How Construction Workers Can Double Their Income in 2 Years
It’s no secret — construction can be a great-paying industry.
But not everyone working on-site is earning top dollar.
The real difference between high earners and average workers?
Licences, skills, and smart moves.
Here’s exactly how you can double your income in as little as two years by upskilling strategically — starting right here on the Central Coast.
Step 1: Get Your Dogging Licence
The fastest way to increase your income is earning a Dogging Licence under the High Risk Work Licence (HRWL) system regulated by SafeWork NSW.
Dogmen typically:
Start around $50,000–$80,000 per year
Quickly move into $90,000+ roles on larger sites
Access a massive range of job sites (commercial, residential, infrastructure)
Learn why Dogging is the smartest move here: Why Dogging is the Smartest First Step to a High Risk Work Licence.
Step 2: Add a Tower Crane or Self-Erecting Crane Licence
After gaining experience with dogging, adding a crane licence supercharges your career.
Tower Crane Operators can earn:
$100,000–$120,000+ annually once fully licensed and experienced
Self-Erecting Crane Operators are also in huge demand on urban and modular projects.
Find out how a Tower Crane Licence opens major doors here: Unlock Bigger Opportunities: Why a Tower Crane Licence is a Game Changer.
Step 3: Keep Building Experience
The key is compounding:
Each licence you add → increases your pay ceiling
Each project you complete → increases your bargaining power
Each skill you master → decreases your risk of unemployment
The earlier you start stacking skills, the faster your income grows.
Step 4: Negotiate from Strength
Once you hold multiple high-risk licences and have real project experience, you’re no longer competing for basic labouring jobs.
You’re competing for specialist roles — and employers pay to secure you.
Use your skills, licences, and proven site experience to:
Negotiate higher base pay
Win better site allowances
Access longer-term, more stable projects
See real Dogman salary expectations here: Dogman Salaries in NSW.