Plumber Hourly Rate Calculator (Set Your Rate Properly)
Most plumbers undercharge. This calculator shows you what your hour is actually worth.
Plumber rates calculator — coming soon
Inputs: target annual income, weeks worked, billable hours, overheads, profit margin → output: minimum hourly rate
Average Plumber Hourly Rates by Region (2026)
These are typical market rates for licensed plumbers. Actual rates vary by experience, location and job type.
| Region | Standard Rate | After-Hours Rate | Call-Out Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | $80–$150/hr | $120–$250/hr | $80–$150 |
| United States | $75–$150/hr | $100–$200/hr | $50–$150 |
| Canada | CAD $80–$160/hr | CAD $120–$220/hr | CAD $75–$150 |
| South Africa | ZAR 500–1,200/hr | ZAR 800–2,000/hr | ZAR 400–800 |
What Plumbers Actually Charge
Most plumbers charge a combination of:
- Call-out fee: A fixed fee to cover travel and the first 30 minutes on site. Typically $80–$150 in Australia.
- Hourly rate: Charged after the first 30 minutes, usually in 15-minute increments.
- Materials markup: Most plumbers mark up materials 20–40% above trade cost.
- After-hours surcharge: Typically 1.5–2× the standard rate for evenings, weekends and public holidays.
How to Set Your Rate — 6 Steps
- Calculate your annual overheads: insurance, vehicle, tools, licences, accounting, phone.
- Estimate your billable hours per year (typically 1,000–1,400 for a sole trader).
- Set your target annual income before tax.
- Add your overheads to your target income.
- Divide by billable hours to get your break-even rate.
- Add a profit margin (typically 20–30%) to get your minimum charge-out rate.
Common Mistakes When Setting Your Rate
- Not accounting for non-billable time (quoting, admin, travel between jobs)
- Forgetting to include superannuation and tax in your target income
- Undercharging on materials to win jobs
- Not reviewing your rate annually as costs rise
- Charging the same rate for emergency and standard work
Ready to Invoice Faster?
Set your rate — then put it in the app once and every invoice fills it in for you.
Download on the App StoreRelated guides: callout fee guide · how to write a plumbing invoice · apprentice pay rates
Frequently Asked Questions
The average plumber hourly rate in Australia is $80–$150/hour, depending on location, experience and the type of work. Emergency and after-hours rates are typically 1.5–2× the standard rate.
Add up your annual overheads (insurance, tools, vehicle, licences), divide by your billable hours per year, then add your desired profit margin. Use our calculator above for a precise figure.
Yes. Most plumbers charge a call-out fee of $80–$150 to cover travel and the first 30 minutes. This is separate from the hourly rate.
US plumbers typically charge $75–$150/hour, with emergency rates up to $200+/hour.
Canadian plumbers typically charge CAD $80–$160/hour depending on province and experience.