What is the average electrician hourly rate in Australia?

The average electrician hourly rate in Australia is $80-$120 per hour for standard work in 2026. Rates vary by state, with Sydney averaging $100-$130/hr and regional areas $80-$100/hr.

How much do electricians charge for a callout?

Most electricians charge a minimum callout fee of $80-$150 for the first hour, which covers travel time and the first hour of work. Emergency callouts are typically 1.5-2× standard rates.

What should I charge as a new electrician?

New electricians (1-3 years experience) typically charge $70-$90/hr. As you build experience and reputation, you can increase to $100-$130/hr for standard work.

Do electricians charge more on weekends?

Yes, most electricians charge 1.5× standard rate for Saturday work and 2× for Sundays. Public holidays are typically 2-2.5× standard rates.

How do I calculate my electrician hourly rate?

Calculate your rate by adding: wages + superannuation + insurance + vehicle costs + tools + admin time + profit margin. Most electricians need $90-$120/hr minimum to cover all costs.

Electrician Hourly Rate Australia 2026 | What to Charge

What Do Electricians Charge in Australia?

Electrician hourly rates in Australia typically range from $80 to $120 per hour for standard residential work in 2026. However, rates vary significantly based on location, experience, job type, and time of service.

This guide breaks down electrician rates across all Australian states and territories, helping you understand what to charge — or what to expect to pay.

Electrician Rates by State (2026)

State/Territory	Major City	Standard Rate	Emergency Rate	Callout Fee
New South Wales	Sydney	$100-$130	$150-$200	$100-$150
Victoria	Melbourne	$95-$125	$140-$190	$90-$140
Queensland	Brisbane	$90-$120	$135-$180	$85-$130
Western Australia	Perth	$95-$125	$140-$190	$90-$140
South Australia	Adelaide	$85-$115	$130-$175	$80-$120
Tasmania	Hobart	$85-$110	$125-$165	$80-$120
ACT	Canberra	$95-$125	$140-$190	$90-$140
Northern Territory	Darwin	$100-$135	$150-$200	$100-$150

Note: Regional areas typically charge 10-20% less than major cities. Remote areas may charge more due to travel requirements.

Rates by Experience Level

Apprentice (supervised)

$25-$40/hr

Working under licensed electrician

Newly Licensed (1-3 years)

$70-$90/hr

Building experience and client base

Experienced (3-10 years)

$90-$120/hr

Standard market rate

Specialist/Master (10+ years)

$120-$160/hr

Complex work, industrial, commercial

Rates by Job Type

Standard residential work

GPOs, lights, switches, minor repairs

$80-$120/hr

Switchboard upgrades

Higher skill, compliance requirements

$100-$130/hr

Commercial/Industrial

Larger scale, safety requirements

$110-$150/hr

Emergency callouts

After hours, weekends, urgent work

$120-$200/hr

Data/Communications

Network cabling, structured wiring

$90-$130/hr

Solar electrical

Specialist knowledge required

$100-$140/hr

After Hours & Weekend Rates

Standard Multipliers

After hours (6pm-8am): 1.5× standard
Saturday: 1.5× standard
Sunday: 2× standard
Public holidays: 2-2.5× standard

Example (Based on $100/hr)

After hours: $150/hr
Saturday: $150/hr
Sunday: $200/hr
Public holiday: $200-$250/hr

How to Calculate Your Electrician Hourly Rate

Your hourly rate needs to cover all your costs plus profit. Here's how to calculate it:

Cost Breakdown (Example: 40hr week)

Target wage: $1,600/week
Superannuation (11.5%): $184/week
Insurance: $100/week
Vehicle costs: $200/week

Tools/equipment: $50/week
Admin/software: $50/week
Profit margin (20%): $437/week
Total weekly: $2,621

Minimum hourly rate: $2,621 ÷ 40 hours = $65.50/hr

But you won't bill 40 hours — factor in travel, quoting, admin. At 30 billable hours: $87/hr minimum

Don't Forget Hidden Costs

Many electricians undercharge because they forget: quoting time, travel between jobs, warranty callbacks, accounting, marketing, and unbillable admin hours.

Electrician Hourly Rate Australia 2026