ELECTRICIAN COSTS IN WA

Call-out / first hour

$120–$200

Plus travel in outer suburbs

Hourly rate (after first hour)

$80–$140/hr

Licensed electrician

Power point installation

$80–$180

Per point, depending on access

Downlight installation

$40–$90

Per light, existing wiring

Switchboard upgrade

$1,200–$3,500

Safety switch and circuit breakers

Split system connection

$250–$450

Electrical connection only

EV charger installation

$800–$2,000

Including switchboard upgrade if needed

Solar system connection

$400–$900

Grid connection and metering

Safety inspection / RCD test

$150–$350

Full property

After-hours call-out

+50–100%

On top of standard rates

Access and roof space

Older Perth homes — particularly fibro and brick homes built pre-1980 in suburbs like Fremantle, East Perth and Vic Park — often have limited roof cavity access. Running new circuits in these homes takes significantly longer and costs more than in a new build. Regional homes in Bunbury, Geraldton and the Kimberley face similar constraints plus additional travel costs.

Distance from the CBD and regional premiums

Electricians travelling to outer suburbs like Ellenbrook, Baldivis and Byford factor in 45-60 minutes of travel at $100-$140/hr. Regional WA carries a further premium of 20-40%. In resource towns like Karratha, Port Hedland and Broome, electricians are in high demand and rates can be 50-80% above Perth metro.

Age of your switchboard

Homes built before the early 1990s often have ceramic fuse boards rather than safety switches. Almost any significant electrical work will prompt the electrician to recommend a switchboard upgrade. Budget $1,200-$2,500 if your home still has ceramic fuses. This is particularly common in Perth's older inner suburbs and in regional towns with older housing stock.

Perth's solar boom

Perth has among the highest rooftop solar penetration in the world. During peak periods, electricians are extremely busy and wait times extend. Book early — particularly before summer when demand spikes across Perth metro and coastal regional towns like Busselton and Mandurah.

Is your Electrical Contractor Licence current? Can I see the number?

Will you issue a Certificate of Compliance on completion?

Does my switchboard need upgrading to do this work safely?

Are there any access issues that will affect the price?

What assumptions is your quote based on?

What is included in the call-out fee and when does hourly billing start?

How do you handle variations if something unexpected is found?

Are you familiar with the specific requirements for solar and EV charger work in WA?