ATO benchmarks for electricians
Electricians earn from installation, repair and maintenance work for homes and businesses, quoted by the job or charged by the hour, while cable, fittings, van costs and labour are their main costs.
General information
Total expenses as a share of turnover
Low and high end of each published range
| Turnover range | Financial year | Low end | High end |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 to $200,000 | 2023-24 | 51% | 68% |
| $50,000 to $200,000 | 2022-23 | 52% | 69% |
| $200,001 to $500,000 | 2023-24 | 59% | 75% |
| $200,001 to $500,000 | 2022-23 | 62% | 77% |
| More than $500,000 | 2023-24 | 75% | 86% |
| More than $500,000 | 2022-23 | 77% | 88% |
Australian Taxation Office, Small Business Benchmarks, key ratios for 2023-24 and 2022-23 (data.gov.au), licensed under CC BY 2.5 AU. Checked 15 Oct 2026.
What sits behind these figures in the books
- The main expense lines are cable, switchboards, fittings and fixtures, van fuel and servicing, tools and test equipment, insurance, subcontracted electricians and staff costs for apprentices and employees.
- Wholesaler accounts are reconciled to the monthly statement and each purchase is allocated to a job, so materials bought for one job are not missed or counted twice.
- Personal purchases made on a trade account are taken out of business expenses, so the books only show the cost of the electrical work itself.
Sources
- Small Business Benchmarks, 2023-24 Benchmarks (key ratios)
Australian Taxation Office. 2023-24 financial year, released 16 March 2026. Checked 15 October 2026.
Based on Australian Taxation Office data, Small Business Benchmarks, 2023-24 Benchmarks, licensed under CC BY 2.5 AU Licence: CC BY 2.5 AU.
- Small Business Benchmarks, 2022-23 Benchmarks (key ratios)
Australian Taxation Office. 2022-23 financial year, released 17 March 2025. Checked 15 October 2026.
Based on Australian Taxation Office data, Small Business Benchmarks, 2022-23 Benchmarks, licensed under CC BY 2.5 AU Licence: CC BY 2.5 AU.
Get your books in order
Cost of sales and total expenses are only as reliable as the books behind them. Tell us how your business runs and we will suggest a bookkeeping plan that fits.