Data
Australian Trade Rates Index
The typical price of a fixed-price residential trade job in Australia is $825 in 2026 Q3, the median across the 170 per-job services tracked by this index. A like-for-like job costs about 17 per cent more in Sydney than in Adelaide, the dearest and cheapest capitals. The index covers 204 services across 17 categories, with adjusted ranges for all eight capital cities. All figures are in Australian dollars, GST inclusive.
Headline findings
- A like-for-like trade job costs about 17 per cent more in Sydney than in Adelaide, the dearest and cheapest capital cities in the Blue Collar News Australian Trade Rates Index (2026 Q3).
- The median typical price across the 170 fixed-price jobs in the Blue Collar News Australian Trade Rates Index is $825 as at 16 August 2026.
- Sydney is the only capital priced 15 per cent above the national baseline, and Adelaide is the only capital below it, at 2 per cent under, per the Blue Collar News Australian Trade Rates Index (2026 Q3).
- Clearing a blocked drain ranges from $150 to $600 nationally in 2026 Q3: $175 to $690 in Sydney against $145 to $590 in Adelaide (Blue Collar News Australian Trade Rates Index).
- Home extension & addition carries the widest residential price band in the index, from $50,000 to $400,000 depending on scope (Blue Collar News Australian Trade Rates Index, 2026 Q3).
- House Cleaning is the cheapest hourly service in the index at $35 to $60 an hour, and house removals the dearest at $120 to $200 an hour (Blue Collar News Australian Trade Rates Index, 2026 Q3).
How capital cities shift the figures
The national ranges below are adjusted for each capital with a cost-index multiplier. The 2026 Q3 multipliers, from dearest to cheapest:
| Capital | Cost index | Versus national baseline |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | 1.15 | about 15% above |
| Darwin | 1.12 | about 12% above |
| Melbourne | 1.12 | about 12% above |
| Perth | 1.10 | about 10% above |
| Canberra | 1.08 | about 8% above |
| Brisbane | 1.05 | about 5% above |
| Hobart | 1.02 | about 2% above |
| Adelaide | 0.98 | about 2% below |
Full per-capital low and high figures for every service are in the CSV download.
Indicative rates by trade
National indicative ranges for a standard residential job with reasonable access, AUD and GST inclusive. Typical is the midpoint of the range. Units vary by service and are shown per row.
Plumbing
| Service | Low | Typical | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backflow Prevention Testing | $90 | $195 | $300 | per job |
| Blocked Drain Clearing | $150 | $375 | $600 | per job |
| Blocked Toilet Repair | $120 | $235 | $350 | per job |
| Burst Pipe Repair | $200 | $550 | $900 | per job |
| CCTV Drain Inspection | $250 | $425 | $600 | per job |
| Drain Relining | $500 | $2,250 | $4,000 | per job |
| Emergency Plumber (24/7) | $150 | $575 | $1,000 | per call-out |
| Gas Fitting | $150 | $675 | $1,200 | per job |
| Gas Leak Detection & Repair | $150 | $475 | $800 | per job |
| Heat Pump Hot Water Installation | $1,800 | $3,400 | $5,000 | per job |
| Hot Water System Installation | $900 | $2,200 | $3,500 | per job |
| Hot Water System Repair | $180 | $440 | $700 | per job |
| Water Leak Detection | $250 | $475 | $700 | per job |
| Pipe Relining | $500 | $2,750 | $5,000 | per job |
| Rainwater Tank Installation | $800 | $2,900 | $5,000 | per job |
| Tap Repair & Installation | $90 | $220 | $350 | per job |
| Toilet Repair & Installation | $120 | $360 | $600 | per job |
Capital-city variation: Sydney +15%, Darwin +12%, Melbourne +12%, Perth +10%, Canberra +8%, Brisbane +5%, Hobart +2%, Adelaide -2% on the national figures above.
Electrical and smart home
| Service | Low | Typical | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appliance & Oven Wiring | $120 | $310 | $500 | per job |
| Ceiling Fan Installation | $120 | $260 | $400 | per job |
| Data & Network Cabling | $150 | $825 | $1,500 | per job |
| Downlight Installation | $60 | $105 | $150 | per job |
| Electrical Fault Finding | $120 | $310 | $500 | per job |
| Emergency Electrician (24/7) | $150 | $475 | $800 | per call-out |
| EV Charger Installation | $800 | $1,650 | $2,500 | per job |
| Home Battery Installation | $6,000 | $10,500 | $15,000 | per job |
| House Rewiring | $3,000 | $9,000 | $15,000 | per job |
| LED Lighting Upgrade | $200 | $850 | $1,500 | per job |
| Power Point Installation | $120 | $260 | $400 | per job |
| Safety Switch Installation | $150 | $325 | $500 | per job |
| Smoke Alarm Installation | $100 | $350 | $600 | per job |
| Solar Panel Installation | $4,000 | $8,000 | $12,000 | per job |
| Solar Panel Repair | $150 | $1,075 | $2,000 | per job |
| Switchboard Upgrade | $800 | $1,650 | $2,500 | per job |
| TV Antenna Installation | $150 | $375 | $600 | per job |
| Alarm System Installation | $500 | $1,750 | $3,000 | per job |
| CCTV & Security Camera Installation | $600 | $2,300 | $4,000 | per job |
| Home Network & Wi-Fi Setup | $150 | $825 | $1,500 | per job |
| Home Theatre Installation | $500 | $4,250 | $8,000 | per job |
| Smart Blinds & Motorised Curtains | $300 | $2,150 | $4,000 | per job |
| Smart Home Automation Setup | $500 | $5,250 | $10,000 | per job |
| Smart Hub & Controller Setup | $150 | $825 | $1,500 | per job |
| Smart Lighting Installation | $200 | $1,100 | $2,000 | per job |
| Smart Lock Installation | $150 | $375 | $600 | per job |
| TV Wall Mounting | $100 | $250 | $400 | per job |
| Video Doorbell Installation | $100 | $250 | $400 | per job |
| Voice Assistant Setup | $100 | $350 | $600 | per job |
Capital-city variation: Sydney +15%, Darwin +12%, Melbourne +12%, Perth +10%, Canberra +8%, Brisbane +5%, Hobart +2%, Adelaide -2% on the national figures above.
Carpentry
| Service | Low | Typical | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Built-In Wardrobes & Joinery | $800 | $3,400 | $6,000 | per job |
| General Carpentry Repairs | $80 | $100 | $120 | per hour |
| Timber & Composite Cladding | $80 | $140 | $200 | per m² |
| Deck Repair & Restoration | $300 | $1,650 | $3,000 | per job |
| Decking Construction | $200 | $325 | $450 | per m² |
| Door Installation & Repair | $120 | $460 | $800 | per job |
| Timber & Laminate Flooring | $35 | $78 | $120 | per m² |
| Floor Sanding & Polishing | $30 | $50 | $70 | per m² |
| Framing & Structural Carpentry | $1,000 | $10,500 | $20,000 | per job |
| Pergola & Patio Construction | $2,000 | $7,000 | $12,000 | per job |
| Skirting & Architrave Fitting | $15 | $30 | $45 | per m² |
| Staircase Construction & Repair | $1,500 | $6,750 | $12,000 | per job |
| Subfloor & Stump Repair | $1,500 | $8,250 | $15,000 | per job |
Capital-city variation: Sydney +15%, Darwin +12%, Melbourne +12%, Perth +10%, Canberra +8%, Brisbane +5%, Hobart +2%, Adelaide -2% on the national figures above.
Building, renovation and concreting
| Service | Low | Typical | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asbestos Removal | $1,000 | $8,000 | $15,000 | per job |
| Bathroom Renovation | $15,000 | $25,000 | $35,000 | per job |
| Demolition | $3,000 | $21,500 | $40,000 | per job |
| Granny Flat Construction | $90,000 | $170,000 | $250,000 | per job |
| Gyprock & Plasterboard Installation | $30 | $55 | $80 | per m² |
| Home Extension & Addition | $50,000 | $225,000 | $400,000 | per job |
| Kitchen Renovation | $15,000 | $30,000 | $45,000 | per job |
| Laundry Renovation | $5,000 | $10,000 | $15,000 | per job |
| Leaking Shower Repair | $400 | $1,450 | $2,500 | per job |
| Plastering | $300 | $1,650 | $3,000 | per job |
| Regrouting & Tile Sealing | $300 | $900 | $1,500 | per job |
| Rendering | $30 | $60 | $90 | per m² |
| Splashback Installation | $300 | $1,400 | $2,500 | per job |
| Wall & Floor Tiling | $45 | $83 | $120 | per m² |
| Waterproofing | $500 | $1,750 | $3,000 | per job |
| Concrete Driveway | $65 | $108 | $150 | per m² |
| Concrete Cutting & Removal | $40 | $70 | $100 | per m² |
| Concrete Slab | $70 | $115 | $160 | per m² |
| Decorative & Stencilled Concrete | $80 | $120 | $160 | per m² |
| Exposed Aggregate Concrete | $90 | $125 | $160 | per m² |
| Concrete Kerbing & Edging | $30 | $55 | $80 | per m² |
| Paving | $60 | $105 | $150 | per m² |
| Polished Concrete Floors | $80 | $140 | $200 | per m² |
Capital-city variation: Sydney +15%, Darwin +12%, Melbourne +12%, Perth +10%, Canberra +8%, Brisbane +5%, Hobart +2%, Adelaide -2% on the national figures above.
Roofing, painting and outdoors
| Service | Low | Typical | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downpipe Installation & Repair | $100 | $450 | $800 | per job |
| Gutter Cleaning | $120 | $310 | $500 | per job |
| Gutter Guard Installation | $30 | $55 | $80 | per m² |
| Gutter Installation | $40 | $70 | $100 | per m² |
| Gutter Replacement | $1,000 | $3,000 | $5,000 | per job |
| Metal & Colorbond Roofing | $50 | $85 | $120 | per m² |
| Roof Leak Detection | $150 | $375 | $600 | per job |
| Roof Painting | $2,000 | $4,000 | $6,000 | per job |
| Roof Repair | $200 | $1,100 | $2,000 | per job |
| Roof Replacement | $8,000 | $19,000 | $30,000 | per job |
| Roof Restoration | $2,500 | $5,250 | $8,000 | per job |
| Skylight Installation | $500 | $1,500 | $2,500 | per job |
| Storm Damage Roof Repair | $300 | $4,150 | $8,000 | per job |
| Tile Roof Repair | $200 | $850 | $1,500 | per job |
| Ceiling Repair & Painting | $300 | $1,150 | $2,000 | per job |
| Commercial Painting | $2,000 | $26,000 | $50,000 | per job |
| Deck Staining & Oiling | $300 | $1,050 | $1,800 | per job |
| Exterior House Painting | $3,000 | $9,000 | $15,000 | per job |
| Feature Wall & Decorative Painting | $200 | $700 | $1,200 | per job |
| Fence Painting & Staining | $300 | $1,150 | $2,000 | per job |
| Interior House Painting | $1,500 | $4,750 | $8,000 | per job |
| Protective & Epoxy Coatings | $40 | $80 | $120 | per m² |
| Wallpaper Installation & Removal | $300 | $1,400 | $2,500 | per job |
| Arborist Reports & Care | $250 | $575 | $900 | per job |
| Fencing Installation | $80 | $215 | $350 | per m² |
| Garden Maintenance | $50 | $70 | $90 | per hour |
| Automatic Gate Installation | $1,500 | $4,750 | $8,000 | per job |
| Hedge Trimming | $80 | $340 | $600 | per job |
| Irrigation & Sprinkler Installation | $800 | $2,900 | $5,000 | per job |
| Landscape Design & Construction | $5,000 | $42,500 | $80,000 | per job |
| Lawn Mowing | $40 | $80 | $120 | per job |
| Pool Fencing & Compliance | $1,500 | $4,750 | $8,000 | per job |
| Pool Maintenance & Cleaning | $60 | $130 | $200 | per job |
| Retaining Walls | $150 | $375 | $600 | per m² |
| Stump Grinding & Removal | $100 | $450 | $800 | per job |
| Synthetic Turf Installation | $60 | $90 | $120 | per m² |
| Tree Lopping & Pruning | $200 | $1,100 | $2,000 | per job |
| Tree Removal | $300 | $2,650 | $5,000 | per job |
| Turf Laying | $15 | $28 | $40 | per m² |
Capital-city variation: Sydney +15%, Darwin +12%, Melbourne +12%, Perth +10%, Canberra +8%, Brisbane +5%, Hobart +2%, Adelaide -2% on the national figures above.
Heating, cooling and appliances
| Service | Low | Typical | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Conditioner Regas | $150 | $375 | $600 | per job |
| Air Conditioner Service & Clean | $100 | $225 | $350 | per job |
| Ducted Air Conditioning Installation | $8,000 | $14,000 | $20,000 | per job |
| Ducted Air Conditioning Repair | $200 | $850 | $1,500 | per job |
| Ducted Gas Heating Installation | $4,000 | $8,000 | $12,000 | per job |
| Emergency Air Conditioning Repair | $200 | $600 | $1,000 | per call-out |
| Evaporative Cooling Installation | $3,000 | $5,500 | $8,000 | per job |
| Evaporative Cooling Service | $120 | $310 | $500 | per job |
| Exhaust Fan Installation | $150 | $325 | $500 | per job |
| Gas Heater Service & Repair | $120 | $310 | $500 | per job |
| Split System Air Conditioner Installation | $600 | $1,800 | $3,000 | per job |
| Split System Air Conditioner Repair | $150 | $475 | $800 | per job |
| Cooktop & Stove Repair | $120 | $285 | $450 | per job |
| Dishwasher Repair | $120 | $260 | $400 | per job |
| Clothes Dryer Repair | $120 | $260 | $400 | per job |
| Fridge & Freezer Repair | $150 | $325 | $500 | per job |
| Garage Door Installation | $1,000 | $2,500 | $4,000 | per job |
| Garage Door Repair | $150 | $425 | $700 | per job |
| Oven Repair | $120 | $285 | $450 | per job |
| Rangehood Repair | $100 | $250 | $400 | per job |
| Small Appliance Repair | $80 | $190 | $300 | per job |
| Washing Machine Repair | $120 | $285 | $450 | per job |
Capital-city variation: Sydney +15%, Darwin +12%, Melbourne +12%, Perth +10%, Canberra +8%, Brisbane +5%, Hobart +2%, Adelaide -2% on the national figures above.
Cleaning, pest control, removals and security
| Service | Low | Typical | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ant Control | $120 | $235 | $350 | per job |
| Bed Bug Treatment | $300 | $900 | $1,500 | per job |
| Bee & Wasp Removal | $120 | $285 | $450 | per job |
| Cockroach Control | $120 | $235 | $350 | per job |
| Flea Treatment | $150 | $275 | $400 | per job |
| General Pest Control | $150 | $250 | $350 | per job |
| Possum Removal & Proofing | $200 | $450 | $700 | per job |
| Rodent Control | $150 | $375 | $600 | per job |
| Spider Control | $120 | $235 | $350 | per job |
| Termite Barrier Installation | $1,500 | $3,250 | $5,000 | per job |
| Termite Inspection | $200 | $350 | $500 | per job |
| Termite Treatment | $500 | $2,250 | $4,000 | per job |
| Carpet Cleaning | $80 | $215 | $350 | per job |
| Commercial Cleaning | $40 | $60 | $80 | per hour |
| End of Lease (Bond) Cleaning | $250 | $525 | $800 | per job |
| House Cleaning | $35 | $48 | $60 | per hour |
| Oven Cleaning | $80 | $165 | $250 | per job |
| Post-Construction Cleaning | $300 | $900 | $1,500 | per job |
| Pressure Washing | $150 | $425 | $700 | per job |
| Solar Panel Cleaning | $120 | $260 | $400 | per job |
| Strata & Common Area Cleaning | $200 | $1,100 | $2,000 | per job |
| Tile & Grout Cleaning | $150 | $375 | $600 | per job |
| Upholstery Cleaning | $80 | $240 | $400 | per job |
| Window Cleaning | $100 | $250 | $400 | per job |
| Deceased Estate Clearance | $400 | $2,200 | $4,000 | per job |
| Furniture Removal & Delivery | $80 | $240 | $400 | per job |
| House Removals | $120 | $160 | $200 | per hour |
| Interstate Removals | $1,500 | $4,750 | $8,000 | per job |
| Mattress & Furniture Disposal | $60 | $155 | $250 | per job |
| Office Relocation | $1,000 | $8,000 | $15,000 | per job |
| Rubbish Removal | $100 | $350 | $600 | per job |
| Skip Bin Hire | $250 | $525 | $800 | per job |
| Emergency Glazier (Broken Window) | $150 | $475 | $800 | per call-out |
| Emergency Locksmith (Lockout) | $120 | $260 | $400 | per call-out |
| Flyscreen Repair & Replacement | $40 | $120 | $200 | per job |
| Window Glass Replacement | $150 | $525 | $900 | per job |
| Shower Screen Installation | $400 | $1,200 | $2,000 | per job |
| Glass Splashback Installation | $400 | $1,100 | $1,800 | per job |
| Lock Change & Installation | $100 | $300 | $500 | per job |
| Lock Rekeying | $80 | $215 | $350 | per job |
| Mirror Supply & Installation | $150 | $575 | $1,000 | per job |
| Security Door & Screen Installation | $300 | $900 | $1,500 | per job |
Capital-city variation: Sydney +15%, Darwin +12%, Melbourne +12%, Perth +10%, Canberra +8%, Brisbane +5%, Hobart +2%, Adelaide -2% on the national figures above.
Commercial and compliance
| Service | Low | Typical | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Electrical | $500 | $25,250 | $50,000 | per job |
| Commercial Plumbing | $500 | $20,250 | $40,000 | per job |
| Commercial Fire Services | $200 | $2,600 | $5,000 | per job |
| Line Marking | $500 | $4,250 | $8,000 | per job |
| Office Fit-Out | $20,000 | $260,000 | $500,000 | per job |
| Office Partitioning | $3,000 | $31,500 | $60,000 | per job |
| Scaffolding Hire & Erection | $800 | $5,400 | $10,000 | per job |
| Shopfitting | $20,000 | $160,000 | $300,000 | per job |
| Signage Manufacture & Installation | $500 | $10,250 | $20,000 | per job |
| Asbestos Inspection & Report | $300 | $550 | $800 | per job |
| Building Inspection | $300 | $500 | $700 | per job |
| Dilapidation Report | $400 | $800 | $1,200 | per job |
| Electrical Safety Inspection | $150 | $275 | $400 | per job |
| Home Energy Assessment | $200 | $500 | $800 | per job |
| Gas Compliance Inspection | $120 | $235 | $350 | per job |
| Pest Inspection | $250 | $375 | $500 | per job |
| Pool Safety Inspection | $150 | $275 | $400 | per job |
| Pre-Purchase Building & Pest Inspection | $400 | $650 | $900 | per job |
| Smoke Alarm Compliance Check | $80 | $140 | $200 | per job |
Capital-city variation: Sydney +15%, Darwin +12%, Melbourne +12%, Perth +10%, Canberra +8%, Brisbane +5%, Hobart +2%, Adelaide -2% on the national figures above.
Methodology
The figures in this index are Blue Collar News' editorially curated indicative price ranges. They are the same ranges published across the Blue Collar News Services cost guides, informed by published market rates, award labour costs and supplier pricing. Capital-city figures apply a cost-index multiplier for each capital to the national range.
These figures are not a statistical survey of actual quotes or completed jobs. All figures assume GST-inclusive pricing for a standard residential job with reasonable access, consistent with the services cost guides.
The index is reviewed quarterly. This 2026 Q3 edition was published on 16 August 2026; the next review is scheduled for November 2026. Future editions may incorporate aggregated, de-identified quote data from the Blue Collar News Services platform, only where sample sizes exceed a minimum threshold of 20 quotes per figure and in accordance with the platform's privacy policy.
Consumer information, not price guidance
This index describes what consumers typically pay. It is not a recommended, minimum or suggested charge-out rate for tradespeople or trade businesses, and it must not be used as one. Businesses must set their prices independently.
Cite this index
The data on this page is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0). You are free to republish the figures, including commercially, with attribution to "Blue Collar News, Australian Trade Rates Index (2026 Q3)" and a link to this page.
Blue Collar News, Australian Trade Rates Index (2026 Q3), https://bluecollarnews.com.au/trade-rates-index/
Frequently asked questions
Why do trade prices vary so much between cities?
Labour costs, travel distances, licensing overheads and demand differ between markets. The index reflects this with a cost-index multiplier for each capital: the same job priced at the national baseline runs about 15 per cent higher in Sydney and about 2 per cent lower in Adelaide.
Is this a quote or estimate for my job?
No. The index publishes indicative national and capital-city price ranges for a standard residential job with reasonable access. Your job's scope, site access, materials and urgency all move the price. Always obtain multiple written quotes before engaging a tradesperson.
How often is the index updated?
Quarterly. The 2026 Q3 edition was published on 16 August 2026 and the next review is scheduled for November 2026. Superseded figures remain available so citations stay stable.
Can I republish these figures?
Yes. The data is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0). You are free to republish the figures, including commercially, if you attribute "Blue Collar News, Australian Trade Rates Index (2026 Q3)" and link to this page.
Do the figures include GST?
Yes. All figures assume GST-inclusive pricing for a standard residential job with reasonable access, consistent with the Blue Collar News services cost guides they are drawn from.
Are these the rates tradies should charge?
No. The index describes what consumers typically pay. It is not a recommended, minimum or suggested charge-out rate for tradespeople, and businesses must set their prices independently.