How to Quote Electrical Work in Australia
Guide for electricians on how to quote residential and commercial electrical jobs. Covers pricing strategies, material costs, compliance, and common electrical quoting mistakes.
Quick answer
Most Australian electricians quote either an hourly rate of $80–$120 plus materials, or per-point pricing of $100–$200 per power or light point. Standard jobs suit fixed prices: power points $150–$250 each, downlights $80–$150, safety switches $200–$350, switchboard upgrades $1,500–$4,000. Add materials markup and travel before you send it.
Typical electrical job prices in Australia
| Job | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate | $80–$120/hour + materials |
| Per-point pricing | $100–$200 per point |
| Power point installation | $150–$250 per point |
| Downlight installation | $80–$150 per light |
| Safety switch installation | $200–$350 |
| Ceiling fan installation | $200–$400 |
| Switchboard upgrade | $1,500–$4,000 |
Typical AUD ranges — adjust for your market, access, and materials.
Electrical Quoting Fundamentals
Electrical quotes should itemise: materials (cable, switches, GPOs, lights, breakers), labour (by the hour or fixed price per task), compliance testing and certificates, and any access requirements (roof space, under-floor, cherry picker). Always specify the brand and model of major items like switchboards, RCDs, and light fittings.
Pricing Strategies for Electricians
Common approaches: hourly rate ($80–$120/hour + materials), per-point pricing ($100–$200 per power or light point), or fixed-price packages for standard jobs. For larger jobs, fixed-price quotes win more work because customers know the total upfront. Always include a clause for additional work discovered during the job.
Common Electrical Job Costs in 2026
Switchboard upgrade: $1,500–$4,000. Power point installation: $150–$250 per point. Downlight installation: $80–$150 per light. Safety switch installation: $200–$350. Ceiling fan installation: $200–$400. EV charger installation: $1,500–$3,500. These are installed prices including materials and labour.
Compliance and Certificates
All electrical work in Australia must be performed by a licensed electrician and comply with AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules). Include the cost of compliance testing and issuing a Certificate of Compliance (CCEW) in every quote. For switchboard upgrades, you'll also need to notify the DNSP (Distribution Network Service Provider).
Electrical Quoting Mistakes
1. Not inspecting the existing wiring before quoting. 2. Underestimating cable runs through difficult access areas. 3. Forgetting compliance testing and certificate costs. 4. Not factoring in switchboard capacity for new circuits. 5. Quoting per-point without checking the switchboard first.
Pro Tips
- Always inspect the switchboard before quoting new circuits
- Include compliance testing and certificates in every quote
- Check access — cable runs through insulation or brick add time
- Quote cable runs and point installations separately
- Specify if the switchboard needs upgrading to accommodate new circuits
- Use real-time pricing for materials — electrical supplies fluctuate
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