How much does an electrician cost in Townsville?
Electricians in Townsville charge $86–$160 per hour for standard residential work, with most jobs also attracting a call-out fee of $54–$160. The total cost depends on the job type, complexity, time of day, and your suburb.
Common electrician jobs in Townsville include: Call-out / service fee: $54–$160 flat · New powerpoint installation: $160–$270 per point · Switchboard upgrade: $540–$1,300 per job. All prices include GST and are based on Townsville metro rates, March 2026.
Prices vary by up to 30% depending on job complexity, your suburb within Townsville, and the tradie's experience. Always get at least 3 quotes — compare free Townsville quotes here.
Detailed Pricing — Townsville 2026
| Service | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician (hourly rate) | $86/hr | $125 | $160 |
| Call-out / service fee | $54flat | $97 | $160 |
| New powerpoint installation | $160per point | $195 | $270 |
| Switchboard upgrade | $540per job | $865 | $1,300 |
| Ceiling fan installation | $160per fan | $270 | $430 |
| LED downlight installation | $65per light | $92 | $130 |
| Safety switch installation | $160per switch | $250 | $380 |
| Smoke alarm (supply + install) | $86per alarm | $140 | $215 |
| Rewiring (per room) | $1,075per room | $1,950 | $3,250 |
| Full house rewire (3-bed) | $8,650total | $12,950 | $21,600 |
| EV charger installation | $1,075installed | $2,150 | $3,250 |
| Outdoor lighting | $160per light | $325 | $540 |
| Fault finding / diagnostics | $160per visit | $270 | $430 |
| Emergency / after-hours | $160per visit | $325 | $540 |
Prices include GST. Based on Townsville metro area, Mar 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
How Prices Vary Across Townsville
Like most trades in Townsville, electrical work costs more in some areas than others. The variation is driven by property age, demand density, parking, and the type of electrical systems installed.
Newer housing stock with modern wiring and larger switchboards. More electricians service these areas, keeping rates competitive. Access is generally straightforward — single and double-storey homes with roof cavities you can actually crawl through. New estates in suburbs like Oran Park and Marsden Park may have builder warranty issues that the original contractor should fix for free.
Install a single new powerpoint
One of the most common electrical jobs. If existing wiring is nearby and the switchboard has capacity, it's a 30–45 minute task. If the electrician needs to run new cable through walls or the switchboard needs a new circuit breaker, add $100–$200. Installing an outdoor weatherproof GPO costs more ($200–$350) due to marine-rated fittings and weatherproof covers.
Full switchboard upgrade — old ceramic fuses to modern RCD/safety switches
This is the single most important electrical upgrade you can make in an older Townsville home. If your house still has ceramic fuses or a bakelite switchboard, it doesn't have RCD (safety switch) protection — meaning a faulty appliance could kill you. A standard upgrade to a modern board with safety switches, circuit breakers, and labelling takes 3–5 hours. Larger homes or those needing new sub-mains from the meter box cost more. From November 2024, QLD requires safety switches on all power and lighting circuits in properties being sold, leased, or renovated — this is no longer optional.
Install 6 LED downlights in a living room
Typically $80–$150 per light installed (labour + fitting), depending on whether existing wiring and switching is in place or needs to be run fresh. Recessed downlights in concrete ceilings (common in apartments) cost significantly more than timber-framed ceilings. Quality LED fittings from brands like Clipsal or HPM run $30–$80 each. Cheap imported fittings may not meet Australian standards and can void your insurance.
Ceiling fan installation — replacing an existing light
If there's an existing ceiling rose with power, it's a relatively quick job (45–90 minutes). The catch: not all ceiling boxes can support the weight and vibration of a fan. If the mounting point needs reinforcing or a fan-rated box, add $50–$150. Fan-supplied wiring controllers add another $80–$150 for the wall plate. Don't attempt ceiling fan installation yourself — the combination of electrical work at height is where accidents happen.
Full house rewire — 3-bedroom home
The big one. If your home was built before 1980 and has never been rewired, the wiring is likely degraded, undersized, and potentially dangerous. A full rewire replaces all circuits, installs a modern switchboard, and brings everything to current standards. The cost depends hugely on access (exposed roof cavity vs. concrete slab with no ceiling space), the number of circuits, and how many powerpoints and light fittings you want. Budget 3–7 days for a typical house. This is also the right time to add data cabling, USB powerpoints, outdoor circuits, and EV charger preparation.