Independent Australian Cost Guides
Updated February 2026
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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.

Choose Your City

Location pin — Sydney
Sydney
From $132 per hour
+1.7%
Location pin — Melbourne
Melbourne
From $121 per hour
+4.5%
Location pin — Brisbane
Brisbane
From $115 per hour
-0.9%
Location pin — Perth
Perth
From $121 per hour
Stable
Location pin — Adelaide
Adelaide
From $106 per hour
Stable
Location pin — Gold Coast
Gold Coast
From $113 per hour
+4.2%
Location pin — Canberra
Canberra
From $127 per hour
+1.9%
Location pin — Hobart
Hobart
From $104 per hour
+1.3%
Location pin — Darwin
Darwin
From $132 per hour
+4.3%
Location pin — Newcastle
Newcastle
From $109 per hour
+3.9%
Location pin — Geelong
Geelong
From $107 per hour
+3.5%
Location pin — Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Coast
From $112 per hour
+2.5%

National Pricing Overview

ServiceLowHighAverage
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.

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What Affects Electrician Costs

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.

How to Save Money on Electrician Costs

1
Get 3 quotes minimum — electrician pricing varies widely for the same job
2
Ask about switchboard capacity before adding new circuits (air con, EV charger, solar)
3
Bundle jobs together — adding power points, data cables, and lights in one visit is cheaper
4
Check your electrician's licence on your state's regulatory website
5
Ask if the quote includes compliance certificates and inspection fees
6
Consider LED upgrades during any electrical work — the labour is already paid for
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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an electrician charge per hour in Australia?
Australian electricians typically charge $80–$190 per hour during business hours. The national average is around $110/hr. After-hours and emergency rates are usually 1.5x to 2x higher.
How much does it cost to install a power point?
A single power point installation typically costs $150–$300, including the call-out fee. Adding multiple points in one visit reduces the per-point cost to around $100–$180 each.
How much does a switchboard upgrade cost?
A full switchboard upgrade in Australia costs $800–$2,500 depending on the size of your home and the number of circuits. This is often required before installing solar panels, EV chargers, or air conditioning.
Can I do my own electrical work in Australia?
No. All electrical work in Australia must be done by a licensed electrician. DIY electrical work is illegal in every state and territory, can result in fines, and will void your home insurance.
How much does it cost to rewire a house?
Full house rewiring in Australia costs $8,000–$25,000+ depending on the size of the home, accessibility, and whether walls need to be opened. A 3-bedroom house typically costs $10,000–$18,000.

About This Guide

Our electrician cost guides cover 12 major Australian cities with location-adjusted pricing. Updated quarterly — last reviewed February 2026.