How much should I charge as a sole-trader tradie in Australia?
Most tradies pick their hourly rate by asking their mate what he charges, adding or subtracting $10, and calling it done. That's how the entire industry ends up undercharging. Here's what the numbers actually look like in 2026 — by trade, by region — plus how to back-calculate your real rate instead of copying.
Typical AU sole-trader rates (ex GST, 2026)
- Plumber: $110–$180/hr · urgent callouts $150–$240
- Electrician: $100–$170/hr · licensed + tested $140–$220
- Carpenter: $85–$140/hr · specialist fit-out $120–$200
- Painter: $60–$95/hr · commercial $85–$130
- Tiler: $75–$130/hr · large-format / waterproof $110–$170
- HVAC: $110–$180/hr · commissioning $150–$240
- Landscaper: $75–$120/hr
- Handyman: $70–$110/hr · small-job minimum $140–$220
Regional variation
Metro Sydney + Melbourne run 15–20% higher than national median. Regional NSW + Queensland often sit at or below median (less overhead but also longer travel). Perth is its own market with WA-specific supplier pricing. Tasmania runs lower headline rates but fewer jobs per week, so weekly totals can be similar.
Back-calculating the real rate you need
Your hourly rate isn't just your wage / hour. It's take-home + super + vehicle + insurance + tools + unbilled admin, all divided by billable hours. Most tradies bill 28–34 hours a week (not 40), which is where the undercharge compounds.
Rough formula: (weekly take-home × 1.5) ÷ 30 billable hours = hourly rate floor. If you want to take home $1,800/wk, your floor is about $90/hr. If you want $2,500/wk take-home, it's $125/hr. That's the bare minimum — add 20% for sick days, slow weeks, and training.
Why charging more actually wins you jobs
Counterintuitive but true: in AU residential trades, a quote at the high end of the range signals quality and wins at similar rates to a mid-range quote. Lowest-priced quotes lose to middle-priced quotes 60% of the time — customers assume the cheapest missed something. Don't be the cheapest; be the clearest.