How much does an electrician cost in Brisbane?
Brisbane's electrical market is shaped by the city's rapid growth, subtropical climate, and a booming rooftop solar sector. As of 2026, most residential electricians in Brisbane charge between $75 and $110 per hour during standard business hours, making it one of the more affordable major cities for electrical work in Australia — typically 15–25% below Sydney rates.
The lower cost doesn't mean lower quality. Queensland's electrical licensing requirements are rigorous, and Brisbane electricians are particularly experienced with solar installations, storm damage repairs, and air conditioning circuits — the bread and butter of subtropical electrical work. With over 30% of Brisbane homes now having rooftop solar, and air conditioning considered essential rather than optional, the typical Brisbane electrician handles a wider range of work than their southern counterparts.
We've compiled pricing from QBCC-registered electrical contractors, industry databases, and Queensland trade associations to give you the most accurate breakdown of electrician costs across Greater Brisbane for 2026.
| 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 |
Prices include GST. Based on Brisbane metro area, Feb 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
Pricing varies across Brisbane based on property age, wiring condition, and distance from the electrical trade base (concentrated in the south and west industrial areas). Older suburbs cost more due to legacy wiring that needs upgrading.
Inner Brisbane
New Farm, Paddington, West End, Fortitude Valley. Character homes and Queenslanders with original VIR (vulcanised india rubber) wiring that needs complete replacement ($6,000–$15,000 for a full rewire). Many older homes have inadequate switchboards with ceramic fuses — a full upgrade to modern RCDs costs $1,200–$2,500. Apartment work requires strata approval and often involves after-hours access, increasing costs. Parking and access restrictions in inner Brisbane add $50–$100 to callout fees.
Northside Suburbs
Chermside, Aspley, Albany Creek, Redcliffe. Predominantly 1960s–80s homes with older TPS wiring that's generally serviceable but may need safety switch upgrades. Good access and straightforward layouts. Solar installations are very popular in these suburbs due to north-facing roof orientations and minimal shading. Switchboard upgrades are the most common job — moving from old fuse boards to modern RCD/RCBO protected switchboards.
Southside & Logan
Sunnybank, Mount Gravatt, Springwood, Logan. The most competitive rates in Greater Brisbane. Newer housing stock in growth areas means less legacy wiring to contend with. High density of electricians serving these areas keeps pricing sharp. Solar and air conditioning installations dominate the workload. Logan's newer estates often need additional circuits for home offices and EV chargers as families grow.
Bayside & Redlands
Wynnum, Manly, Cleveland, Victoria Point. Salt air corrosion affects outdoor wiring, switchboards, and solar inverter components. Coastal-rated enclosures and stainless fixings are advisable. Mix of 1970s fibro homes (potential asbestos around meter boards) and newer waterfront developments. Slightly higher rates than inner south due to fewer electricians servicing the area.
Here's what common electrical jobs cost all-in across Brisbane in 2026, including callout fees, labour, and materials.
Powerpoint installation — single double GPO
Callout ($60–$90) plus 30–45 minutes labour plus materials ($15–$30). Adding multiple powerpoints at once is much more cost-effective — most electricians offer a reduced rate for additional GPOs ($80–$150 each) when done in the same visit. Modern kitchens typically need 6–8 double powerpoints; if adding during a renovation, bundle the electrical work for significant savings.
Switchboard upgrade — old fuses to modern RCDs
A full switchboard upgrade from ceramic fuses to a modern board with RCDs/RCBOs, circuit breakers, and proper labelling. This is the most common substantial electrical job in Brisbane's established suburbs. Cost depends on the number of circuits (a typical 3-bedroom home has 8–12) and whether any wiring needs replacing to connect to the new board. Essential for safety and required before most solar installations.
Ceiling fan installation
Supply and install of a ceiling fan in a room with existing wiring. If there's no existing ceiling fixture, new wiring and a switch add $100–$200. In Brisbane's climate, ceiling fans are used almost year-round — they cost about $0.02/hr to run versus $0.50–$2.00/hr for air conditioning. AC/DC motor fans (from $300–$800) are quieter and more energy-efficient than older AC-only models. Most Brisbane homes benefit from fans in every bedroom plus the living area.
LED downlight installation — set of 6
Supply and install of 6 LED downlights including cutting holes, running cables, and connecting to existing circuits. IC-rated (insulation contact) downlights are mandatory in Brisbane if there's insulation in the ceiling — non-IC downlights are a fire hazard. Dimmer-compatible LEDs add $50–$100 to the total but give much better ambience. If replacing old halogen downlights, the energy savings alone pay for the upgrade within 1–2 years.
Full house rewire — 3-bedroom Queenslander
Complete replacement of all wiring, new switchboard, new powerpoints and light switches throughout. Queenslander houses (raised timber) are actually easier to rewire than brick veneer because the wiring can be run underneath and through the walls without major demolition. A fibro or brick home costs 20–30% more due to the need to chase walls. Includes new smoke alarms (interconnected, mandatory in Queensland since 2022 for all dwellings), safety switches on every circuit, and a Certificate of Compliance.
Switchboard condition
If your switchboard is old (ceramic fuses), most jobs will require an upgrade first — adding $800–$3,500 before the actual work begins.
Cable runs & access
Running new cables through walls, ceilings, or under floors takes time. Single-storey homes with roof access are cheaper than multi-storey or slab-on-ground.
Compliance requirements
Australian electrical standards change regularly. Older homes may need additional work to meet current codes, even for simple jobs.
Number of points
Electricians often discount per-point rates when you're installing multiple powerpoints, lights, or switches in one visit.
Time of day
After-hours electrical work costs 50–100% more. Unless it's a safety issue, book during business hours.
Materials quality
Premium switches, smart home wiring, and commercial-grade components cost more than standard residential fittings.
Queensland electrical regulations are enforced by the Electrical Safety Office (ESO) and the QBCC. The penalties for unlicensed electrical work are severe — up to $40,000 for individuals.
QBCC electrical licence: All electrical work in Queensland must be done by a licensed electrician. There are multiple classes — for residential work, you need an electrician with a Contractor licence (not just a worker licence). Verify at the QBCC website. Unlicensed operators are a genuine problem in Brisbane — always check before engaging anyone.
Certificate of Compliance: After completing any electrical work, the electrician must issue a Certificate of Testing and Compliance. This document confirms the work meets Australian Standards and is lodged with the distribution entity (Energex in South-East Queensland). Without this certificate, you have no proof the work is compliant, and it may affect your insurance if something goes wrong.
Smoke alarm requirements: Since January 2022, all Queensland dwellings (including rentals) must have interconnected, photoelectric smoke alarms in every bedroom, hallway, and on each level. Properties being sold, leased, or significantly renovated must be upgraded. Budget $800–$2,000 for a full smoke alarm upgrade in a 3-bedroom home, including hardwired units and installation.
Solar-specific licensing: Solar panel installation requires a Clean Energy Council (CEC) accreditation in addition to the electrical licence. The installer must be CEC-accredited for you to receive Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) — the upfront discount on your solar system. Always verify CEC accreditation separately from the electrical licence.
Brisbane is Australia's solar capital — more sunshine hours than any other major city, combined with high electricity costs, make rooftop solar the single best electrical investment most Brisbane homeowners can make.
Solar (6.6kW system): $4,500–$7,500 installed after STCs (the upfront rebate, typically $2,500–$3,000 off). Brisbane's average 5.2 peak sun hours daily means a 6.6kW system generates roughly 25–28kWh/day — enough to cover most households' daytime consumption plus export credits. Quality brands (Fronius, Enphase, SunGrow inverters with Jinko, Longi, or Trina panels) cost more but come with better warranties and performance guarantees. The electrical work includes inverter mounting, switchboard modifications, meter reconfiguration, and Energex connection application.
Battery storage (10–13kWh): $8,000–$14,000 installed. Brisbane doesn't have a state battery rebate like Victoria, making the economics slightly less compelling — payback is typically 8–12 years at current electricity rates. However, if you experience regular storm-related power outages (common in Brisbane's storm season), a battery with backup capability provides genuine peace of mind. Tesla Powerwall, BYD, and Sungrow are the most common choices.
EV charger (7kW single-phase): $1,200–$2,800 installed including the unit, dedicated circuit, and switchboard modifications. Brisbane's urban sprawl makes car commuting unavoidable for most households — an EV charger pays for itself quickly in fuel savings. Most Brisbane homes on single-phase power can accommodate a 7kW charger, but have your electrician assess your total load to avoid tripping the main breaker when the charger, AC, and oven run simultaneously.
Our Methodology
Prices on this page are compiled from publicly available cost guides, tradie marketplaces (ServiceSeeking, hipages, Airtasker, Service.com.au), industry body data (HIA, Master Builders), and individual tradesperson websites across Australia. We cross-reference ranges from multiple sources and adjust for city-specific cost differences based on advertised rates, salary data, and cost-of-living indicators. Our guides are independently produced — we don't employ tradespeople and have no financial incentive to inflate or deflate prices. All prices are estimates and will vary based on your specific job. Always get at least 3 quotes. Last reviewed February 2026. Read our full methodology →