Electrician Salary in Australia: Where It Sits on the Salary Index

Electrician Salary in Australia: A Guide to Pay and the Salary Index

When people ask about an electrician salary in Australia, they are usually trying to get a sense of typical earnings in the trade. The answer depends on whether you look at award minimums, market rates, or median survey data. This guide uses the Salary Index to show where electrician pay sits relative to the national line.

What the data says about electrician pay

The most reliable public source is the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, reported by. For electricians (ANZSCO 3411), the median weekly earnings for full-time non-managerial employees are $2,191. That annualises to $113,932 (52 weeks).

On the Salary Index, where 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year, an electrician salary of $113,932 gives an index of 105.1. That means electricians earn about 5% above the national average. For context, the national minimum wage sits at index 48.2, and the retail trade industry averages 75.9.

Award minimums: the legal floor

Electricians are covered by the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020. As of 1 July 2026, the minimum weekly rates range from:

• Grade 1 (entry-level electrical worker): $1,004.90 per week ($26.44 per hour)
• Grade 10 (highest classification): $1,415.00 per week ($37.24 per hour)

These rates include an industry allowance and, where applicable, a tool allowance and an electrician’s licence allowance of $40.29 per week for unrestricted licence holders. The award also provides penalty rates for overtime, weekends, and public holidays, which can boost take-home pay significantly.

A Grade 1 electrician working full-time at the minimum rate earns $52,255 per year – an index of 48.2, the same as the national minimum wage. But most electricians are classified at higher grades or earn above award through enterprise agreements.

Where electricians work and how it affects pay

Electricians are employed across industries that pay differently. According to, the top industries are construction, mining, and electricity/gas/water services. Mining, for example, has an industry index of 154.7, so electricians in that sector often earn well above the median. In contrast, those in residential construction may earn closer to award rates.

State and territory indices also matter. Western Australia has an index of 106.9, while Tasmania is 88.6. An electrician working in WA’s mining sector could easily earn an index above 120, but no occupation-specific state data is published.

How the Salary Index works for electricians

The Salary Index compares gross yearly earnings to the national benchmark. For an electrician earning $113,932:

Index = ($113,932 ÷ $108,352) × 100 = 105.1

This is a gross figure before tax and super. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12%, so total employer cost is higher. After tax (using 2026–27 rates with the tax-free threshold and 2% Medicare levy), a single resident earning $113,932 takes home roughly $84,000 per year, or about $1,615 per week.

Factors that push electrician pay higher or lower

• Experience and specialisation: A special class electrician or lift mechanic can command higher rates. The award recognises this with higher grades.
• Location: Remote or regional work often includes allowances or higher base pay.
• Overtime: Electricians work an average of 45 hours per week (vs 44 for all occupations), and overtime at penalty rates adds to annual earnings.
• Licensing: Holding an unrestricted electrical licence qualifies for an allowance under the award.

Comparing electrician salary to other trades

On the industries page, you can see how different sectors compare. Electricians sit above the national average, similar to the professional, scientific and technical sector (index 114.7) but below mining (154.7). The pay guides section has more detail on award classifications.

What the data doesn't tell you

The median figure from the ABS is a snapshot of full-time non-managerial workers. It excludes part-time, casual, and self-employed electricians. Casual electricians receive a 25% loading on top of the award rate, which can lift hourly pay to around $33.05 (based on the national minimum wage).

Also, the ABS data is from May 2025 and may not reflect recent wage growth. The 2026 Annual Wage Review increased award rates by 4.75%, so current award minima are higher than the previous year.

Summary

An electrician salary in Australia typically sits above the national average, with a median index of 105. Award minimums start at index 48.2 but most electricians earn more. For a personalised estimate, check your award classification and state index on the states page. The topics section covers related pay questions.

FAQs

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