Auto electrician salary: what you can earn in 2026

What does 'auto electrician salary' mean?

An auto electrician salary is the gross pay (before tax and super) earned by a qualified automotive electrician – someone who installs, maintains, and repairs electrical wiring and electronic components in cars, trucks, and other vehicles. The term covers both award minimum rates and market median earnings. In Australia, most auto electricians work full-time (86% do, per Jobs and Skills Australia), often in mining, manufacturing, or repair services.

Where does the auto electrician salary sit on the national index?

The Salary Index compares any gross yearly pay to the national line of 100 – which is full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 a year ($2,083.70 per week, from ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026).

For auto electricians, the median full-time weekly earnings are $2,808, according to Jobs and Skills Australia. That annualises to about $146,000. Divide by the national line: $146,000 ÷ $108,352 × 100 = 135. So the typical auto electrician earns 35% above the national average. This is well above the national minimum wage index of 48.2 ($52,255 a year) and above many trades.

But median is not a guarantee. Your actual auto electrician salary depends on your award classification, experience, location, and industry.

Award rates: the legal floor

The Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award (MA000089) sets minimum pay for auto electricians in the repair and retail sector. From 1 July 2025 (the latest published rates), the award pays:

• Vehicle industry RS&R tradesperson level 1: $30.76 per hour, $1,168.90 per week
• Vehicle industry RS&R tradesperson level 2: $35.15 per hour, $1,335.70 per week

These are the minimums. Most experienced auto electricians earn above award, especially in mining where the industries index is 154.7. The Fair Work Ombudsman pay guides show that casual rates add a 25% loading – for tradesperson level 1, that's $38.45 per hour.

Award rates rose 4.75% from 1 July 2026, so the 2026 figures will be slightly higher. Always check the latest award on the Fair Work Commission website.

Median earnings: the real picture

Jobs and Skills Australia (using ABS data) reports the median full-time auto electrician earns $2,808 per week. That's $46 per hour. Compare to all occupations median of $1,852 per week. The median age is 35, and only 6% are women. Average full-time hours are 49 per week – higher than the all-occupations average of 44.

This median includes workers in mining, where pay is higher. The states index shows Western Australia at 106.9 (above national), so auto electricians in WA likely earn more than the national median. In Tasmania (index 88.6), pay may be lower.

Gross pay, super, and tax

Your auto electrician salary is gross pay. On top, your employer must pay superannuation guarantee of 12% from 1 July 2026. On the median $2,808 per week, that's $337 per week into your super fund. The maximum super contribution base is $270,830 a year, so most auto electricians will receive the full 12%.

Tax on $146,000 annual (2026-27 rates):

• First $18,200: $0
• Next $26,800 (to $45,000): 15% = $4,020
• Next $90,000 (to $135,000): 30% = $27,000
• Next $11,000 (to $146,000): 37% = $4,070
• Total tax: $35,090
• Plus Medicare levy 2%: $2,920
• Total tax and Medicare: $38,010
• Take-home: $107,990 per year, or about $2,076 per week.

This ignores HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, or Medicare levy surcharge. Use the ATO tax calculator for your situation.

How to use this information

If you're an auto electrician or hiring one, compare your pay to the index. A salary index of 135 is strong. But if you're on award rates only (index around 56 for tradesperson level 1), you may be underpaid relative to the market. Check topics for more on negotiating pay.

Remember: the index uses gross ordinary-time earnings. Your actual take-home depends on hours, overtime, allowances, and tax. The national minimum wage index is 48.2; auto electricians typically earn well above that.

FAQs

What is the average auto electrician salary in Australia?

The median full-time weekly earnings for automotive electricians are $2,808, according to Jobs and Skills Australia. That works out to about $146,000 a year before tax and super. Hourly median is $46. These figures are for full-time non-managerial adult employees. Entry-level award rates start around $30.76 per hour for a tradesperson level 1 under the Vehicle Repair Award.

How does superannuation affect my auto electrician salary?

From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary-time earnings. On the median $2,808 per week, that adds about $337 per week into super. Your total package (salary plus super) is $2,808 + $337 = $3,145 before tax. The maximum super contribution base is $270,830 a year. Super is taxed at 15% within the fund, not in your hands.

How much tax does an auto electrician pay on their salary?

Using 2026-27 tax rates: first $18,200 tax-free, then 15% up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, 37% up to $190,000, 45% above. Plus 2% Medicare levy. On $146,000 annual, tax plus Medicare is roughly $38,000. Take-home about $108,000. This ignores HELP, salary sacrifice, or Medicare levy surcharge. Use the ATO tax calculator for your exact situation.