Australian Trade Rates Guide 2026
Up-to-date hourly rates for Australian tradespeople. Use these as a starting point when building your quotes. Rates vary by location, experience, job complexity, and time of day (after-hours and emergency rates are typically 1.5-2x standard rates).
Plumber - $90 to $120/hr
Licensed plumbers in Australia charge between $90 and $120 per hour on average. Emergency plumbing (burst pipes, blocked drains) can go up to $150-$200/hr, especially after hours. Apprentice plumbers under supervision are typically $50-$70/hr.
| State | Average Rate | Range |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | $110/hr | $90 - $130 |
| VIC | $105/hr | $85 - $125 |
| QLD | $100/hr | $85 - $120 |
| WA | $115/hr | $95 - $135 |
| SA | $95/hr | $80 - $115 |
| TAS | $90/hr | $75 - $110 |
Electrician - $80 to $110/hr
Licensed electricians charge $80-$110/hr for standard work. Switchboard upgrades, solar installations, and EV charger installs may command higher rates. Level 2 electricians (ASP) for mains work charge $100-$140/hr.
| State | Average Rate | Range |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | $100/hr | $85 - $120 |
| VIC | $95/hr | $80 - $115 |
| QLD | $90/hr | $75 - $110 |
| WA | $105/hr | $90 - $125 |
| SA | $90/hr | $75 - $105 |
| TAS | $85/hr | $70 - $100 |
Carpenter - $70 to $100/hr
Carpenters and joiners charge $70-$100/hr. Specialist work like custom cabinetry, staircase construction, or heritage restoration can command $100-$130/hr. Deck and pergola builds are typically quoted as fixed price.
| State | Average Rate | Range |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | $90/hr | $75 - $110 |
| VIC | $85/hr | $70 - $105 |
| QLD | $80/hr | $65 - $100 |
| WA | $95/hr | $80 - $115 |
| SA | $80/hr | $65 - $95 |
| TAS | $75/hr | $60 - $90 |
Painter - $50 to $70/hr
Painters charge $50-$70/hr, though many quote by the room or square metre. Expect $20-$35/m2 for interior walls and $30-$50/m2 for exterior including preparation. Specialist finishes (faux, texture, wallpaper) cost more.
| State | Average Rate | Range |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | $65/hr | $55 - $80 |
| VIC | $60/hr | $50 - $75 |
| QLD | $55/hr | $45 - $70 |
| WA | $65/hr | $55 - $80 |
| SA | $55/hr | $45 - $65 |
| TAS | $50/hr | $40 - $60 |
Tiler - $60 to $90/hr
Tilers charge $60-$90/hr or $35-$120/m2 depending on tile size and pattern. Large format tiles, herringbone, and waterproofing add to cost. Bathroom renovations are typically quoted as a package.
| State | Average Rate | Range |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | $85/hr | $65 - $100 |
| VIC | $80/hr | $60 - $95 |
| QLD | $75/hr | $55 - $90 |
| WA | $85/hr | $65 - $100 |
| SA | $70/hr | $55 - $85 |
| TAS | $65/hr | $50 - $80 |
Builder - $85 to $120/hr
Licensed builders charge $85-$120/hr for project management and hands-on work. Most residential building work is quoted as a fixed price contract. Hourly rates apply for smaller jobs, variations, and day labour.
| State | Average Rate | Range |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | $110/hr | $90 - $130 |
| VIC | $105/hr | $85 - $125 |
| QLD | $100/hr | $80 - $120 |
| WA | $115/hr | $95 - $135 |
| SA | $95/hr | $80 - $115 |
| TAS | $90/hr | $75 - $110 |
Landscaper - $60 to $80/hr
Landscapers charge $60-$80/hr for general garden work. Design and project management roles can charge $80-$120/hr. Many landscaping jobs are quoted as fixed price including materials, earthworks, and planting.
| State | Average Rate | Range |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | $75/hr | $60 - $90 |
| VIC | $70/hr | $55 - $85 |
| QLD | $65/hr | $50 - $80 |
| WA | $75/hr | $60 - $90 |
| SA | $65/hr | $50 - $75 |
| TAS | $60/hr | $45 - $70 |
HVAC Technician - $90 to $130/hr
HVAC technicians charge $90-$130/hr for air conditioning installation, servicing, and repair. Refrigerant handling requires an ARC licence. Commercial HVAC work commands higher rates than residential.
| State | Average Rate | Range |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | $120/hr | $95 - $140 |
| VIC | $110/hr | $90 - $130 |
| QLD | $105/hr | $85 - $125 |
| WA | $120/hr | $100 - $140 |
| SA | $100/hr | $85 - $120 |
| TAS | $95/hr | $80 - $115 |
Factors That Affect Trade Rates
- Location - Metro areas are 10-30% higher than regional. Remote areas can be even higher due to travel.
- Experience - A tradie with 20+ years will charge more than someone just out of their apprenticeship.
- Time of day - After-hours, weekends, and public holidays attract penalty rates (1.5-2x).
- Job complexity - Specialist skills (e.g. heritage work, hazardous materials) command premium rates.
- Materials supply - If the tradie supplies materials, expect a 15-25% markup to cover sourcing and handling.
- Insurance and licensing - Fully licensed and insured tradies cost more but provide consumer protection.