Quick answer
In 2026, construction labour hire typically costs $55–$60 per hour + GST for a general labourer, $65–$85 + GST for skilled and ticketed workers, and $75–$85 + GST for qualified carpenters and A-grade electricians. Specialist and civil roles run up to about $90 + GST. The hourly charge covers wages, super, insurance, payroll tax and admin, so you only pay for hours worked.
These are Dash Group's indicative charge rates across Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Final rates depend on the award, the project, the hours and the location, and we agree them with you before anyone starts on site.
Labour hire rates by trade (2026)
| Role | Indicative rate (per hour + GST) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| General labourer | $55–$60 | Site clean-up, materials handling, demolition support |
| Skilled & ticketed labour | $65–$85 | Traffic controllers, EWP, forklift, manitou, hoist, dogmen, riggers, electrical spotters |
| Carpenter | $75–$85 | Framing, fit-out, formwork support |
| Formwork, steel fixing & concrete | $60–$85 | Formworkers, steel fixers, concreters and concrete labourers |
| A-grade electrician | $75–$85 | Commercial and residential electrical work |
| Shopfitter / joiner | $65–$85 | Retail and commercial fit-outs, joinery installs |
| Civil, landscaping & horticulture | $58–$90 | Civil crews, plant operators, landscapers |
| Diesel & automotive mechanic | $75–$90 | Fleet and plant maintenance |
What's included in the hourly rate
A labour hire charge rate is not just the worker's wage. When you book through Dash Group, the hourly charge covers:
- Base wage and casual loading under the relevant award, usually the Building and Construction General On-site Award (MA000020), or an enterprise agreement where one applies.
- Superannuation at the 12% superannuation guarantee rate, now paid on payday under Payday Super.
- Workers compensation insurance for the worker.
- Payroll tax in the relevant state.
- Award interpretation, payroll and STP reporting, handled by our in-house payroll team.
- Recruitment, screening and ticket checks. Only about 3 in 10 applicants pass our vetting.
- Replacement if a worker isn't the right fit.
What changed on 1 July 2026
Two changes from 1 July 2026 affect what you pay for labour this financial year:
- Award wages rose 4.75%. The Fair Work Commission's 2026 Annual Wage Review lifted modern award minimum rates by 4.75%. Award-based charge rates moved up to match.
- Payday Super started. Super must now be paid at the same time as wages rather than quarterly. The rate stays at 12%. Labour hire clients don't need to do anything differently, because we handle it in our payroll.
Labour hire vs hiring direct
Hiring a casual worker directly can look cheaper per hour, but you carry the costs that labour hire bundles in: advertising and recruitment time, super and payroll tax, workers compensation premiums, award compliance risk, payroll admin and the cost of replacing someone who doesn't turn up. For short-term projects, peaks and absence cover, labour hire usually works out cheaper overall because you pay only for hours worked.
Labour hire also shifts compliance onto a licensed provider. In Victoria and Queensland, you must use a licensed labour hire provider. Dash Group is licensed under the Labour Hire Licensing Act 2018 (Vic) and the Labour Hire Licensing Act 2017 (Qld).
What pushes a quote up or down
- Trade and tickets. High-risk work licences and specialist tickets cost more.
- Hours. Overtime, early starts, weekends and public holidays attract award penalty rates.
- Site conditions. Allowances, enterprise agreements and project-specific requirements.
- Duration. Longer bookings usually get sharper rates.
- Notice. We can often have workers on site within 2–4 hours, but booking the day before gives the widest choice.
- Location. Regional and remote sites may include travel.
How to get an accurate quote
Tell your consultant the trade and tickets needed, the site suburb, start date and hours, expected duration, and whether an enterprise agreement or site allowance applies. You'll get a fixed charge rate before anyone starts.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a labourer cost per hour through labour hire?
At Dash Group, general construction labourers are typically charged at $55–$60 per hour + GST in 2026. That rate covers the worker's wage, superannuation, workers compensation insurance, payroll tax, payroll administration and replacement if someone doesn't work out.
Is labour hire more expensive than hiring direct?
The hourly charge is higher than the wage alone, but it includes super, insurance, payroll tax, leave liabilities, recruitment and admin. For short projects, peaks and cover, labour hire is often cheaper overall because you only pay for hours worked and carry no recruitment or termination costs.
Did labour hire rates go up in July 2026?
Yes. The Fair Work Commission's 2026 Annual Wage Review increased modern award rates by 4.75% from 1 July 2026, which flows through to award-based labour hire charge rates. Payday Super also started on 1 July 2026, with the superannuation guarantee remaining at 12%.
Do I pay GST on labour hire?
Yes. Labour hire charge rates are quoted exclusive of GST, and GST is added to invoices. GST-registered businesses can generally claim it back as an input tax credit.
What makes a labour hire quote go up or down?
The trade and tickets required, the applicable award or enterprise agreement, overtime and weekend work, site allowances, project length, location and how much notice you give. Longer bookings and planned start dates usually attract sharper rates.
Sources: Dash Group indicative charge rates (October 2026); Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review 2025–26 decision (4.75% increase to modern award rates from 1 July 2026); Australian Government Payday Super reforms (from 1 July 2026); Labour Hire Licensing Act 2018 (Vic); Labour Hire Licensing Act 2017 (Qld). Rates are indicative only and exclude GST.