Electrician Cost Australia 2026
Electrical work in Australia must be done by a licensed electrician. Costs vary significantly based on the job type, wiring complexity, and whether your switchboard needs upgrading.
| Service | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician (hourly rate) | $80 | $150 | $115 /hr |
| Call-out / service fee | $50 | $150 | $90 flat |
| New powerpoint installation | $150 | $250 | $180 per point |
| Switchboard upgrade | $500 | $1,200 | $800 per job |
| Ceiling fan installation | $150 | $400 | $250 per fan |
| LED downlight installation | $60 | $120 | $85 per light |
| Safety switch installation | $150 | $350 | $230 per switch |
| Smoke alarm (supply + install) | $80 | $200 | $130 per alarm |
| Rewiring (per room) | $1,000 | $3,000 | $1,800 per room |
| Full house rewire (3-bed) | $8,000 | $20,000 | $12,000 total |
| EV charger installation | $1,000 | $3,000 | $2,000 installed |
| Outdoor lighting | $150 | $500 | $300 per light |
| Fault finding / diagnostics | $150 | $400 | $250 per visit |
| Emergency / after-hours | $150 | $500 | $300 per visit |
National average prices. Select a city above for location-specific pricing.
Electrical work in Australia ranges from simple power point installations to full rewiring of older homes. Most electricians charge an hourly rate of $80 to $190, with the national average around $110/hr during business hours. Like plumbing, a call-out fee of $60–$130 is standard on top of the hourly rate.
All electrical work in Australia must be carried out by a licensed electrician and inspected by the relevant state authority. This isn't optional — unlicensed electrical work is illegal, dangerous, and will void your home insurance. Always check your electrician's licence before hiring.
Job scope & wiring complexity
Adding a single power point is straightforward. Rewiring a house, upgrading a switchboard, or installing a three-phase supply involves significantly more time and materials.
Access & building age
Older homes with outdated wiring, asbestos, or difficult-to-access ceiling cavities take longer and cost more. Heritage-listed properties may have additional restrictions.
Materials & fittings
Basic power points and switches are inexpensive, but smart home systems, LED downlight packages, or premium switchgear can add significantly to material costs.
Switchboard condition
If your switchboard needs upgrading to handle new circuits (common with solar, EV chargers, or air conditioning), this can add $800–$2,500 to the project.
Your location
Capital cities tend to cost more than regional areas. Sydney and Melbourne electricians typically charge 10–20% more than those in Adelaide or Hobart.
Certifications needed
Some jobs require compliance certificates or council inspections. These add time and cost but are legally required for safety.
About This Guide
Our electrician cost guides cover 12 major Australian cities with location-adjusted pricing. Updated quarterly — last reviewed February 2026.