How Much Does a Plumber Cost Per Hour in Australia (2026)?
Quick Answer
Australian plumbers charge $80–$120/hr for general plumbing and $100–$180/hr for specialist work (gas fitting, backflow, roofing plumbing). After-hours and emergency rates are typically 1.5x–2x standard rates.
Average Plumber Hourly Rates by State (2026)
| State | General | Specialist | Emergency |
|---|---|---|---|
| QLD | $85–$120 | $110–$160 | $150–$250 |
| NSW | $90–$130 | $120–$180 | $160–$280 |
| VIC | $85–$125 | $115–$170 | $155–$270 |
| WA | $90–$130 | $120–$175 | $160–$280 |
| SA | $80–$115 | $105–$155 | $145–$240 |
What Affects the Hourly Rate?
- Location: Metro areas charge 15–25% more than regional
- Specialisation: Gas fitting, backflow, and roofing plumbing command premium rates
- Time of day: After-hours (6pm–7am) typically 1.5x, weekends 1.5x–2x, public holidays 2x–2.5x
- Experience: 10+ year veterans charge 20–30% more than newly licensed plumbers
- Urgency: Same-day emergency callouts attract a premium
Call-Out Fee vs Hourly Rate
Most plumbers charge a call-out fee of $60–$120 on top of the hourly rate. This covers travel time to the job site. Some plumbers include the first 30 minutes in the call-out fee, others charge it separately. Always clarify with the customer upfront.
How to Set Your Own Rate
Use our free Hourly Rate Calculator to work out what you actually need to charge based on your overheads, desired salary, and billable hours. Most sole traders undercharge by 20–30% because they don't account for non-billable time.
Track Your Time and Revenue
TradeDesk.now tracks time on each job, calculates your effective hourly rate, and helps you identify which jobs are profitable and which are costing you money. Try it free.