Electrician Salary Australia: New Pay, Trends & More 2025

Written by

Mynaz Altaf

Fact check by

Shreya Pandey

Updated on

Aug 26,2025

Electrician Salary Australia: Complete Guide to Earnings & More - TerraTern

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In 2025, electricians in Australia are making more than ever before. Their wage levels are between AU$79,453 and AU$110,000 per annum based on their level of experience and specialisation. The electrical services have a high demand. This is driven by the building boom, increased renewable energy production, and other critical infrastructure projects. This in-depth guide will investigate the situation with salaries, regional differences, and career opportunities of electricians across the Australian continent in 2025. The electrician salary space in Australia is highly dynamic and depends strongly on the source selected and the technique used to calculate such numbers. 

 

Average Electrician Salary Australia: 2025 Market Overview

Australia map; Electrician Salary Australia: TerraTern

The Australian Electrician salaries in 2025 are between AU$79,453 and AU$110,000 with high demand required in the market, and a 93 per cent full-time occupation rate.

Hourly vs Annual Salary Breakdown for Electrician Salaries in Australia

Wage Type

Entry Level

Wage Mid-Career

Wage Experienced

Wage Premium Specialisation

Per hour

AU$22.25-AU$28.43

AU$35.95-AU$40.20

AU$44.71-AU$51.28

AU$53.90-AU$60.21

Annual Salary

AU$47815-AU$65000

AU$77583-AU$85000

AU$88362-AU$110000

AU$120000-AU$14,000

 

Electrician Experience Level Impact on Earnings

Experience Level

Years

Hourly Rate

Annual Salary

Salary Increase

Entry Level

0-1 years

AU$28.43

AU$47,815

Base

Early Career

1-4 years

AU$31.98

AU$77,583

+62%

Mid Career

4-9 years

AU$35.95

AU$77,583

+62%

Experienced

10-20 years

AU$44.71

AU$88,362

+85%

Late Career

20+ years

AU$49.89

AU$92,542

+94%

Also Read: Freshers' Job in Australia for Indians: A Comprehensive Guide

Electrician Jobs in Australia Salary by Specialisation in 2025

In 2025, the electrician jobs in Australia salary profiles are also very distinctive by specialisation as per the demand of the residential, commercial, and industrial workplaces. Employers in key cities and regions fine-tune packages depending on expertise required, licensing and demand in the region.

Comparisons of Salary- Specialisation

Specialization

Annual Salary Range

Hourly Rate

Common Work Settings

Local Demand Insight

Residential

AU$60,000–AU$80,000

AU$33.80

Homes, apartments

Strong competition in the suburbs as well as new constructions

Commercial

AU$70,000–AU$95,000

AU$38.20

Offices, retail

Strong in metro and business districts

Maintenance

AU$95,000–AU$115,000

AU$53.11

Industrial/commercial

In demand  around factories and mining

Mining

AU$120,000–AU$145,000

AU$53.90

Mining locations

Top in WA and NT remote areas

Fire/Safety

AU$95,000–AU$120,000

AU$49.00

Public facilities

Increasing through regulations of compliance

Industrial

AU$95,000–AU$135,000

AU$47.00

Factories, plants

Excels in manufacturing centres

High Voltage

AU$90,000–AU$120,000

AU$42.60

Energy, utilities

Growth in renewables

Apprentice

AU$35,000–AU$55,000

AU$17.30

All industries

Entry-level, state-specific

 

Residential Electrician Earnings

Residential electricians make a salary of between 60 and 80,000 in a year working on homes and apartments to do new installations, rewiring and of course regular maintenance. They are mostly based in their suburban spread and in home replacements or conversions, and this trend makes them an attractive specialisation to those who target the privately owned households.

Commercial Electrician Salary Ranges

Electricians in business (where they install and maintain the electrical systems of office blocks, schools, hospitals, and stores) can earn a range of 70,000 to 95,000 a year. The bigger and more high-tech working in business and central districts are more rewarding in employment, particularly those licensed and certified workers.

Maintenance Electrician Compensation

On average, maintenance electricians earn an hourly wage of $53.11, between $95000 and $115000 per annum, ensuring the safety of employees and property through the safe and reliable operation of electrical facilities within establishments or infrastructure, such as industrial plants, shopping centres, and mining sites. These are critical for the local industry's uninterrupted operation, especially in high-risk and high-volume environments.

Industrial Electrician Salary Australia: Premium Earning Potential in 2025

Opera house Sydney Australia; Electrician Salary Australia: TerraTern

Moreover, the distinctively high demand for mining, manufacturing, and other heavy industries is projected to thrust industrial electricians into the pay bracket’s highest tier by 2025. These credentials are highly sought-after because of the sector’s complex scope, rigorous safety compliance, and the indispensable role they play throughout Australia’s booming resource and industrial sector.

Mining Sector Premium Rates

Electricians who work in the sector, particularly on Australian FIFO (Fly-In Fly-Out) assignments in Western Australia and the Northern Territory, receive remuneration that is unparalleled:

Compensation Component

FIFO Mining Rates

Benefits/Details

Base Annual Salary

AU$80,000-AU$120,000+

Core mining sector rates

Hourly Premium

AU$53.90+

With overtime multipliers

Additional Allowances

AU$20,000-AU$40,000

Annual benefit value

Total Package

AU$150,000+

Including all benefits

 

FIFO Benefits

FIFO Benefits

Value/Details

Coverage

Accommodation

Fully provided

On-site facilities

Meals

All meals covered

During work rotation

Return Flights

Weekly/fortnightly

To home base

Extended Leave

Equal time rosters

Work/rest balance

Overtime Premium

Double-time weekends

Premium rates

 

Manufacturing Plant Electricians Pay in Australia

Salary Component

Manufacturing Rates

Specialization Premium

Median Annual Salary

AU$105,000

Base manufacturing rate

Base Hourly Rate

AU$47.00

Standard plant work

Experience Premium

+15-25%

Above standard rates

Automation Bonus

+AU$10,000-AU$15,000

PLC/robotics skills

 

Complex Systems Work

Premium Factors

Salary Impact

Industrial Automation

Robotics integration

+20% premium

High-Voltage Equipment

Up to 11kV systems

+15% premium

PLC Programming

Advanced troubleshooting

+25% premium

Production Line Support

24/7 operations

Overtime opportunities

Safety Compliance

Hazardous environments

Additional allowances

 

Heavy Industry and Construction Salaries in Australia

Rate Structure

Construction Rates

Premium Details

Base Hourly Rate

AU$50-AU$60/hour

Project-dependent

Project Allowances

+AU$5-AU$10/hour

Site-specific premiums

Overtime Weekdays

1.5x base rate

Time-and-a-half

Overtime Weekends

2x base rate

Double-time

Annual Potential

AU$120,000-AU$140,000

With regular overtime

 

Project Categories

Premium Rates

Typical Duration

Infrastructure Projects

AU$55-AU$65/hour

12-24 months

Power Station Construction

AU$60-AU$70/hour

18-36 months

Industrial Facilities

AU$55-AU$60/hour

6-18 months

Mining Infrastructure

AU$60-AU$75/hour

12-30 months

Renewable Energy

AU$50-AU$60/hour

6-12 months

Also Read: Which State Is Easiest To Get PR In Australia?

 

State-by-State Electrician Salary Comparison in Australia 2025

Electrician salary australia significantly differs throughout the states and territories, with regional demand, cost of living, and industry location creating a large earning disparity. Insight into these geographic distinctions assists professionals to maximize their electrician jobs Australia salary capacity in 2025.

State/Territory

Hourly Rate

Annual Range

Key Industries

Market Strength

Western Australia

AU$60.21

AU$100,000-AU$145,000

Mining, resources

Most wanted

Northern Territory

AU$55-65

AU$90,000-AU$110,000

Mining, defence

Good premium

New South Wales

AU$48-55

AU$90,000-AU$110,000

Construction, commercial

Very high price change

Australian Capital Territory

AU$45-52

AU$85,000-AU$105,000

Government, infrastructure

Economic market

Victoria

AU$42-50

AU$85,000-AU$105,000

Manufacturing, commercial

No fluctuations

Queensland

AU$40-48

AU$80,000-AU$100,000

Tourism, mining

Opportunities growth

South Australia

AU$38-45

AU$80,000-100,000

Manufacturing, defence

Moderation

Tasmania

AU$35-42

AU$70,000-AU$90,000

low industry

Smaller market

 

New South Wales Sydney Rates for Electrician in 2025

In New South Wales, a high rate of electrician salary in australia is seen due to excellent living standards and a robust construction demand trend in metropolitan Sydney and other regional centres.

Metropolitan Sydney Regions

Wage Rate

Salary Range

Additional Benefits

Central Business District

AU$52-58

AU$95,000-AU$115,000

Commercial Work

Western Sydney

AU$48-55

AU$90,000-AU$110,000

Household development

Northern Beaches

AU$50-56

AU$92,000-AU$112,000

High-value residential

Regional NSW

AU$45-52

AU$85,000-AU$105,000

Infrastructure projects

 

Queensland and Mining Opportunities in Australia 2025

Queensland offers diverse electrician salary australia opportunities with a strong mining sector presence and major upcoming projects driving demand.

Queensland Regions

Hourly Rate

Annual Range

Growth Drivers

Brisbane Metro

AU$42-48

AU$80000-AU$9,000

Olympics infrastructure

Gold Coast

AU$40-46

AU$75,000-AU$90,000

Tourism related

Mining Regions

AU$55-65

AU$110,000-AU$130,000

Natural resource extraction

Regional Centers

AU$38-45

AU$70,000-AU$85,000

Hospital projects

 

Western Australia FIFO Positions for Electrician in 2025

Western Australia leads electrician salary australia rates nationally, driven by mining sector dominance and critical skills shortages in remote locations.

Benefit Category

Value/Details

Annual Impact

Remote Allowance

AU$150-250/day

AU$25,000-AU$40,000

Accommodation

Fully provided

AU$15,000-AU$20,000

Meals

All meals covered

AU$8,000-AU$12,000

Flights

Return travel

AU$5,000-AU$8,000

Extended Leave

Equal time off

Work-life balance

Western Australia's electrician salary Australia leadership stems from resource sector demand exceeding qualified professional supply, creating sustained premium rates across FIFO and metropolitan positions.

What are the Factors Affecting Electrician Salaries in Australia 2025?

Opera house Sydney Australia; Electrician Salary Australia:  TerraTern

Several factors greatly influence the results of the electrician salary Australia in 2025, and professionals will be subject to varying compensation depending on their qualifications, employment structure, and industry positioning. Knowing how these factors work, strategic career choices can be made to maximise the salary potential of electrician jobs in Australia salary potential.

Primary Salary Factor

Impact Range

Premium Potential

Career Control Level

Qualifications/Certifications

15-40% variance

High

Direct control

Union vs Non-Union

20-35% difference

Very high

Choice-dependent

Company Size

10-25% variance

Moderate

Job selection

Industry Sector

30-60% variance

Highest

Career planning

Geographic Location

25-45% variance

High

Relocation decision

Experience Level

50-90% variance

Very high

Time-dependent

 

Qualifications and Certifications Impact on Electricuan Jobs in Australia

Professional qualifications create the foundation for electrician salary australia optimisation, with advanced certifications commanding significant premiums across all employment sectors.

Qualification Level

Salary Impact

Annual Premium

Market Recognition

Basic License

Base rate

Standard

Minimum requirement

Restricted License

+10-15%

AU$8,000-AU$12,000

Specialized work

Unrestricted License

+20-30%

AU$16,000-AU$24,000

Full trade access

Contractor License

+35-50%

AU$28,000-AU$40,000

Business operation

 

Union vs Non-Union Employment for Electrician in Australia 2025

Unionisation brings numerous electrician salary Australia benefits, including the use of collective bargaining strength and standard wage pay scales.

Type of Employment

Hourly Rate

Annual Range

Additional Benefits

Union Employment

AU$60+/hour

AU$110,000-AU$140,000

Full packages

Non-Union Employment

AU$45-55/hour

AU$85,000-AU$110,000

Benefits are variable

Premium Difference

20-35 per cent

+AU$25,000-AU$30,000

How far does it benefit

 

Company Size and Industry Sector for Electrician in Australia 2025

The employer condition also has an important effect on the electrician salary in australia structures with large companies and the government paying the highest salary packages.

Company Type

Pay Scale

Benefit Scheme

Stability

Large Corporations

AU$95,000-AU$130,000

Comprehensive

High

Medium Businesses

AU$85,000-AU$110,000

Moderate

Medium

Small Contractors

AU$70,000-AU$95,000

Basic

Variable

Government Sector

AU$90,000-AU$120,000

Excellent

Highest

Also Read: What is COE Australia? A Complete Experts Guide 

 

Electrician Apprentice Salary and Career Progression in Australia 2025

An electrician salary Australia actually offers a clear professional development route between entry level training wages and experienced professional rates, and electrician salary australia progression means huge wage growth during the 4-year trade apprenticeship period. The highly specific stepping stones of an electrical trade make such careers appealing to individuals who want to earn an income as soon as possible and build up essential knowledge.

Apprenticeship Wage Structure for electricians in Australia 2025

Australian electrical apprenticeships progress through a standardised wage scale that recognises the developing skill level, as well as the progressive contribution on the job, over the nominal apprenticeship training period.

First Year Apprenticeship

Hourly Rate

Annual Earnings

First Stage of Skill Development

1st Year

AU$15.00-AU$18.00

AU$31,000-AU$37,000

Simple electrical principles

2nd Year

AU$17.00-AU$20.00

AU$35,000-AU$42,000

Practical application

3rd Year

AU$19.00-AU$22.00

AU$40,000-AU$46,000

High-end techniques

4th Year

AU$22.00-AU$25.00+

AU$46,000-AU$52,000

Entry and then pre-qualification

 

Post-Apprenticeship Salary Growth for Electricians in Australia 2025

The transformation between an apprentice to a qualified electrician is a key increment in electrician salaries, with the entry-level professionals getting paid significantly higher than first-year apprentices.

Career Stage

Hourly Rate

Annual Range

Growth from Apprentice

Last-Year Apprentice

AU$22-25

AU$46,000-AU$52,000

Baseline

Newly Qualified

AU$28-32

AU$58,000-AU$67,000

+26-29per cent

1 Year Experience

AU$32-36

AU$67,000-AU$75,000

+45-44% increase

2-3 Years Experience

AU$36-42

AU$75,000-AU$87,000

One Month to One Year Experience

 

How to Maximise Your Electrician Salary in Australia? Experts Guide 2025

Opera house sydney Australia; Electrician Salary Australia:  TerraTern

The catastrophic career planning can raise the electrician salary Australia potential more than just market value. Professionals actively seeking specialisation, location, and employment design fare 30-60% higher, with some attaining electrician jobs in australia salary packages at and above AU$150,000 a year.

High-Demand Specializations

High-paying, specialised areas of focus deliver instant electrician australia salary premiums, as well as long-term career stability in expanding industry segments.

Specialization

Current Premium

5-Year Outlook

Entry Investment

Industrial Automation

+40-60%

Exponential 

AU$8,000-AU$15,000 training

Renewable Energy

+25-35%

Large expansion

AU$5,000-AU$10,000 certification

Data Cabling/IT

+30-45%

Digital transformation

AU$3,000-AU$8,000 courses

Mining Electrical

+50-80%

Resource boom continuation

AU$10,000-AU$20,000 tickets

Fire Safety Systems

+20-30%

Regulatory compliance growth

AU$4,000-AU$12,000 training

 

Geographic Opportunities

Strategic re-location or the willingness to work remotely can expand electrician salary australia outcomes exponentially via regional premiums and special access markets.

Highest-Paying Locations:

Location

Base Premium

FIFO Premium

Annual Advantage

Western Australia (Mining)

+25%

+60-80%

+AU$30,000-AU$50,000

Northern Territory (Remote)

+20%

+50-70%

+AU$25,000-AU$40,000

Queensland (Mining/LNG)

+15%

+40-60%

+AU$20,000-AU$35,000

Offshore Platforms

+30%

+80-100%

+AU$40,000-AU$60,000

 

Self-Employment vs Employment

Whether to become an employee or self-employed is one of the most important electrician salary australia optimisation choices because contracting can provide a premium salary per hour, along with additional tasks of running a business.

Comparison Contracting Rates

Employment Type

Hourly Rate

Annual Potential

Key Considerations

Employee

AU$35-50

AU$75,000-AU$105,000

Stability, benefits

Subcontractor

AU$65-85

AU$110,000-AU$150,000

Tax advantages, flexibility

Prime Contractor

AU$85-120+

AU$150,000-AU$220,000+

A business of management is required

Also Read: Best City In Australia For Jobs, Students & Visitors

Electrician Salary Comparison: Australia vs Other Countries in 2025

The electrician salary rates in Australia pose a competitive international standing whereby the professionals in the field earn much higher than most of the developed countries, whilst retaining a robust purchasing capability in respect to living expenses.

Compensation Salary Compensation table Australia:

Country

Annual Salary (USD)

Yearly Salary (Local)

Cost of Living Adjustment

Australia

~$60,000-75,000

AU$90,000-AU$110,000

High earning power

United States

$60,000

$60,000

Geographic differences

United Kingdom

$47,000

£36,607

11% lower than Australia

Canada

$55,000

CAD $70,000

Middle rates

Germany

$52,000

€48,000

large unionization strengths

New Zealand

$48,000

NZD $65,000

Similar market conditions

Future Outlook for Electrician Salaries in Australia 2025

Australian flag on a pole; Electrician Salary Australia: TerraTern

The electrician salary australia trend 2025-2030 shows a further impressive rate of growth reinforced through infrastructure investment, renewables investment and skills shortages continuing in all leading markets.

Market Demand Forecast (Market Demand Forecast

Timeframe

Current Workers

New Workers Needed

Growth Rate

2024 Current

42,347 electricians

Baseline

-

By 2027

-

4,846 additional

11.4% growth

By 2034

-

14,433 additional

34.1% growth

Also Read: Flying Schools in Australia: A Comprehensive Guide

Latest Facts and News 

  • High Demand Drives Wages Up: Electrician salaries increased by 4.25% year-on-year in 2024

  • Skills Shortage Continues: Over 186,000 electricians are employed, but demand still exceeds supply.

  • Union vs Non-Union Gap: Union electricians earn $60+ per hour vs $40-55 for non-union workers.

  • FIFO Opportunities Boom: The Mining sector offers premium rates for remote work electricians

  • Industrial Sector Leads: Industrial electricians command the highest salaries at $80,000-$120,000 annually.

  • Regional Variations are Significant: Perth electricians earn $62.52/hour vs the national average $51.28

  • Apprentice Wage Growth: First-year apprentices now start at $15-18/hour, up from previous years

 

Conclusion

The Australian electrical trades field has the most outstanding earning prospects regardless of experience or specialisation in the electrician salary 2025. Totalling up to AU$79,453-AU$145,000 + per year, the electrical jobs in australia pay structure has many tracks to higher earning potential in the early and mid-career phases, with mining, manufacturing, and heavy industry jobs commanding top earning packages featuring some pay packages often exceeding AU$150,000 per year in total compensation, including overtime and allowances

Contact TerraTern for more information on Electrician Salary Australia 2025: Complete Guide to Earnings and Job Market.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average electrician salary in Australia in 2025?

The average electrician salary australia in 2025 ranges from AU$79,453 to AU$110,000 annually, with hourly rates between AU$40.20 and AU$51.28. Experienced professionals can earn AU$88,362-AU$92,542 per year, while specialized roles in mining and industrial sectors command premiums up to AU$145,000. Entry-level electricians start at approximately AU$47,815 annually with clear progression pathways throughout their careers.

How much do industrial electricians earn compared to residential electricians?

Industrial electrician salary australia rates significantly exceed residential electrician compensation, with industrial specialists earning AU$95,000-AU$135,000 annually compared to residential electricians' AU$60,000-AU$80,000. Mining and heavy industry electricians command the highest premiums at AU$53.90+ per hour versus residential rates of AU$33.80 per hour. This 40-60% salary differential reflects the complexity, safety requirements, and specialized skills demanded in industrial electrical work.

Which Australian state pays electricians the highest salary?

Western Australia leads electrician salary australia rates nationally, offering AU$60.21 per hour and annual ranges of AU$100,000-AU$145,000 due to mining sector demand. Northern Territory follows with AU$90,000-AU$110,000 annually, particularly for remote and FIFO positions. New South Wales rounds out the top three with AU$90,000-AU$110,000 ranges, driven by Sydney's construction boom and high cost of living adjustments.

How does union membership affect electrician wages in Australia?

Union membership typically increases electrician jobs in australia salary by 20-35%, with union electricians earning AU$60+ per hour compared to non-union rates of AU$45-55 per hour. The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) and CFMEU secure standardised wage structures, guaranteed overtime premiums, and comprehensive benefits packages worth AU$25,000-AU$30,000 annually. Union positions also provide stronger job security, subsidised training access, and structured career advancement opportunities.

What factors influence electrician salary variations across Australia?

Electrician salary variations in Australia depend primarily on specialisation (mining electricians earn 34% premiums), geographic location (Western Australia leads by 25-40%), and experience level (94% difference between entry and senior levels). Company size, union membership, and industry sector create additional 10-60% salary differentials. Qualifications and certifications, particularly high-voltage and industrial automation skills, can add AU$15,000-AU$50,000 in annual premiums to base compensation packages.

How long does it take to become a qualified electrician in Australia?

The electrical apprenticeship program requires 4 years to complete, progressing from AU$15-18 per hour in the first year to AU$25+ per hour in the final year. Upon qualification, newly licensed electricians immediately earn AU$28-32 per hour (AU$58,000-AU$67,000 annually), representing a 26-29% salary increase. Most electricians reach experienced professional status within 8-10 years, earning AU$88,000+ annually with specialised skills commanding additional premiums.

What are the highest-paying electrician specialisations in Australia?

Mining electricians represent the highest-earning specialization at AU$53.90 per hour and AU$120,000-AU$145,000 annually, particularly in FIFO roles. Fire safety and maintenance electricians follow at AU$49.00 and AU$48.60 per hour, respectively, while industrial automation specialists earn 40-60% premiums above standard rates. Emerging high-value specialisations include renewable energy systems, data cabling, and intelligent building automation, each commanding 20-40% salary premiums.

Do electricians need to relocate for better salary opportunities?

Geographic mobility significantly impacts an electrician's salary australia potential, with Western Australia and Northern Territory offering 25-40% premiums above national averages. FIFO mining positions provide the highest earning opportunities at AU$120,000-AU$150,000+ annually, though they require extended time away from home. Metropolitan areas like Sydney and Melbourne offer strong opportunities without relocation, while remote work commands substantial allowances and overtime premiums.

How do electrician salaries in Australia compare internationally?

Australian electrician jobs in australia salary rates rank among global leaders, with professionals earning 11% more than UK counterparts and maintaining competitive positioning against US rates. Australia offers AU$90,000-AU$110,000 annually compared to £36,607 in the UK and $60,000 USD in America, while providing superior work-life balance and universal healthcare. The combination of high wages, strong employment protections, and quality of life makes Australia highly attractive for international electrician migration.

What is the job outlook for electricians in Australia through 2030?

The electrician profession shows exceptional growth prospects with 34% workforce expansion projected by 2034, requiring 14,433 additional workers nationally. Annual salary growth of 4-5% is projected through 2027 due to skills shortages, followed by 3-4% growth as markets stabilize. Infrastructure investment, renewable energy expansion, and electric vehicle adoption will drive continued strong demand, ensuring electrician salary australia rates remain above national wage growth averages.