How much do tradies cost in Melbourne?

$125

avg plumber/hr

↑+1.8% this qtr

Competitive trade market with strong union presence. Compare Melbourne VIC prices across all 36 trades — prices verified April 2026 with data from 90+ Australian sources.

Population

5.2M

State

VIC

Cost vs Average

+5% vs national avg

Melbourne Trade Cost Guides

Plumber $84–$210 /hr↑+1.7% → Electrician $84–$160 /hr↑+1.3% → Kitchen Renovation $8,400–$21,000 total↑+2.5% → Bathroom Renovation $10,500–$21,000 total↑+2.2% → Painter $52–$105 /hr↑+1.3% → Air Conditioning $1,250–$2,625 installed↑+2.3% → Roofing $210–$525 per visit↑+2.3% → Fencing $79–$170 /m↑+3.0% → Solar & Battery $5,250–$8,900 installed↓-1.5% → Landscaping $58–$115 /hr↑+1.5% → Pest Control $190–$470 per visit↑+1.2% → Flooring $47–$115 /sqm↑+1.4% → Tree Removal $260–$840 per tree↑+1.7% → Garage Doors $1,250–$3,675 installed↑+1.1% → Pool Maintenance $105–$315 /month↑+1.4% → Concreting $79–$160 /sqm↑+2.1% → Carpet Cleaning $26–$52 /room↑+1.3% → Removalist $105–$190 /hr↑+1.6% → Hot Water System $840–$2,625 installed↑+1.9% → Retaining Wall $210–$470 /lm↑+2.4% → Tiling $37–$94 /sqm↑+1.5% → Rendering $32–$63 /sqm↑+2.0% → Decking $190–$370 /sqm↑+2.0% → House Cleaning $37–$84 /hr↑+1.5% → Handyman $52–$145 /hr↑+1.3% → Lawn Mowing $47–$105 per visit↑+1.0% → Carpenter $58–$135 /hr↑+1.9% → Locksmith $125–$315 per job↑+0.8% → Plastering $52–$125 /hr↑+2.1% → Gutter Cleaning $105–$295 total↑+1.2% → Skip Bin Hire $210–$380 per hire↑+1.6% → Window Cleaning $42–$84 /hr↑+0.9% → Insulation $13–$37 /sqm↑+1.8% → Pressure Washing $42–$105 /hr↑+1.2% → Bricklaying $47–$105 /hr↑+2.3% → Gas Fitting $105–$210 /hr↑+2.0% →

About Melbourne Trade Costs

Australia's second-largest city with strong, competitive trade demand. Melbourne costs sit 5% above the national average, with significant variation between inner suburbs and outer growth corridors.

Melbourne's large stock of Victorian-era terrace homes in Fitzroy, Richmond and Collingwood creates a two-tier market — inner suburbs command a 10–20% premium over outer growth corridors like Cranbourne and Pakenham. Union presence is strong in the construction sector, meaning award rates are consistently enforced and undercutting is less common here than in other cities.

For plumbing and electrical work, Melbourne tradies average $126/hr. Melbourne's competitive market makes getting multiple quotes particularly effective — a three-quote strategy routinely saves homeowners 15–30% here.

Licensing & Regulations in VIC

In VIC, trade licensing is regulated by Victorian Building Authority (VBA). Before hiring any tradesperson in Melbourne, verify their licence at vba.vic.gov.au. All plumbing, electrical, and building work over certain thresholds must be carried out by licensed professionals. Unlicensed work can void your home insurance and leave you without legal protection if something goes wrong.

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