Minimum pay rates for electricians under the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020, including base rates, casual rates, penalty rates, and classification levels.
Last verified: 21 May 2026Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020 (MA000025)
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. A trade licence is required.
$29.47
Base rate/hr
$36.84
Casual rate/hr
Hourly (Full-Time)
$29.47
Hourly (Casual)
$36.84
Weekly (38hrs)
$1,119.86
Annual (Full-Time)
$58,232.72
Electricians in Australia are generally covered by the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020 (MA000025). This Modern Award sets out the minimum terms and conditions of employment including pay rates, hours of work, rosters, breaks, allowances, penalty rates, and overtime.
Some electricians may be covered by an enterprise agreement instead, which must provide conditions that are at least as favourable as the award overall (the Better Off Overall Test).
View full Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award pay rates →
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EW5 | Electrical worker (general) | $27.14 | $33.93 | $1,031.32 | $53,628.64 |
| EW6 | Electrician (tradesperson) | $29.47 | $36.84 | $1,119.86 | $58,232.72 |
| EW7 | Special class electrician | $30.78 | $38.48 | $1,169.64 | $60,821.28 |
| EW8 | Advanced tradesperson | $32.25 | $40.31 | $1,225.50 | $63,726.00 |
Rates effective from 1 July 2025. Casual rate includes 25% loading.
Casual electricians receive a 25% casual loading on top of the base hourly rate, increasing the minimum from $29.47/hr to $36.84/hr.
The casual loading compensates for not receiving paid annual leave, personal leave, notice of termination, or redundancy pay. Over a full year, a casual electrician working 38 hours per week would earn $72,795.84 (before tax and penalty rates).
From 1 July 2024, casual employees who have worked regular hours for at least 6 months can request conversion to permanent employment. Check your casual conversion eligibility →
Part-time electricians receive the same hourly rate as full-time employees ($29.47/hr) but work fewer than 38 hours per week on a regular, agreed pattern. Part-time employees receive all the same entitlements as full-time employees (annual leave, personal leave, notice, redundancy) on a pro-rata basis.
Penalty rates apply when electricians work on Saturdays, Sundays, or public holidays. Rates shown are for Level 1 permanent employees ($29.47/hr base).
Saturday
$44.21/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$58.94/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$73.68/hr
2.5x base
Casual employees may receive different penalty rate multipliers. Check the full award pay rates for detailed penalty rate tables.
Qualified electricians should be classified at EW6 or above. Apprentices have separate rates that increase each year of the apprenticeship.
If you earn less than $29.47/hr as a full-time or part-time electrician, or less than $36.84/hr as a casual, you may be underpaid. You can claim up to 6 years of back pay.
| Job Title | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Annual (FT) | Award |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $29.47/hr | $36.84/hr | $58,232.72 | MA000025 |
| Retail Worker | $24.10/hr | $30.13/hr | $47,621.60 | MA000004 |
| Barista | $24.10/hr | $30.13/hr | $47,621.60 | MA000009 |
| Waiter | $24.10/hr | $30.13/hr | $47,621.60 | MA000009 |
The minimum hourly rate for a electrician in Australia is $29.47/hr for full-time/part-time employees and $36.84/hr for casuals (including 25% loading) under the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020. Actual rates may be higher depending on classification level, experience, and any enterprise agreement that applies.
Under the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020 (MA000025), the minimum wage for a electrician starts at $29.47/hr (Level 1 adult rate). This equates to $1,119.86/week or $58,232.72/year for a standard 38-hour week. The national minimum wage is $24.95/hr.
Electricians in Australia are generally covered by the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020 (MA000025). This award sets out minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and other working conditions. Some electricians may be covered by an enterprise agreement instead, which must meet or exceed the award.
A casual electrician receives $36.84/hr, which includes the 25% casual loading on top of the $29.47/hr base rate. The casual loading compensates for not receiving paid leave and other permanent employment benefits.
Under the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020, electricians receive: Saturday 1.5x ($44.21/hr), Sunday 2x ($58.94/hr), and Public Holiday 2.5x ($73.68/hr) at Level 1 rates.
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FairWork Mate is an independent commercial service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, or any Australian Government agency. Content is 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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