What licensed plumbers charge per hour across Australia — by state, by job type, and including call-out fees and after-hours rates. Based on 2026 market rates.
Plumber hourly rates by state (2026)
Plumbing is one of the most regulated trades in Australia. All work must be performed by a licensed plumber and gas fitter. Rates vary by state, experience level, and job complexity. These are the standard market rates charged by residential plumbers in 2026:
State
Hourly rate
Call-out fee
After-hours surcharge
NSW / Sydney
$130–$165/hr
$110–$160
+$75–$120/hr
VIC / Melbourne
$125–$155/hr
$100–$150
+$70–$110/hr
QLD / Brisbane
$115–$145/hr
$90–$135
+$60–$100/hr
WA / Perth
$120–$155/hr
$95–$140
+$65–$105/hr
SA / Adelaide
$110–$140/hr
$85–$120
+$55–$90/hr
ACT / Canberra
$130–$160/hr
$100–$145
+$70–$115/hr
TAS / Hobart
$105–$135/hr
$80–$120
+$55–$85/hr
All rates ex-GST. Call-out fees typically cover travel and the first 30 minutes on site. After-hours rates apply evenings, weekends and public holidays.
Common residential plumbing job costs
Most plumbing quotes include a call-out fee plus labour. Here's what common residential jobs cost across Australia — these are supply and install prices unless noted:
Job
National cost range
Notes
Tap replacement (basin/kitchen)
$180–$380
Inc. call-out, standard tap supplied
Toilet suite replace
$450–$900
Wels 4-star suite, standard install
Hot water system — electric (installed)
$1,200–$2,200
250L mid-range unit, standard location
Hot water system — gas (installed)
$1,500–$2,800
Continuous flow or storage, new install
Drain unblock (CCTV)
$250–$600
Includes camera inspection and jetting
Burst pipe repair
$300–$800
Accessible pipe, single break
Bathroom rough-in (new)
$2,800–$5,500
Full wet area rough-in to lock-up stage
Kitchen sink and dishwasher plumbing
$350–$700
Standard install, existing connections
Backflow prevention device
$400–$900
Supply, install and certify
Gas bayonet outlet installation
$280–$550
One new outlet, existing supply
Worked example: bathroom renovation plumbing, Melbourne
Retaining the same waste locations. Installing new toilet, vanity basin, shower mixer, bath spout and tapware. Running new pipework for shower screen relocation 400mm. No slab penetration required.
First fix — rough-in (3 hrs @ $145/hr)$435
Second fix — fixtures and connections (4 hrs @ $145/hr)$580
Plumbing under a slab vs under a suspended floor vs in the ceiling — each has different access difficulty. Slab penetration adds $400–$1,200 per penetration in labour and equipment.
Age of the property
Older homes with galvanised or lead pipe need more careful handling and often need a larger section replaced rather than spot repairs. Pre-1970s homes almost always have surprises.
Water pressure requirements
Properties with low mains pressure may need a pressure pump to run a continuous-flow hot water system correctly. That's an additional $600–$1,400 for the pump and installation.
Compliance and certification
All plumbing work in Australia requires a Certificate of Compliance. If work is missed in an inspection or done incorrectly, the re-inspection and rectification costs sit with the plumber — good plumbers factor this into their rate.
Emergency vs scheduled
A burst pipe at 11pm on a Sunday costs significantly more than a planned tap replacement on Tuesday morning. Emergency call-outs with after-hours rates can triple the cost of the same job.
Build accurate plumbing quotes in FMN with current labour rates built in.
Frequently asked questions
What does a plumber charge per hour in Australia in 2026?
Licensed plumbers charge $110–$165/hr depending on state and experience. Sydney and Melbourne are at the higher end ($130–$165/hr). Most also charge a call-out fee of $90–$160 on top of the hourly rate. Emergency and after-hours work adds a further $60–$120/hr surcharge.
Why do plumbers charge a call-out fee?
The call-out fee covers travel time, loading the van, and the initial diagnostic work before any billable repairs begin. For a $130/hr plumber, the call-out typically covers 45–60 minutes of non-billable time. It's standard across all licensed trades in Australia.
Are plumbing quotes fixed price or time and materials?
Most standard jobs are quoted at a fixed price. Emergency work is more commonly time and materials. For bathroom renovations and large jobs, ask for a fixed price with a provisional sum for unknown work like subfloor conditions. Always get the quote in writing before work starts.
Does plumbing work require a certificate of compliance?
Yes. In all Australian states and territories, licensed plumbing work requires a Certificate of Compliance (or equivalent). Your plumber issues this after completion. You need it for insurance purposes and when selling the property. If a plumber doesn't offer to provide one, that's a red flag.
What's the difference between a plumber and a gas fitter?
In most Australian states, plumbers and gas fitters are licensed separately. Some plumbers hold both licences. If you need gas line work — appliances, bayonets, hot water — make sure your plumber holds a gasfitting licence. Check your state's licensing register before booking.