National pricing guide

Electrical Work Cost in Australia

Electrical Work in Australia has a modelled range of $120–$500, with a midpoint estimate of $310. See your city for local modelling assumptions and available evidence.

Independent source review pending. See the evidence card for any actual verification date.

Modelled estimate

$120–$500

Midpoint estimate: $310 per job

Australia · Broad service estimate; confirm the job scope

Modelled estimate, not calculated from consumer submissions. GST treatment unknown; city, suburb and materials differences are assumptions rather than observed prices. Confirm scope and inclusions with the provider.

How this figure is put together

Modelled estimate; verified submission count unavailable. These figures are not calculated from consumer submissions.

Modelled estimate. City, suburb and materials factors are assumptions, not observed price differences. Confirm GST, units and inclusions with the provider.

GST treatment is unknown for this basis; confirm it with the provider.

No verified observation date for this model.

Existing guide assumptions; not a measured market sample or verified rate card.

Source and methodology

How electrical work is priced in Australia

Electrical work is licensed in every state and territory, and unlicensed electrical work is an offence in each of them, so a job from a power point to a rewire needs a licensed electrician who issues a compliance certificate. Pricing combines a call-out, hourly labour, and fixed prices for standard jobs like power points, light fittings, safety switches and switchboard upgrades. Solar, batteries and EV chargers have become a large share of residential electrical work.

Price is driven by the job, the state of the existing wiring and switchboard, access (roof space, high ceilings, brick walls), and materials. Older homes often need a switchboard upgrade before anything else can be added, and coastal and tropical areas need corrosion-resistant fittings.

Estimate or verified?

Here electrical work prices on this page are modelled estimates using existing guide assumptions, without a reconciled source dataset. An observed range is published only when its numbers are computed from at least 10 eligible submissions with matching scope, tax and materials treatment. Quotes and paid invoices are kept separate. How we build estimates · Submit a price

Electrical Work cost by city

Estimates by city, adjusted from the national range. Click your city for local detail and city-specific FAQ.

Electrical Work by city

Modelled ranges, not observed prices. The spread between cities comes from a published city multiplier applied to the national range — it is an assumption about each market, not a measurement of it.

Bars span the modelled low to high for each city; the tick marks the midpoint. Highest: Sydney, $120$500. Lowest: Toowoomba, $94$390.

Price by type and size

National estimates. Actual prices vary by city, see your city above for local pricing.

Callout + 1hr

Range$120–$200
Midpoint estimate$160

Powerpoint install

Range$120–$220
Midpoint estimate$170

Switchboard upgrade

Range$800–$2,500
Midpoint estimate$1,650

Ceiling fan

Range$150–$350
Midpoint estimate$250

Add-on pricing

Add-onCost
After-hours callout$80–$200
Smoke alarm$60–$120
EV charger$800–$2,500

What drives price up

After-hours/emergency
Old wiring
Permits
Switchboard parts

Usually included

  • Callout + first hour
  • Diagnosis
  • Minor parts
  • Compliance cert

Usually excluded

  • Major parts
  • After-hours
  • Permits
  • Smart home wiring

Who is allowed to do electrical work in each state

Licensing is the first thing to check before comparing prices. An unlicensed quote for licensed work is not a quote you can use.

Who licenses this work

Electrical work, state by state

On a small screen, scroll across to see every column.

StateRegulatorRule
NSWNSW Government – contractor qualificationsConfirm the licence, registration, contract and certificate requirements for this exact job with the official authority for NSW. This guide does not assert a dollar threshold or an exemption. For permits, ask the relevant council; for consumer-contract questions, consult the ACCC guidance.
VICEnergy Safe VictoriaConfirm the licence, registration, contract and certificate requirements for this exact job with the official authority for VIC. This guide does not assert a dollar threshold or an exemption. For permits, ask the relevant council; for consumer-contract questions, consult the ACCC guidance.
QLDElectrical Safety Office QueenslandConfirm the licence, registration, contract and certificate requirements for this exact job with the official authority for QLD. This guide does not assert a dollar threshold or an exemption. For permits, ask the relevant council; for consumer-contract questions, consult the ACCC guidance.
WABuilding and EnergyConfirm the licence, registration, contract and certificate requirements for this exact job with the official authority for WA. This guide does not assert a dollar threshold or an exemption. For permits, ask the relevant council; for consumer-contract questions, consult the ACCC guidance.
SAConsumer and Business ServicesConfirm the licence, registration, contract and certificate requirements for this exact job with the official authority for SA. This guide does not assert a dollar threshold or an exemption. For permits, ask the relevant council; for consumer-contract questions, consult the ACCC guidance.
TASConsumer, Building and Occupational ServicesConfirm the licence, registration, contract and certificate requirements for this exact job with the official authority for TAS. This guide does not assert a dollar threshold or an exemption. For permits, ask the relevant council; for consumer-contract questions, consult the ACCC guidance.
ACTAccess CanberraConfirm the licence, registration, contract and certificate requirements for this exact job with the official authority for ACT. This guide does not assert a dollar threshold or an exemption. For permits, ask the relevant council; for consumer-contract questions, consult the ACCC guidance.
NTNT WorkSafeConfirm the relevant Northern Territory licensing authority for this occupation. No licence rule or threshold is asserted here.

Rules without a checked source have been replaced with official pointers. Qualified trade review is pending; no universal licence exemption is asserted.

Common mistakes

DIY electrical

Modelled assumption: Illegal in Australia. Fines up to $55,000.

Not checking licence

Unlicensed work voids insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I DIY?

No. All electrical must be licensed.

Why so expensive?

Licensing, insurance, compliance.

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