Undertaking electrical work without having the expertise can be very dangerous. Expert electricians offer a wide range of services, and it’s important to know what you’ll be expected to pay before beginning your project.
Electricians charge for their services on an hourly basis, and the cost can vary from $80 to $130 per hour. These prices depend on the complexity of the work, the size of the job required, and the nature of the repair or installation work. Whether you are renovating your home, building a new house, or installing a new light fixture to brighten up your space, it's important to know how much you will be charged for any electrical services so that you can manage the budget of your project.
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Average hourly rates of electricians across Australia |
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State |
Cost/hour |
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$90.50 |
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$102.50 |
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$98 |
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$92 |
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$95 |
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$104 |
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Average hourly rates of electricians across Australia |
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City |
Cost/hour |
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$90 to $130 |
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$75 to $110 |
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$90 to $105 |
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$80 to $100 |
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$85 to $130 |
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There are various factors that affect the final cost of your project:
LED stands for “light emitting diode” and is a type of bulb used to save energy. It achieves this by a semiconductor that will convert electricity into light. There are a number of pros and cons of LED lighting. LED lighting is very energy efficient, produces little heat, and lasts an exceptionally long time. Lighting installation will cost around $60 - $80 per point for high-quality lights. You may be able to get them at a cheaper price; however, remember, if you buy cheap, you often have to buy twice.
Including labour and materials, the installation of a new power point will typically cost you around $140 - $180. However, the cost will vary if the installation needs to be put through brick walls, where there is considerably more drilling; if it is double brick, then expect increased cost. Ideally, these should have been installed during construction, but there are so many common places people forget to install power points. It costs approximately $75 - $90 an hour to install outdoor lights.
This specific installation is commonly required when home renovations take place. These installations involve more work and therefore tend to be on the more complicated side with the installation of multiple power points. This can be quite a big electrical project and could cost you between $800 - $1,200, based on the size and complexity of the job. This has the potential to get more expensive, especially if the renovation is quite invasive or makes it difficult for the electrician to access certain areas.
The most basic home automation system will start at roughly $20,000 in an average small home. The larger the home, the more it will cost; it is not uncommon to go all the way up to $100,000 for a more complex installation in a large house. This type of electrical installation involves the automation of lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, security, and home appliances. Not only does it put your electrical needs so conveniently at hand, but it will increase the value of your property.
Safety switches are an important element of an electrical system, protecting you from power surges, faulty appliances and damaged wiring. The cost of installing safety switches is between $90 and $250. Older homes often need their switchboard upgraded, especially if you are renovating or extending. The price of a new switchboard is dependent on its size and capacity. You can expect to pay between $500 - $1,200 for the entire process.
Electricians are tradespeople whose job is to plan, install, and maintain electrical systems in residential and commercial buildings. Electricians require specific training, and electrical work is not a DIY project. So, what can your local licenced electricians help you with?
Electricians can help you switch to a greener and more sustainable source of power and install the necessary elements of the system. They can also help you with indoor and outdoor lighting and advise you on how to select the right lights to create the right mood.
Imagine being able to turn on your AC or lights without even being in that room. Electricians who specialise in home automation systems can help you achieve your dream smart home by giving you control over your home alarm, lighting, and much more. They can also help you integrate an entire home entertainment system.
Some older homes may have wiring that is unsafe or not up to the latest standards, which is when it's time to hire a licensed electrician to make it right for you. When electrical systems need fixing or routine maintenance, a licensed electrician can help.
Building your dream home? Modern homes are full of smart technology that require many specialised services. Electricians can help you with everything from cabling, power points, and lighting and make everything work and integrate into your new house.
Before you hire an electrician, make a complete checklist of the tasks your prospective electrician should perform. Also, make sure you ascertain if they charge by the hour or charge for each task separately. Some questions to ask them include:
Many electricians work on an individual basis. Finding electricians in your area by seeking referrals from friends, family and associates and calling each of them can be a tedious task. Get several quotes from local electricians and be sure to interview potential candidates thoroughly and view some of their work if possible. When hiring them, it is important to ask about their experience and education.
Unlike other jobs around the house, there is no DIY option here; the costs at the time may seem high, but it is simply necessary. Done properly, you will have years of uninterrupted service. When hiring an electrician, we cannot overemphasise doing your due diligence and using available resources like Service.com.au.
*All the costs quoted were sourced at the time this article was written. They are to be used as an AUD cost guide and may vary locally, and are subject to market changes.
