How Much to Charge as a Subcontractor
Pricing yourself correctly is the difference between a profitable business and working for less than an employee.
The Formula
Subcontract rate = Employee rate + 25-40% margin. The margin covers: no paid leave (annual, sick, long service), no employer super contributions (you self-contribute), insurance costs, vehicle and tool costs, admin time (quoting, invoicing), and business risk.
Current Perth Subcontract Rates
Carpenter: $55-$65/hr. Electrician: $60-$75/hr. Plumber: $60-$75/hr. Bricklayer: $55-$70/hr. Painter: $45-$55/hr. Labourer: $40-$48/hr.
Pricing Per Job vs Per Hour
Per hour: simpler but limits earning potential. Per job/square metre: rewards speed and efficiency. Most successful subbies transition to per-job pricing as they get faster.
ABN vs employee | Subcontractor guide
Ready to take the next step? Register as a candidate or submit a vacancy. Call PerthTrades on 0420 958 372.