ScaffolderAlternative titles

Pay

Pay for scaffolders varies depending on experience and qualifications.

• New scaffolders with no qualifications or experience usually start on the minimum wage or a little more.
• Scaffolders with an elementary scaffolding qualification earn about $16 to $ 21 an hour.
• Scaffolders with an advanced scaffolding qualification usually earn $20 to $28 an hour.
• Scaffolders who oversee a team can earn $25 to $35 an hour.

Source: Scaffolding and Rigging New Zealand (SARNZ).

• MoreBusiness.com website - use this calculator to convert pay and salary information
• Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment website - information about minimum pay rates

What you will do

Scaffolders may do some or all of the following:

• calculate scaffold loadings and decide what scaffolding platform to build
• check worksites for hazards
• unload scaffolding from trucks
• fit steel tubes and support braces together to form the scaffolding framework
• lay wooden boards (sole plates) on the ground to spread the weight of the scaffolding
• fasten ladders and guard rails to scaffolding
• take down the scaffolding and load it onto trucks
• check and maintain scaffolding equipment
• regularly inspect erected scaffolding for safety
• talk with clients and discuss their needs and requirements.

Skills and knowledge

Scaffolders need to have:

• knowledge of how to erect and disassemble scaffolding
• knowledge of how to use and care for scaffolding equipment
• knowledge of building regulations
• knowledge of workplace and construction site safety regulations
• the ability to identify potential hazards
• the ability to interpret building plans and diagrams.

Working conditions

Scaffolders:

• usually work 40-hour weeks, but may be required to work longer hours, and on weekends
• often work outside on buildings, at concert and sports venues, boats, bridges and oil rigs
• work at heights, sometimes in dangerous conditions
• travel locally to sites, and they may travel out of town for some large jobs.

What's the job really like?

Graham Burke - Scaffolding Company Managing Director

Painting led to scaffolding

Graham Burke got into scaffolding when he was working for a painting contractor. "They had their own equipment and I did a basic suspended scaffolding ticket while I was working for them, and eventually opened my own scaffolding company."

That was 15 years ago. Graham now employs 20 staff. His days are mainly spent running the business, but he does get to oversee the projects his company works on.

Problem-solving skills key to being a good scaffolder

While being fit and strong are important qualities for a scaffolder, Graham says being able to solve problems is just as important for someone who wants to get ahead in the industry.

"To be a good scaffolder you've got to be able to overcome problems. A lot of the guys probably don't even know they're doing it, but there's quite complicated engineering and design involved in erecting scaffolding."