How much do electricians typically charge?

Costs vary depending on the job type, how much fault-finding is needed, and whether switchboard or circuit work is involved. Electricians typically charge a call-out fee plus an hourly labour rate, and after-hours attendance usually attracts higher rates. Check the live pricing on this page to compare local quotes.

Do electricians charge call-out fees?

Call-out fees are common and are usually charged separately to labour and materials to cover travel and the initial assessment. Some providers may also have a minimum charge for small jobs, so it's worth confirming any call-out or minimum fees when requesting quotes.

Do electricians need a licence in Australia?

Yes — electrical work must be carried out by a licensed electrician in every Australian state and territory, and in NSW licensing is through NSW Fair Trading. Electricians should display a valid state electrical licence number on quotes and advertising and will usually issue a Certificate of Electrical Safety on completion of work.

Cost Guide

Electrician Costs in Australia

Understand typical electrician costs, key price drivers, and after-hours pricing before you request quotes.

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Hourly rate

$110/hr

Call-out fee

$95

After-hours

1.5x – 2.0x

Price Ranges

Common electrician jobs & costs

Prices based on Australia market data. Most jobs are quoted as fixed price rather than hourly.

Ceiling FansRequest quote

Existing mounting point and ceiling boxNeed for new wiring or circuitRoof or attic access and locationWho supplies the fan unitTiming and after‑hours attendance

Ceiling Fans Repair$245 – $1,035

Dedicated CircuitRequest quote

Circuit type and amperageNumber of circuits requiredSwitchboard and supply capacityInstallation route and accessTiming and callout arrangements

Electrician General Help$160 – $2,475

Time and after-hours attendanceAccess and concealed faultsSwitchboard and consumer mains conditionExtent of new wiring or partial rewirePermits, isolation and safety requirements

Fault Finding$150 – $2,255

Callout fee and time on siteFault severity and safety riskDiagnostic complexity and scopeParts and materials requiredTiming and access conditions

Lighting InstallRequest quote

Existing wiring and circuit capacityExtent of new cabling and routingSwitchboard and protection workFixture complexity and specialist materialsAccess, height and equipment hire

Lighting RepairRequest quote

Powerpoints and switchesRequest quote

Scope: replacement vs new circuitWall material and accessSwitchboard or circuit capacityMaterials and hardware choicesTiming, callout and after-hours

Powerpoints and Switches RepairRequest quote

Safety InspectionRequest quote

Need for formal compliance documentationWhether remedial work is requiredAccess to switchboard and meterMaterials and consumables allowanceTiming and attendance (after-hours)

Smoke AlarmsRequest quote

Power type and interconnectionCabling runs and roof‑void accessRemediation and switchboard workCustomer‑supplied alarms and materialsTiming and after‑hours attendance

Smoke Alarms RepairRequest quote

Switchboard Repair$255 – $1,555

Switchboard UpgradeRequest quote

Upgrade scope (RCDs vs full board)Inclusion of consumer mains/supplyMaterials and optional extrasDiscovery of additional wiring faultsDistributor, utility and trenching fees

Prices are indicative and based on typical jobs in the Australia area. Your actual quote may differ based on specific job requirements. Get a personalised estimate for an accurate price.

Licensing & Compliance

Electrician licensing requirements

Electrician is regulated in Australia. Requirements vary by state. Here's what to know before hiring.

What to look for

Valid state electrical licence displayed on quotes and advertising
ABN with active GST registration
Public liability insurance ($5M minimum)
Master Electricians Australia or NECA membership
Certificate of Electrical Safety issued after each job

Requirements by state

New South Wales — Electrical Contractor Licence / Qualified Supervisor Certificate required · Verify

Victoria — Electrician's Licence / Registered Electrical Contractor required · Verify

Queensland — Electrical Contractor Licence required · Verify

Western Australia — Electrical Worker's Licence / Electrical Contractor's Licence required · Verify

South Australia — Electrical Worker Registration / Electrical Contractor Licence required · Verify

Tasmania — Electrical Practitioner's Licence / Electrical Contractor's Licence required · Verify

Northern Territory — Electrical Worker Licence / Electrical Contractor Licence required · Verify

Australian Capital Territory — Electrician Licence required · Verify

Common Questions

Electrician pricing FAQ

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