How to Quote Electrical Work in Australia
From a single power point to a full rewire, no two electrical jobs quote the same. Here's how to itemise electrical work so the switchboard, the certificate and the cable runs are all covered before you send a price.
Electrical work runs from swapping one GPO to rewiring a whole house, so no two quotes look the same. What sinks the profit is almost always the same thing — a switchboard you didn't open, a cable run through insulation you didn't allow for, or a compliance certificate you forgot to price. This guide covers what an electrical quote should itemise, what common jobs cost in 2026, and the mistakes that quietly eat your margin.
What a good electrical quote covers
Before you put a number on anything, itemise the job — a lump sum hides the parts that catch you out. A complete electrical quote spells out each of these:
- Materials — cable, GPOs, switches, light fittings, breakers and RCDs, priced from current supplier rates.
- Labour — by the hour or as a fixed price per task, whichever suits the job.
- Compliance testing and certificate — the Certificate of Compliance (CCEW) is part of the work, not a freebie.
- Access — roof space, under-floor crawls or a cherry picker for high work all add time.
- Major-item brands and models — name the switchboard, RCDs and light fittings so there's no argument at handover.
How electricians price the work
There are three common ways to price electrical work, and the right one depends on the job. An hourly rate of $80–$120/hour plus materials suits small or unpredictable work. Per-point pricing of $100–$200 per power or light point is quick for repeat jobs like GPOs and downlights. Fixed-price packages win more of the bigger jobs, because the customer sees one number and knows exactly what they're up for.
Whichever method you use, add a clause for work discovered on the job — a dead circuit or brittle wiring you couldn't see when you quoted. It's the difference between a variation you get paid for and an argument you don't.
Common electrical job costs in 2026
Customers often want a ballpark before they commit to a site visit. These are typical installed prices in 2026 — materials and labour together — for common residential jobs.
| Job | Installed price |
|---|---|
| Switchboard upgrade | $1,500–$4,000 |
| Power point (per point) | $150–$250 |
| Downlight (per light) | $80–$150 |
| Safety switch install | $200–$350 |
| Ceiling fan install | $200–$400 |
| EV charger install | $1,500–$3,500 |
Treat these as starting points, not fixed prices. Access, switchboard condition and the length of the cable runs move every one of them.
Compliance and certificates
All electrical work in Australia must be done by a licensed electrician and comply with AS/NZS 3000, the Wiring Rules. That's not optional, and the paperwork that proves it has a real cost you should quote for.
- Build the compliance testing and Certificate of Compliance (CCEW) into every quote — it's part of the job, not an add-on.
- A switchboard upgrade usually means notifying the DNSP (your Distribution Network Service Provider); allow time for it.
- New circuits depend on switchboard capacity — check there's room before you promise them.
Common mistakes that eat your margin
- Quoting before you've seen the switchboard. Per-point pricing falls apart if the board is full. Open it, check the capacity and available ways before you quote new circuits.
- Guessing the cable runs. Runs through insulation, brick or a tight roof space take far longer than a clear ceiling. Trace the path, don't assume the shortest line.
- Leaving out compliance testing. Forgetting the testing and CCEW is money straight off your margin — it's mandatory work you'd otherwise be doing for free.
- Ignoring switchboard capacity. Adding circuits to a board that can't take them means an upgrade you didn't quote. Factor the board in before you price the points.
- Skipping the pre-quote inspection. Old or damaged wiring you didn't inspect becomes your problem once the job's won. Look before you commit to a number.
Pro tips for a sharper electrical quote
- Open the switchboard before quoting any new circuits — it decides half the job.
- Include compliance testing and the CCEW as a visible line, every time.
- Check access early; cable through insulation or brick adds hours.
- Quote cable runs and point installations as separate items.
- Note upfront if the switchboard needs upgrading to carry the load.
- Pull live supplier pricing the day you quote — cable and fittings move.
ServiceYak keeps your points, cable and callout rates in a reusable kit, so you can itemise an electrical quote on site — switchboard upgrade, CCEW and all — and send the PDF before you leave the driveway.
Frequently asked questions
How much do electricians charge per hour in Australia?
Most residential electricians charge $80–$120/hour plus materials. For repeat work like power points and downlights, per-point pricing of $100–$200 per point is often quicker to quote and easier for the customer to compare.
Should I quote electrical work per point or per hour?
Per-point pricing suits predictable, repetitive work — GPOs, downlights, fans. Hourly suits small or uncertain jobs where you can't see what's behind the wall. For larger jobs, a fixed-price package usually wins the work because the customer sees one clear total.
Do I have to include a compliance certificate in the quote?
Yes — all electrical work must comply with AS/NZS 3000, and the Certificate of Compliance (CCEW) is part of that. Quote the testing and certificate as a line item so it's covered, not absorbed into your margin.