Refrigeration Mechanic Cost Calculator & Price Guide — Australia 2026
Choose your job and answer a few questions. The price range changes with each answer, so you know what to expect before you talk to anyone. When you are ready, you can ask up to three local refrigeration mechanics to quote.
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RefrigerationWhat’s the job?
Estimated price
We’ll show a range from similar jobs, then tighten it as you answer.
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RefrigerationHow it works
- 1Choose the job
- 2Answer a few questions
- 3See a local range
Instant estimate · no email or phone number needed to see it
Prices include GST. They come from SureQuote's pricing for each job, updated October 2026.
Understand typical refrigeration mechanic costs, key price drivers, and after-hours pricing before you request quotes.
Price Ranges
Common refrigeration mechanic jobs & costs
Prices based on Australian market data. Most jobs are quoted as fixed price rather than hourly.
Prices include GST. They are indicative ranges for a typical job, from SureQuote's pricing for each job, updated October 2026. Your quote can differ for your specific job. Price yours in the calculator, then matched tradies can reach out to quote.
Learn the rules for hiring refrigeration mechanics in your state
Licences, contracts and deposits for refrigeration work differ across the country. Check yours before you sign.
| Rule | NSW | VIC | QLD | SA | WA | TAS | NT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LicenceWhat the register calls it | Contractor licence (refrigeration work) | Plumbing registration or licence (refrigerated air-conditioning work; mechanical services work) | Contractor licence (Mechanical services—air-conditioning and refrigeration) | Electrical contractors licence | Refrigeration and Airconditioning Mechanic's Licence (restricted electrical licence) | Plumbing contractor licence | Electrical contractor licence | Electrician licence |
| Licence needed fromJob value that triggers it | Any job value | Depends on the work1 | Over $3,3002 | Depends on the work3 | Any job value4 | Depends on the work5 | Any job value6 | Depends on the work7 |
| Check the registerThe official public register | Building Commission NSW register | Building and Plumbing Commission register | Queensland Building and Construction Commission register | Consumer and Business Services register | Building and Energy (WA Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety) register | Consumer Affairs Tasmania register | NT WorkSafe register | Access Canberra — ACT Construction Occupations Registrar register |
| Written contractRequired above | Over $5,000 · large job contract over $20,0008 | Over $10,0009 | Over $3,300 · Level 2 regulated contract (full written contract) from $20,000 | From $20,000 | Over $7,500 | From $20,000 | Does not apply | Does not apply |
| Deposit capMost you can be asked for | Up to 10%8 | Not listed | Not listed | Up to 5%10 | Up to 6.5%11 | Not listed | Does not apply | Does not apply |
| Warranty insuranceBuilder must hold it above | Over $20,000 · minimum cover $340,0008 | Over $20,0009 | Does not apply | From $20,000 · minimum cover $250,000 | Does not apply | Does not apply | Does not apply | Does not apply |
| Cooling-offAfter you sign | 5 business days · on contracts over $20,000128 | 5 business days · on contracts over $10,0009 | 5 business days · on contracts over $3,300 | 5 business days · on contracts over $20,000 | Does not apply | 5 business days · on contracts over $20,000 | Does not apply | Does not apply |
- 1VIC · Licence needed from: Systems that heat or cool a building need a plumber registered for refrigerated air-conditioning work. Synthetic refrigerant work needs an ARC licence.
- 2QLD · Licence needed from: On a house, shed or garage, refrigeration work needs a QBCC building licence. Synthetic refrigerant work needs an ARC licence.
- 3SA · Licence needed from: Plug-in fridge repairs need no state licence. Synthetic refrigerant work needs an ARC licence. Fixed systems need a registered electrical worker and licensed contractor.
- 4WA · Licence needed from: New or changed fixed wiring also needs a licensed electrician and electrical contractor.
- 5TAS · Licence needed from: Plug-in fridge repairs need no state licence. Synthetic refrigerant work needs an ARC licence. Building heating or cooling systems need a mechanical services plumber.
- 6NT · Licence needed from: Installing or wiring refrigeration equipment needs an electrician with an unrestricted licence. Handling refrigerant also needs a refrigerant handling licence.
- 7ACT · Licence needed from: Any new wiring needs an unrestricted electrician. Refrigerant handling needs a refrigerant handling licence.
- 8NSW · You get these protections for refrigeration and air-conditioning work on a home.
- 9VIC · A contract just for refrigerated air-conditioning work does not get these protections. A bigger building job that includes it does.
- 10SA · Deposit cap: Applies only to contracts of $20,000 or more. Smaller jobs have no deposit limit.
- 11WA · Deposit cap: This limit applies to jobs that cost more than $7,500 and less than $500,000.
- 12NSW · Cooling-off: The price includes GST.
NSW Sources: nsw.gov.au, Home Building Regulation 2014, Home Building Act 1989. Checked 15 Oct 2026.
VIC Sources: Building Act 1993, bpc.vic.gov.au, Plumbing Regulations 2018, consumer.vic.gov.au, Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995. Checked 16 Oct 2026.
QLD Sources: Queensland Building and Construction Commission Regulation 2018, qbcc.qld.gov.au, Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act 1991. Checked 16 Oct 2026.
SA Sources: sa.gov.au, Plumbers, Gas Fitters and Electricians Act 1995, cbs.sa.gov.au, Building Work Contractors Act 1995. Checked 16 Oct 2026.
WA Sources: Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991, wa.gov.au, Home Building Contracts Regulations 1992, Home Building Contracts Act 1991. Checked 16 Oct 2026.
TAS Sources: Occupational Licensing Act 2005, consumeraffairs.tas.gov.au, buildingstandards.tas.gov.au, Residential Building Work Contracts and Dispute Resolution Act 2016. Checked 16 Oct 2026.
NT Sources: worksafe.nt.gov.au, Electrical Safety Regulations 2024, Building Act 1993, Building Regulations 1993, Building (RBI and Fidelity Fund Schemes) Regulations 2012. Checked 17 Oct 2026.
ACT Sources: planning.act.gov.au, accesscanberra.act.gov.au. Checked 16 Oct 2026.
Common Questions
Refrigeration Mechanic pricing FAQ
How much do refrigeration mechanics typically charge?
Do refrigeration mechanics charge call-out fees?
Do refrigeration mechanics need a licence in Australia?
Is the SureQuote estimate a quote, and why can a tradie's quote be different?
What happens after I submit my job, and how many tradies will contact me?
Is it free to get quotes, and does the tradie's fee raise my price?
Can I add photos to my job?
Do I have to hire one of the tradies?
Does SureQuote check tradies' licences and insurance?
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