How much does an electrician cost in Canberra?
The average electrician in Canberra charges around $127 per hour for standard residential work. Prices vary based on the specific job, time of day, materials required, and your suburb within Canberra. Below you'll find a detailed breakdown of common electrician costs, what factors affect pricing, and tips on how to get the best deal.
| Service | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician (hourly rate) | $88 | $165 | $127 /hr |
| Call-out / service fee | $55 | $165 | $99 flat |
| New powerpoint installation | $165 | $275 | $198 per point |
| Switchboard upgrade | $550 | $1,320 | $880 per job |
| Ceiling fan installation | $165 | $440 | $275 per fan |
| LED downlight installation | $66 | $132 | $94 per light |
| Safety switch installation | $165 | $385 | $253 per switch |
| Smoke alarm (supply + install) | $88 | $220 | $143 per alarm |
| Rewiring (per room) | $1,100 | $3,300 | $1,980 per room |
| Full house rewire (3-bed) | $8,800 | $22,000 | $13,200 total |
| EV charger installation | $1,100 | $3,300 | $2,200 installed |
| Outdoor lighting | $165 | $550 | $330 per light |
| Fault finding / diagnostics | $165 | $440 | $275 per visit |
| Emergency / after-hours | $165 | $550 | $330 per visit |
Prices include GST. Based on Canberra metro area, Feb 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
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.
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 →