Industry Benchmark Survey

Uncover key insights and trends shaping the electrical contracting industry.

The 2025 Electrical Contractor Industry Benchmark Study provides a snapshot of how contractors across the industry are pricing work, recovering costs, managing customers and responding to emerging business challenges.

The results highlight an industry that is becoming more commercially structured. Contractors are increasingly adopting hybrid pricing models, applying cost-recovery mechanisms such as service fees and travel charges, and becoming more selective about the customers they work with.

At the same time, financial resilience remains the dominant concern for the year ahead. Cash flow management, debtor discipline and broader economic conditions continue to shape business decisions across the industry.

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Key highlights from the report

  • • Hybrid pricing models are now more common than single-method pricing
  • • Charge-out rates are shaped by both overhead costs and customer expectations
  • • Nearly half of contractors charge a service fee, most commonly above $70
  • • More than half charge for travel time, typically at their standard hourly rate
  • • Around two-thirds apply after-hours or emergency loadings
  • • Most contractors apply a materials mark-up between 21% and 50%
  • • Customer payment behaviour strongly influences who contractors choose to work with
  • • Financial control and cash flow are the biggest concerns for the next 12 month

Why you need to read this report

Stay competitive:
Understand how your business compares with industry standards and identify areas for improvement.

Set effective pricing strategies:
Access detailed charge-out rate averages by work type and role classification to help you set competitive and sustainable prices.

Improve operational efficiency:
Learn best practices for managing overheads, service fees, and adjusting to economic changes.

Plan for the future:
Use data-driven insights to navigate industry shifts and position your business for success.

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