Electrician Pay Rate NSW 2026-27
Electricians in New South Wales earn at least $32.05/hr (EW6), $40.06/hr casual — about $1,218 a week full-time — under the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020. Rates from 1 July 2026.
Electrician — Minimum Pay Rate (NSW)
Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020 (MA000025)
$32.05
Base rate/hr
$40.06
Casual rate/hr
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. A trade licence is required.
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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) | $32.05/hr | $1,217.90 | $63,330.80 |
| Part-time (adult) | $32.05/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $40.06/hr | Varies | Varies |
Penalty Rates — Electrician
$48.07/hr
$64.10/hr
$80.13/hr
Classification Levels — Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EW5 | Electrical worker (general) | $31.13 | $38.91 | $61,512.88 |
| EW6 | Electrician (tradesperson) | $32.05 | $40.06 | $63,330.80 |
| EW7 | Special class electrician | $33.81 | $42.26 | $66,808.56 |
| EW8 | Advanced tradesperson | $35.44 | $44.30 | $70,029.44 |
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 →More on the Electrical Award
Electrical Award (MA000025) overview
Coverage, penalty rates, casual overtime method and break rules.
Search enterprise agreements
An enterprise agreement replaces the award where one covers your workplace. Search by employer.
Enterprise agreements in electrical
- Star Electrical Co Pty Ltd – Central Coast and Hunter Region Enterprise Agreement 2026 - 2029
- Team Antennas Australia Pty Ltd and ETU Electrical Contracting Enterprise Agreement 2025 – 2029
- Eco-Site Services Pty Ltd and ETU Electrical Contracting Enterprise Agreement 2025 – 2029
- Mechelec Australia Pty Ltd and ETU Electrical Contracting Enterprise Agreement 2025 – 2029
- Rawsons Electrical Pty Ltd Single Enterprise Agreement 2026
- Rangedale Vic Pty Ltd and ETU Electrical Contracting Enterprise Agreement 2025 – 2029
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 $32.05/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $40.06/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the EW6 adult rate under the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020 (MA000025), effective from 1 July 2026.
What is the minimum wage for a electrician?
The minimum wage for a electrician is $32.05 per hour ($1,217.90 per week for a 38-hour week, or $63,330.80 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 ($48.07/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($64.10/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($80.13/hr).
What is the casual rate for a electrician?
The casual rate for a electrician is $40.06/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $32.05/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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