Metalworking workshop for trade and private jobs
Rent a small industrial unit and cut, weld and fabricate metal to order for builders, farmers and homeowners.
- A$15k-70k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A rented workshop with cutting, bending and welding equipment, taking orders from trade and private customers: gates, handrails, trailer repairs, stairs, custom frames and repair work.
Your first three steps
- Price up local industrial units and work out how many jobs a month you need to cover rent, power and insurance
- Visit local builders, landscapers and farm suppliers to find out what work they struggle to get done quickly
- Source second-hand equipment such as a bandsaw, press brake and welders, and set up an ABN and simple quoting system
Who pays
Builders, landscapers, farmers, other tradies, small manufacturers and homeowners.
How it makes money
Quotes per job or hourly workshop rates plus materials. Regular trade accounts give steady work, while private jobs add higher margins.
Skills that help
- Qualified or well-practised welding and fabrication
- Quoting, costing and job scheduling
- Building relationships with trade customers
Watch out for
- Public liability and product liability insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire
- Check whether structural, pressure or certified welding work needs particular qualifications or engineer sign-off in your state
- Council zoning and permits for the unit, and workplace health and safety duties
- Lease terms, rising material prices and slow-paying trade customers
🔒 Full research report for Australia
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a metalworking workshop in Australia?
Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on the unit you rent, the cutting, bending and welding equipment you buy, and your insurance. These are estimates, so get quotes for your own setup.
How much can a small metal fabrication workshop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on the jobs you win, your pricing and how many trade customers you build up. This is revenue before materials, rent and other costs.
What rules should I check before opening a metalworking workshop?
Check whether structural, pressure or certified welding work needs particular qualifications or engineer sign-off in your state. Also check council zoning and permits for the unit, workplace health and safety duties, lease terms and insurance, including workers compensation once you hire.
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