Electrician Pay Rate in NSW 2025-26
Minimum pay rates for electricians in New South Wales under the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020. Updated 1 July 2025.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Electrician — Minimum Pay Rate (NSW)
Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020 (MA000025)
$29.47
Base rate/hr
$36.84
Casual rate/hr
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. A trade licence is required.
New South Wales Note
New South Wales has the highest number of Fair Work claims. Employers must display a Fair Work Information Statement.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Electrician
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $29.47/hr | $1,119.86 | $58,232.72 |
| Part-time (adult) | $29.47/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $36.84/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2025 under the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020.
Penalty Rates — Electrician
Saturday
$44.21/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$58.94/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$73.68/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 1 ($29.47/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
Classification Levels — Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EW5 | Electrical worker (general) | $27.14 | $33.93 | $53,628.64 |
| EW6 | Electrician (tradesperson) | $29.47 | $36.84 | $58,232.72 |
| EW7 | Special class electrician | $30.78 | $38.48 | $60,821.28 |
| EW8 | Advanced tradesperson | $32.25 | $40.31 | $63,726.00 |
View full Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020 pay rates →
Am I Being Underpaid as a Electrician?
Qualified electricians should be classified at EW6 or above. Apprentices have separate rates that increase each year of the apprenticeship.
If you think you are being paid below the minimum rate, you can calculate your potential back pay and check your rights.
Check If You Are Underpaid →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a electrician get paid per hour in New South Wales?
The minimum hourly rate for a electrician in New South Wales is $29.47/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $36.84/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 1 adult rate under the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020 (MA000025), effective from 1 July 2025.
What is the minimum wage for a electrician?
The minimum wage for a electrician is $29.47 per hour ($1,119.86 per week for a 38-hour week, or $58,232.72 per year). This is set by the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
What award covers electricians?
Electricians are covered by the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020 (MA000025). This Modern Award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and leave entitlements. Your employer may also have an enterprise agreement with different (usually higher) rates.
Do electricians get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020, electricians receive 1.5x their base rate on Saturdays ($44.21/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($58.94/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($73.68/hr).
What is the casual rate for a electrician?
The casual rate for a electrician is $36.84/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $29.47/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
How much should a 17 year old electrician get paid?
Apprentice rates apply during the apprenticeship period. Qualified electricians receive the full tradesperson rate. The Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020 does not have specific junior rates for this classification.
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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.
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