Electricians are just like technicians and are in continuous demand across various industries in Australia, making it a lucrative career path. Understanding your earning potential is essential whether you’re just starting as an apprentice or have extensive experience. Let’s explore how much an electrician earns in Australia, including factors like the wide range of specialization and location. You can work in many sectors, from roof spaces in the day shift to the defense sector late at night, spanning across western beaches to eastern cities.
Average Salary an Electrician Makes
In Australia, the wage of an electrician varies depending on experience, location, industry, and the tasks and problems an electrician has to navigate through. The average electrician salary in Australia for 2024 is approximately AUD 70,000 to AUD 90,000 per year. However, earnings can range from AUD 25 to AUD 45 per hour, depending on factors such as specialization and industry. These high wages ensure some highly motivated electricians will complete the job correctly.
Earning of Industrial Electricians in Australia
Industrial electricians typically work on large-scale projects across factories, mines, and industrial plants. These roles often come with additional responsibilities due to the complexity of the work involved.
- Industrial electricians make between AUD 80,000 and AUD 120,000 per year.
- Many of these roles are available in sectors such as mining and manufacturing, with higher wages for those willing to work in remote locations like Western Australia or FIFO (Fly-In, Fly-Out) positions.
Automotive Electrician and Workshop Roles Across Different Parts of Australia
Specializing as an automotive electrician is another phase of a career you can take with solid earning potential. These electricians focus on electrical systems in vehicles, often working in workshops or mobile plant operations.
- Qualified auto electricians in Australia earn between AUD 60,000 and AUD 80,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
- Those with expertise in mobile plant and heavy machinery may earn even more due to the complexity of the work.
Average Income for Electricians in Major Cities like Brisbane and Perth
Location plays a significant role in how much Australian electricians earn. Electricians in major cities like Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, and Darwin tend to have higher wages than those in regional areas.
- In Sydney, electricians can expect to make an average of AUD 80,000 annually.
- Electricians in Perth may earn around AUD 85,000 annually, especially in the mining sector and large projects.
- Brisbane and Darwin also offer competitive income for electricians working in manufacturing, port, and renewable energy sectors.
Electrician Specializations and How They Impact Earnings
Average salaries for Electricians who specialize in specific areas tend to be higher. Electricians often work closely with a maintenance team and do maintenance services to ensure that electrical systems in large facilities, such as manufacturing plants or ports, function optimally and receive regular inspections and repairs. These specializations include industrial work, maintenance, or niche areas like mining services.
- Qualified eectricians with expertise in specific electrical systems can earn significantly more than the average.
- Maintenance electricians focusing on ongoing repairs and system checks in extensive facilities earn around AUD 40 per hour.
- Electricians working in the mining sector or defense infrastructure can earn over AUD 120,000 annually, especially in Western Australia.
These sectors do intend to need experience to join and have previous experience in many complex services. Where you specialize varies significantly depending on your professional development, and it depends on the academic course.
Apprenticeship and Entry-Level Positions
Apprenticeship programs are the first step and forefront phase for those starting their career as electricians. Entry-level positions start with salaries varying around AUD 25 per hour, but as you gain experience, you will have the potential to earn higher wages.
- By the time you reach your 4th year as an apprentice, you can expect to make around AUD 40,000 to AUD 55,000 annually.
- Once you become a qualified electrician, higher wages will come your way; of course, experienced workers make more than apprentices.
- An ex apprentice with several years of hands-on experience can expect to join a vacancy in an electrical team and advance quickly into higher-paying positions within the electrical industry
Electricians in the Mining Sector
This sector offers some of the highest-paying jobs for electricians in Australia. With a focus on maintaining and repairing electrical systems in large-scale operations, these electricians are in high demand.
- FIFO electricians can earn between AUD 100,000 and AUD 140,000 per year.
- Work here typically involves longer shifts but offers higher pay and benefits.
Licensed Electricians and the Importance of Qualifications
You must obtain your license to work as a fully qualified electrician. This qualification is essential to perform electrical work legally and to access higher-paying roles.
- Electricians who hold a license and have additional qualifications often earn significantly more than their unlicensed counterparts.
- Specializing in areas like automotive or infrastructure projects provides opportunities for professional growth and higher earnings.
Electrician Income: What to Expect
In 2024, electricians across different industries and regions in Australia can expect to earn competitive wages. Whether you’re in Sydney, Perth, or Darwin, the earning potential varies based on experience and specialization.
- Licensed electricians working on high-demand projects like infrastructure and mining can expect to earn more.
- Apprentice electricians should focus on gaining experience and obtaining licenses to maximize their earning potential.
- Commercial industries and corporations are currently seeking an electrician to join their services team. This also comes with huge pay.
Lightning Bult: Best Electrician in Sydney, Australia
Lightning Bult is a trusted electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, and pool heating services provider in Sydney, serving residential and commercial clients. With over 20 years of experience, we have a roster and a great team specializing in everything from general electrical work to plumbing maintenance and air conditioning installations. Whether emergency repairs of cables, new installations of solar panels, or ongoing maintenance of your air conditioner, their highly skilled team ensures top-quality service and safety. Lightning Bult is known for its customer-focused approach and upfront pricing. Making us the reliable choice across Sydney’s Northern Beaches and North Shore areas.
Here are our locations:
Conclusion
Becoming an electrician offers excellent earning potential, whether you choose to specialize in industrial work, automotive electrical systems, or maintenance roles. With opportunities across various industries, the demand for skilled electricians remains strong. The average an electrician makes in Australia varies, but with experience and specialization, you can achieve high earnings and career satisfaction.
Suppose you’re an electrician ready to take on new challenges or looking to specialize in a growing field like renewable energy or electrical vehicle chargers. In that case, the opportunities in Australia’s electrical industry are abundant.
