Electrician Cost Guide Australia — What to Expect in 2025
Licensed electrician rates, call-out fees and common job costs broken down by state. Get the full picture before calling an electrician.
Average Electrician Costs in Australia
Licensed electricians in Australia typically charge $90–$200 per hour. A standard call-out fee of $80–$150 usually covers the first 30 minutes of work. Most simple jobs like installing a power point or replacing a light fitting cost $150–$350 all up.
| Job / Item | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Call-out fee | $80 | $120 | $200 |
| Hourly rate | $90 | $140 | $200 |
| Power point install | $100 | $200 | $350 |
| Light fitting install | $80 | $150 | $280 |
| Safety switch install | $150 | $250 | $450 |
| Switchboard upgrade | $800 | $1,800 | $4,000 |
| EV charger install | $900 | $1,500 | $2,500 |
Why You Must Use a Licensed Electrician
Unlike some trade work, electrical work in Australia is strictly regulated. It is illegal to perform your own electrical work in every state and territory. The consequences of unlicensed electrical work include voided home insurance, significant fire risk, electrocution hazard and legal liability. Always verify your electrician holds a current contractor's licence for your state.
- NSW — Electrical contractor licence from Fair Trading NSW
- VIC — Electrical contractor licence from Energy Safe Victoria
- QLD — Electrical contractor licence from Queensland Building and Construction Commission
- WA — Electrical contractor licence from EnergySafety WA
- SA — Electrical contractor licence from Consumer and Business Services SA
How to Get a Fair Price from Your Electrician
The best way to ensure you're paying a fair price is to collect multiple quotes from verified, licensed electricians. Beyond that, these strategies help.
- Get 3 quotes for any job over $500
- Ask for a fixed price rather than hourly for standard jobs
- Combine multiple small jobs into one visit to minimise call-out fees
- Book during business hours — after-hours rates can be 50–100% more expensive
- Check reviews from verified customers before hiring
- Ask if they will provide a Certificate of Compliance on completion
