Most electricians in Melbourne charge roughly $80 to $130 per hour, plus a call-out fee of around $80 to $130 to cover travel and the first hour on site. Simple jobs like fitting a power point usually land between $140 and $180, while larger work such as a switchboard upgrade runs from $500 to $1,200. The final price depends on the job, the time of day, and how your electrician quotes. At Solus Spark, we quote a fixed price before any work starts, so the number you approve is the number you pay, backed by a 12-month workmanship warranty. No hourly meter, no call-out surprises.
This guide breaks down what electricians actually charge across Melbourne in 2026, with typical price ranges for the most common residential jobs, the factors that move the price up or down, and how to read a quote so you know exactly what you are paying for.
How much does an electrician charge per hour in Melbourne?
Hourly labour rates for a Melbourne electrician generally sit between $80 and $130 per hour. Many quotes narrow this to around $80 to $105 for standard residential work, but inner-city jobs and specialised tasks often reach the top of the range at $130.
A few things to keep in mind about hourly billing:
- Most electricians charge for the first hour as part of a call-out, then bill in 15-minute increments after that.
- The advertised hourly rate rarely includes materials, parts, or permits, which are added on top.
- Rates climb for after-hours, weekends, and emergency work.
Hourly pricing sounds simple, but it makes the final bill hard to predict. That is one reason we moved away from it entirely.
What is an electrician’s call-out fee in Melbourne?
A call-out fee is a fixed charge that covers an electrician’s travel and the first block of time on site. In Melbourne, call-out fees typically span about $35 to $130, with roughly $50 to $100 being common. Some electricians roll the first hour of labour into this fee, while others charge it on top.
Call-out fees exist because the trip itself has a cost, whether the job takes ten minutes or two hours. Outer-suburb addresses can attract a small travel surcharge for distance, while inner-city jobs sometimes carry higher rates because of demand and parking. After-hours and emergency call-outs almost always cost more than a standard weekday visit.
Hourly rates vs fixed pricing: how electricians quote
Melbourne electricians generally use one of two pricing models. Understanding the difference helps you compare quotes fairly.
| Pricing model | How it works | Best for | Watch out for |
| Hourly | You pay an hourly rate (about $80–$130) plus a call-out fee, billed in 15-minute increments | Small, unpredictable fault-finding jobs | The final bill is unknown until the work is finished |
| Fixed price | You approve a set quote for the whole job before work begins | Defined jobs like installs, upgrades, and inspections | Confirm what the quote includes: labour, materials, and any compliance certificate |
Our approach at Solus Spark is fixed pricing on every job. We assess the work, give you a written quote, and that quote becomes the invoice. There are no hourly rates and no call-out surcharges added at the end. For a job like a power point installation, you know the total before we pick up a tool.
How much do common electrical jobs cost in Melbourne?
Most residential electrical jobs have fairly predictable price ranges. The table below summarises typical Melbourne costs for common work. These figures include labour and basic materials, though actual quotes vary with site conditions.
| Job or service | Typical cost (AUD) |
| Install a power point (socket) | $140–$180 per point |
| Install a wired smoke alarm | Around $150 per alarm |
| Install an LED downlight | $55–$70 per downlight |
| Install an outdoor light | $75–$90 per fixture |
| Install a safety switch (RCD) | $90–$250 |
| Upgrade a switchboard (fuse box) | $500–$1,200 for a full upgrade |
| Rewire a home | $800–$8,000 for a whole home |
| Install an EV charger | $5,000–$40,000 (charger plus labour) |
Power points, downlights, and lighting
Fitting a new power point typically costs $140 to $180 per outlet. LED downlights are cheaper per unit at $55 to $70 each, and outdoor light fixtures usually run $75 to $90. Costs per point often drop when several are installed in the same visit, since the electrician is already on site and set up.
Safety switches and smoke alarms
Installing a safety switch, also called an RCD, costs between $90 and $250 depending on your switchboard. A hardwired smoke alarm runs around $150 per alarm. These are not optional extras in many cases. In Victoria, rental properties must have working smoke alarms correctly installed and maintained, as outlined by Consumer Affairs Victoria. If your switchboard has no safety switch, adding one is one of the most cost-effective safety upgrades you can make. Booking these alongside an electrical safety inspection often makes sense.
Switchboard and fuse box upgrades
A full switchboard upgrade typically costs $500 to $1,200. Older Melbourne homes with ceramic fuses often need this work before they can safely handle modern appliances, added circuits, or an EV charger. If your lights flicker when large appliances start, or your board still uses rewireable fuses, a switchboard upgrade is usually the first step.
EV chargers, solar, and larger installations
High-tech work covers the widest price range. Installing a home EV charger, including the unit and labour, can run anywhere from $5,000 to $40,000 depending on the charger’s power output, cable runs, and whether your switchboard needs upgrading first. Basic home units sit at the lower end, while high-powered and commercial-grade setups reach the top. A dedicated EV charger installation quote will spell out the charger, the wiring, and any board work as separate line items. The same applies to solar and battery connections, where the total depends heavily on system size and site.
Rewiring an entire older home is the largest common job, ranging from $800 for a partial rewire up to $8,000 for a full house.
What affects the cost of hiring an electrician?
Two quotes for the “same” job can differ for good reasons. The main factors that move the price are:
- Job complexity. Fitting one power point takes minutes. Rewiring a house, running new circuits, or working in a hard-to-reach roof space takes far longer and carries higher labour costs.
- Location within Melbourne. Inner-city jobs can cost more due to demand and parking, while outer suburbs may add a small travel fee for distance.
- Time and urgency. After-hours, weekend, and emergency work invoke premium rates.
- Materials and parts. Higher-spec fittings, extra cabling, and specialised components add to the total.
- Compliance requirements. Some work requires a Certificate of Electrical Safety, which the electrician must complete and, for prescribed work, arrange to have inspected.
Always clarify what a quote includes before you accept it: labour, materials, permits, and any safety certificate.
How much does an emergency or after-hours electrician cost?
Emergency and after-hours call-outs cost more than a standard weekday visit, since electricians charge premium rates for nights, weekends, and public holidays. Exactly how much more depends on the provider and the time of day. A hazard like burning smells, sparking outlets, or a total power loss is worth acting on quickly rather than waiting.
Fixed pricing matters most in an emergency, because that is when hourly meters run longest and bills are hardest to predict. When we handle after-hours fault finding and repair, you still get a quote before we start, so an urgent problem does not turn into an open-ended bill.
How to get an accurate quote and avoid surprises
You can keep electrical costs under control with a few simple habits:
- Get more than one quote. Comparing two or three quotes shows you the going rate and highlights anything unusual.
- Ask what is included. Confirm whether the price covers the call-out, labour, materials, and any certificate. Ask whether the rate is hourly or fixed.
- Confirm the electrician is licensed. Hiring a licensed professional keeps the work compliant and reduces the risk of paying twice for re-work. You can check a tradesperson on Energy Safe Victoria’s public register.
- Get it in writing. A written quote protects both sides and removes any argument about the final figure.
Comparing quotes and asking the right questions lets you budget accurately and avoid the surprises that come with open-ended hourly billing.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licensed electrician in Melbourne?
Yes. In Victoria, electrical installation work must be carried out by a licensed electrician, and much of it requires a Certificate of Electrical Safety. Using an unlicensed person is illegal and can void insurance. Every electrician we send is fully licensed and insured, and we serve homes across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Is it cheaper to hire an electrician hourly or for a fixed price?
It depends on the job. Hourly can be cheaper for a very quick fix, but the final cost is unknown until the work is done. A fixed price gives you certainty upfront, which usually works out better for defined jobs like installs, upgrades, and inspections.
How much does it cost to install a power point in Melbourne?
Installing a single power point typically costs $140 to $180, including labour and basic materials. The per-point cost often drops when you install several at once, since the electrician is already on site.
Do Melbourne electricians charge a call-out fee for quotes?
Many do, though the amount varies. A call-out fee of around $35 to $130 is common for a service visit. Some electricians provide upfront quotes without a separate call-out charge, so it is worth asking before you book.
Get a fixed-price quote from Solus Spark
Melbourne electrician costs are easier to manage when you know the number before the work begins. If you would like a clear, fixed-price quote for your job, with no hourly rates and no surprises, contact the Solus Spark team and we will talk you through it.
