Electrician Salary Australia:

Complete 2025 Earnings Guide

 

 

Electricians are among the most sought-after tradespeople in Australia, commanding competitive salaries that reflect their essential role in powering our modern world. If you’re considering a career as an electrician or want to understand your earning potential, this comprehensive guide breaks down exactly what electricians earn across Australia in 2025.

 

Average Electrician Salary in Australia

The average electrician in Australia earns between $90,000 and $110,000 per year, significantly above the national average salary of $72,327. This translates to an hourly rate of approximately $36 to $51 per hour for employed electricians working standard hours.

However, these figures represent just the baseline. Experienced electricians, those working in specialized sectors, or those running their own businesses can earn substantially more, with many professionals exceeding $150,000 annually.

 

Electrician Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

Your earning potential as an electrician grows significantly with experience and additional qualifications:

 

Apprentice Electrician Salaries (2025)

Starting your electrical career as an apprentice provides a foundation while you learn the trade:

• First-year apprentice: $15.67 – $18.00 per hour ($32,000 – $37,000 annually)
• Second-year apprentice: $18.00 – $21.00 per hour ($37,000 – $44,000 annually)
• Third-year apprentice: $21.00 – $24.00 per hour ($44,000 – $50,000 annually)
• Fourth-year apprentice: $24.00 – $27.00 per hour ($50,000 – $56,000 annually)

These rates are based on the Electrical Award and can vary by state and employer. Many employers pay above award rates, and additional benefits like tool allowances and travel time can increase your total compensation.

 

Entry-Level Qualified Electrician

Freshly qualified electricians who have completed their apprenticeship and obtained their electrical license can expect:

• Hourly rate: $45 – $55 per hour
• Annual salary: $90,000 – $110,000
• Plus allowances: Tool allowance, travel time, meal allowances

At this stage, you’re building your skills and reputation while working under the supervision of more experienced electricians or as part of a team.

 

Mid-Career Electrician (3-7 Years Experience)

With several years of experience and demonstrated competence, electricians see significant salary growth:

• Hourly rate: $50 – $60 per hour
• Annual salary: $100,000 – $125,000
• Specialization bonus: An Additional 10-20% for specialized skills

Mid-career electricians often develop specializations in areas like industrial automation, solar installation, or high-voltage systems, which command premium rates.

 

Senior Electrician (8+ Years Experience)

Highly experienced electricians with advanced skills and certifications earn top-tier salaries:

• Hourly rate: $60 – $75+ per hour
• Annual salary: $125,000 – $156,000+
• Leadership roles: Supervising other electricians adds 15-25% to base salary

Senior electricians often take on supervisory roles, manage complex projects, and mentor apprentices, all of which increase their value and compensation.

 

Self-Employed Electrician

Electricians who run their own businesses have the highest earning potential:

• Charge-out rate to customers: $100 – $180+ per hour
• Annual income potential: $150,000 – $300,000+ (depending on business size)
• Profit margin: After expenses, successful business owners can net $120,000 – $200,000+

While self-employment brings additional responsibilities and overhead costs, it also provides the opportunity for unlimited earning potential and business growth.

 

Electrician Salaries by State and Territory

Geographic location significantly impacts electrician salaries across Australia:

 

New South Wales (Sydney)

• Average salary: $95,000 – $115,000
• Hourly rate: $48 – $58 per hour
• Sydney metro premium: 10-15% above state average

Sydney’s high cost of living is offset by premium wages, particularly for commercial and industrial electricians working on major infrastructure projects.

 

Victoria (Melbourne)

• Average salary: $90,000 – $110,000
• Hourly rate: $45 – $55 per hour
• Melbourne metro: Competitive rates with a strong commercial sector

Victoria’s robust construction industry and manufacturing sector provide steady demand for electricians.

 

Queensland (Brisbane and Mining Regions)

• Brisbane average: $88,000 – $105,000
• Mining regions: $120,000 – $180,000+ (FIFO)
• Hourly rate: $44 – $53 per hour (Brisbane), $60 – $90 per hour (FIFO)

Queensland offers exceptional opportunities for electricians willing to work FIFO in mining regions.

 

Western Australia (Perth and Mining Belt)

• Perth average: $92,000 – $112,000
• Mining FIFO: $130,000 – $220,000+
• Hourly rate: $46 – $56 per hour (Perth), $65 – $110 per hour (FIFO)

Western Australia’s mining boom continues to drive premium wages for electricians, particularly those willing to work in remote locations.

 

South Australia (Adelaide)

• Average salary: $85,000 – $100,000
• Hourly rate: $42 – $50 per hour
• Regional variation: Modest differences between metro and regional areas

South Australia offers competitive wages with a lower cost of living compared to eastern states.

 

Tasmania, Northern Territory, and ACT

• Tasmania: $80,000 – $95,000 annually
• Northern Territory: $95,000 – $120,000 (premium for remote work)
• ACT (Canberra): $92,000 – $110,000

Smaller markets with varying demand exist, and opportunities are particularly evident in government infrastructure projects.

 

Electrician Salaries by Industry Sector

The industry you work in dramatically affects your earning potential:

 

Residential Electrician

• Salary range: $85,000 – $105,000
• Hourly rate: $42 – $52 per hour
• Work type: Home installations, renovations, repairs

Residential work offers steady employment and regular hours but typically pays at the lower end of the scale.

 

Commercial Electrician

• Salary range: $95,000 – $120,000
• Hourly rate: $48 – $60 per hour
• Work type: Office buildings, retail centers, commercial fit-outs

Commercial electricians work on larger projects with more complex systems, commanding higher rates.

 

Industrial Electrician

• Salary range: $105,000 – $135,000
• Hourly rate: $52 – $68 per hour
• Work type: Factories, manufacturing plants, process control systems

Industrial electricians require specialized knowledge of three-phase power, motor controls, and automation systems.

 

Mining Electrician (FIFO)

• Salary range: $130,000 – $220,000
• Hourly rate: $65 – $110 per hour
• Work type: Mining equipment, high-voltage systems, remote operations

Mining electricians earn premium wages due to the demanding work environment, remote locations, and specialized skills required.

 

Maintenance Electrician

• Salary range: $90,000 – $115,000
• Hourly rate: $45 – $58 per hour
• Work type: Ongoing maintenance contracts, facility management

Maintenance electricians enjoy stable employment with regular hours and predictable work.

 

Specialized Electrician Roles and Premium Rates

Developing specialized skills can significantly boost your earning potential:

 

Solar Electrician

• Salary premium: +15-25% above standard rates
• Annual earnings: $105,000 – $140,000
• Growth sector: Rapidly expanding with government incentives

Solar installation and maintenance is a booming sector with strong future prospects.

 

High-Voltage Electrician

• Salary premium: +20-35% above standard rates
• Annual earnings: $115,000 – $150,000
• Requirements: Additional high-risk work licenses and specialized training

Working with high-voltage systems (above 1000V) requires advanced qualifications and carries a higher risk, reflected in premium pay.

 

Instrumentation Electrician

• Salary premium: +25-40% above standard rates
• Annual earnings: $120,000 – $160,000
• Work type: Process control, automation, precision measurement systems

Instrumentation specialists are highly valued in mining, oil and gas, and advanced manufacturing.

 

Electrical Supervisor/Foreman

• Salary range: $120,000 – $160,000
• Leadership premium: +30-50% above standard electrician rates
• Responsibilities: Managing teams, coordinating projects, ensuring compliance

Supervisory roles combine technical expertise with leadership and project management skills.

 

Additional Income and Benefits

Beyond base salary, electricians receive various additional benefits and allowances:

 

Allowances and Penalties

• Tool allowance: $15 – $30 per week
• Travel time: Paid travel to job sites
• Meal allowance: $20 – $35 per day for extended shifts
• Overtime: Time-and-a-half (1.5x) for the first 2 hours, double time (2x) thereafter
• Weekend work: Saturday (1.5x), Sunday (2x), Public holidays (2.5x)

 

Superannuation

• Standard rate: 11.5% of base salary (2025)
• Annual contribution: $10,350 – $12,650 for an average electrician

 

Vehicle and Equipment

Many employers provide:

• Company vehicle and fuel card
• Tools and equipment
• Safety gear and PPE
• Mobile phone and tablet

 

Maximizing Your Electrician Salary

To achieve the highest possible earnings as an electrician, consider these strategies:

 

1. Pursue Advanced Qualifications

• Certificate IV in Electrical: Supervisory and management skills
• Diploma of Electrical Engineering: Advanced technical knowledge
• Specialized licenses: High-voltage, instrumentation, solar accreditation

 

2. Develop In-Demand Specializations

• Solar and renewable energy systems
• Building automation and smart home technology
• Industrial automation and PLC programming
• High-voltage and substation work

 

3. Consider FIFO Opportunities

Mining and resources sector electricians earn 40-100% more than metropolitan counterparts, with accommodation and meals provided.

 

4. Build Business Skills

Even as an employee, understanding quoting, project management, and customer service not only increases your value but also opens pathways to business ownership.

 

5. Start Your Own Electrical Business

Self-employed electricians and electrical contractors have unlimited earning potential, with successful businesses generating $200,000 – $500,000+ in annual revenue.

 

The Future Outlook for Electrician Salaries

The outlook for electrician salaries in Australia remains exceptionally strong due to several factors:

 

Growing Demand Drivers

• Renewable energy transition: Massive investment in solar, wind, and battery storage
• Infrastructure projects: Government spending on transport, utilities, and public buildings
• Electrification: Shift from gas to electric in homes and industry
• Data centers: Growing demand for digital infrastructure
• Electric vehicles: Charging infrastructure rollout

 

Skills Shortages

Australia faces an ongoing shortage of qualified electricians, with demand consistently exceeding supply. This skills gap supports strong wage growth and job security.

 

Career Longevity

Electrical work offers a stable, long-term career with opportunities to continually upskill and increase earning potential throughout your working life.

 

Conclusion

Electrician salaries in Australia offer exceptional earning potential, with average wages of $90,000 – $110,000 and top earners exceeding $200,000 annually. Whether you’re starting as an apprentice or looking to maximize your earnings as an experienced professional, the electrical trade provides a clear pathway to financial success.

By pursuing advanced qualifications, developing specialized skills, and considering high-paying sectors like mining and FIFO work, you can position yourself at the top of the electrician salary scale. With strong demand, ongoing skills shortages, and the renewable energy transition creating new opportunities, the future for electricians in Australia has never been brighter.

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