Short answer: According to hipages, electricians in Australia typically charge around $80 to $100 per hour, with a NSW average of about $105 per hour, often plus a call-out or service fee. These are typical market figures, not Blue Link prices. For anything bigger than a quick fix, a fixed price is often easier to compare than an hourly rate.
“What’s your hourly rate?” seems like the obvious way to compare electricians. But an hourly rate on its own can be misleading. One electrician at a higher rate who finishes in two hours can cost less than a cheaper one who takes four. This guide explains typical hourly rates in Sydney, what’s included, and how to compare quotes fairly.
Looking for what the first visit costs? Our electrician call-out fee guide covers service fees, after-hours charges and what a call-out includes.
Typical hourly rates
The figures below are typical market ranges published by hipages, a national tradie marketplace. They’re not Blue Link prices.
| Item | Typical market figure (hipages) |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate (national typical range) | about $80 to $100 per hour |
| NSW average hourly rate | about $105 per hour |
| Call-out or service fee | about $80 to $130 |
Sydney rates often sit at or above the NSW average because of travel, parking and business costs. After-hours, weekend and emergency work usually costs more.
What an hourly rate usually covers
An electrician’s hourly rate generally covers labour, plus the overheads of running a licensed business:
- licensing, insurance and ongoing training
- a stocked van and test equipment
- travel time within the service area (some charge it separately)
- compliance paperwork, including the Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work (CCEW) that NSW requires within 7 days of testing, as the NSW Government explains
Materials are usually charged separately. Ask whether parts are included, and whether time is billed in 15-minute, 30-minute or hourly blocks.
Hourly vs fixed price: which is better?
Hourly suits
- Fault finding, where nobody knows how long it’ll take until the fault is found
- Small mixed jobs, like replacing a switch, fixing a light and checking a power point
- Investigative work in older homes where access is unknown
Fixed price suits
- Defined installs: a new power point, downlights, a ceiling fan, a smoke alarm upgrade
- Bigger jobs: switchboard upgrades, rewiring, EV charger installs
- Budgeting: you know the cost before work starts
For fault finding, a sensible middle ground is an hourly rate with a check-in point, such as “call me before going past two hours”.
How many hours does a job take?
Time depends on the job, the house and access. Inner West homes often have a few extra challenges:
- Terraces with tight roof spaces or no ceiling access, which can make cable runs slower
- Double brick walls that are harder to chase than plasterboard
- Older wiring that needs testing and sometimes repair before new work can connect to it
- Parking on narrow streets in Newtown, Glebe or Balmain
That’s why two similar-looking jobs can take very different times, and why a site visit often gives a more accurate price.
Getting a fair quote
- Describe the job clearly, with photos of the switchboard and the area.
- Ask what’s included: materials, testing, CCEW, removal of old fittings.
- Ask about variations: what happens if they find a fault or asbestos?
- Check the licence using Service NSW.
- Get it in writing. In NSW, residential work over $5,000 (including GST) needs a written contract, as the NSW Government contracts page explains.
More tips are in how to choose a licensed electrician in NSW.
Ways to keep labour time down
- Bundle small jobs into one visit rather than several call-outs
- Clear access to the switchboard, roof hatch and work areas before the electrician arrives
- Have fittings ready if you’re supplying your own, and check they’re Australian-approved
- Decide locations for lights and power points before the visit
Want a price you can rely on? We quote fixed prices for most residential electrical work, and explain how we charge for fault finding before we start. Call 0421 772 661.
We work across Glebe, Balmain, Rozelle and the wider Inner West. See our local electrician page for the full area.
For your job, call 0421 772 661 for a fixed quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an electrician cost per hour in Sydney?
hipages reports typical rates of about $80 to $100 per hour nationally, with a NSW average of about $105 per hour. Sydney prices often sit around or above the state average. These are market figures, not Blue Link prices.
Do electricians charge for travel?
Some include travel in a call-out or service fee, others charge it separately. Ask before booking.
Is it cheaper to pay hourly or get a fixed price?
For defined jobs, a fixed price is usually easier to compare and protects you from overruns. For fault finding, hourly with an agreed check-in point is common.
Are materials included in the hourly rate?
Usually not. Parts such as cable, breakers and fittings are typically charged on top. Ask for a written quote that shows what’s included.