Plumber Callout Fee Guide: What's Normal in 2026?

TL;DR

A plumber call-out fee is typically $80–$150 in Australia, $50–$150 in the USA and CAD $75–$150 in Canada. It is charged on top of the hourly rate and covers travel and the first 30 minutes on site. After-hours call-out fees are typically 1.5–2× the standard rate.

What Is a Callout Fee?

A call-out fee (also called a service fee, trip fee or mobilisation fee) is a fixed charge that covers the plumber's cost of travelling to the job and the first 30 minutes on site. It is charged regardless of the outcome — even if the job takes only 5 minutes to diagnose.

The call-out fee exists because a plumber's time starts the moment they leave their previous job or home. Travel, fuel, vehicle wear and the opportunity cost of turning down other work are all real costs that must be recovered.

Average Callout Fees by Region

After-Hours Surcharge

Most plumbers apply a surcharge for work outside standard business hours:

• Evenings (after 5pm or 6pm): 1.5× standard call-out fee
• Weekends: 1.5–2× standard call-out fee
• Public holidays: 2–2.5× standard call-out fee
• Overnight (midnight–6am): 2–3× standard call-out fee

For Plumbers: How to Set Your Callout Fee

Your call-out fee should cover at minimum:

• Average travel time to a job (e.g. 20 minutes × your hourly rate)
• Fuel cost for the average round trip
• Vehicle wear and tear
• The first 30 minutes of your time on site

Most plumbers set their call-out fee at 1–1.5 hours of their hourly rate. If your hourly rate is $100, your call-out fee should be $100–$150.

How to Itemise a Callout Fee on Your Invoice

List the call-out fee as a separate line item on your invoice. Example:

• Service call / call-out fee: $120.00
• Labour — additional time @ $100/hr × 1.5 hrs: $150.00
• Materials: $45.00
• GST (10%): $31.50
• Total: $346.50

Download our free plumbing invoice template with a dedicated call-out fee field.