Subcontract scaffolding crew

Established scaffolding companies and larger builders who need extra capacity.

Paid per job, per square metre or per day for the work you complete, so a low-cost start without buying scaffold stock.

• Scaffolding licence and site experience
• Reliable and safety-minded
• Good tool and time management
• Working well in a pair

• High-risk work licences are required for scaffolding, check the class and that everyone on site holds a current one
• Check whether you are genuinely a contractor or would be treated as an employee, get advice from the ATO or an accountant
• Public liability, workers compensation and income protection, check what your state and the hiring company require
• Work depends on a few clients and can drop off, so avoid relying on only one firm
• Height and manual handling risks, never work without proper safe work procedures

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your hand tools, safety gear and ute. Because you use the hiring company's scaffold stock, costs are usually lower than owning your own.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $5,000 to $18,000, depending on how much work you win and your rates. That is revenue before costs. Work can drop off, so avoid relying on one firm. Expect to start at around 25 hours a week.

Check the high-risk work licence class and that everyone on site holds a current one. Also check whether you would be treated as a contractor or an employee with the ATO or an accountant, and what insurance your state and hiring companies require.