How much does an electrician cost in Perth?
Perth electricians charge $80–$130 per hour for standard residential work in 2026, with most quoting around $90–$115/hr. Call-out fees range from $60–$120. This makes Perth mid-range nationally — cheaper than Sydney and Melbourne, similar to Brisbane, and more expensive than Adelaide.
Perth's electrical market has a strong focus on solar (WA has the second-highest solar penetration after Queensland), air conditioning (essential in Perth's climate), and EV charging (growing rapidly). The mining boom's ongoing effect means skilled electricians sometimes leave residential work for higher-paying FIFO contracts, which can tighten availability in busy periods.
| Service | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician (hourly rate) | $84 | $158 | $121 /hr |
| Call-out / service fee | $53 | $158 | $95 flat |
| New powerpoint installation | $158 | $263 | $189 per point |
| Switchboard upgrade | $525 | $1,260 | $840 per job |
| Ceiling fan installation | $158 | $420 | $263 per fan |
| LED downlight installation | $63 | $126 | $89 per light |
| Safety switch installation | $158 | $368 | $242 per switch |
| Smoke alarm (supply + install) | $84 | $210 | $137 per alarm |
| Rewiring (per room) | $1,050 | $3,150 | $1,890 per room |
| Full house rewire (3-bed) | $8,400 | $21,000 | $12,600 total |
| EV charger installation | $1,050 | $3,150 | $2,100 installed |
| Outdoor lighting | $158 | $525 | $315 per light |
| Fault finding / diagnostics | $158 | $420 | $263 per visit |
| Emergency / after-hours | $158 | $525 | $315 per visit |
Prices include GST. Based on Perth metro area, Feb 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
Install a new powerpoint
Standard installation in an existing wall with nearby wiring. Perth's predominantly double-brick construction can make running new cables more time-consuming than timber-framed walls — the electrician may need to surface-mount conduit in some situations, which is functional but less aesthetically clean.
Split-system air conditioning — electrical component
A dedicated circuit, isolator switch, and connection. Perth's extreme summer heat (often 35–42°C for weeks) means air conditioning is a necessity, not a luxury. Most Perth homes need 2–4 split systems. If your switchboard is nearing capacity, a sub-board installation ($600–$1,200) may be needed to accommodate additional circuits.
Solar system — 6.6kW residential
Perth receives some of the highest solar irradiance in Australia, making solar an excellent investment. A 6.6kW system generates 27–32kWh per day in Perth — among the best yields in the country. The electrical component includes inverter mounting, switchboard connection, meter reconfiguration, and the Western Power connection application. Note: Western Power has implemented export limits in some areas — your installer should configure the inverter accordingly.
Full house rewire — 3-bedroom double-brick home
Perth's common double-brick construction makes rewiring more labour-intensive than timber-framed homes. The electrician has limited ability to run cables through wall cavities — much of the wiring goes through the roof space or is surface-mounted in conduit. This increases both time and material costs compared to equivalent work in timber-framed Melbourne or Brisbane homes. Allow 4–7 days for a typical house.
EV charger installation — 7kW
Unit ($700–$2,000) plus installation ($400–$800). Most Perth homes on single-phase power can handle a 7kW charger. The WA government has offered periodic EV charger subsidies — check the Clean Energy Finance Corporation or WA government websites for current programs. Perth's long driving distances (it's the most sprawling city in Australia by area) make home charging particularly important for EV owners.
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.
Electrical work in WA is regulated by Building and Energy (DMIRS) and EnergySafety.
Licence check: All electricians must hold a current WA Electrical Contractor's licence or work under one. Verify at the Building and Energy website.
Notices of completion: The electrician must submit a Notice of Completion (NOC) to Building and Energy within the prescribed timeframe. For prescribed electrical work, an Electrical Safety Certificate is also required. Keep your copy.
RCD requirements: WA requires RCDs (safety switches) on all power and lighting circuits in residential properties. This has been mandatory for new installations since 2000, and for rental properties since 2009. If your home still has circuits without RCD protection, upgrading is strongly recommended.
WA-specific — Synergy and Western Power: Solar installations, battery systems, and EV chargers all require a Western Power connection application. This is lodged by your electrician as part of the installation. Processing times are typically 5–10 business days. Synergy (your electricity retailer) needs to be notified separately if you're installing solar to ensure you receive the correct feed-in tariff.
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 →