Trends

  • Construction output in WA is projected to grow 4.2% annually to 2028.
  • Residential construction demand in WA expected to add 15,000 homes by 2025.
  • Prefab modular construction adoption rose to 18% of WA projects in 2023.
  • Digital twin technology implemented in 25% of major WA projects by 2024.
  • Sustainable materials usage in WA construction increased 32% since 2020.
  • BIM (Building Information Modelling) mandatory for all WA public projects over $10m from 2024.
  • WA construction carbon emissions targeted for 40% reduction by 2030.
  • Labour costs projected to rise 5.8% annually in WA construction to 2027.
  • Off-site manufacturing expected to capture 30% of WA residential market by 2028.
  • AI-driven project management tools adopted by 40% of WA firms in 2023.
  • Green building certifications (Green Star) reached 150 projects in WA by 2023.
  • WA construction inflation peaked at 7.2% in 2023, expected to ease to 3.5% by 2025.
  • Hydrogen infrastructure projects to drive 20% of new WA construction value by 2030.
  • Remote monitoring tech reduced site visits by 35% in WA Pilbara projects 2023.
  • WA apartment vacancy rates influenced 12% drop in high-rise approvals in 2023.

Trends Interpretation

Western Australia's construction scene is building a smarter, greener future at a brisk pace, even as it juggles rising costs with a sharp pivot toward off-site factories, digital twins, and a hydrogen-powered horizon.

Sources & References

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