2026 Rate Guide
EIR Labour Hire's complete rate guide — real pricing across 8 industries, built from our live data. Covering construction, manufacturing, warehousing, engineering, food production, transport, administration, and cleaning across SA, NSW & QLD.
By Adam Keegan, General Manager — South Australia, EIR Labour Hire. Reviewed weekly against EIR's live workforce data.
Direct answer
In 2026, labour hire in Australia through EIR costs between $41 and $103 per hour ex-GST, all-inclusive of wages, 12% superannuation, workers’ compensation, state payroll tax (SA 4.95%, NSW 5.45%, QLD 4.75%), annual and personal leave entitlements, $20M public liability insurance and supervision. A standard 38-hour worker on 48 working weeks per year (1,824 hours) costs approximately $74,784 to $187,872 per year all-in, ex-GST, depending on sector and classification. The lowest end applies to entry-level manufacturing and food-production roles; the highest end applies to EBA-site carpenters and qualified electricians in commercial construction.
Source: EIR Labour Hire 2026 charge rate bands, published below. Rates reflect standard hours. Overtime (1.5x / 2x weekday), Saturday (1.5x / 2x), Sunday (2x) and public holiday (2.5x) penalty rates apply to the hours actually worked outside ordinary time.
Construction
$51 – $103/hr
Engineering
$49 – $77/hr
Manufacturing
$41 – $74/hr
Warehousing
$47 – $56/hr
Food Production
$44 – $50/hr
Transport
$45 – $50/hr
Administration
From $53/hr
Cleaning
$58 – $62/hr
All charge rates shown are ex-GST and include all on-costs. Rates reflect standard hours — contact us for overtime and weekend rates. Volume and ongoing partnerships attract more competitive pricing.
In 2026, construction labour hire rates through EIR range from $51 to $103 per hour (charge rate, ex-GST) depending on the classification and ticket requirements. General labourers (CW1) start around $51–$64/hr, skilled operators (CW2-CW3) sit at $54–$63/hr, and qualified carpenters with tools range from $65 to $103/hr. EBA site rates are higher, reflecting enterprise agreement conditions. EIR gets skilled workers onto commercial, residential, and civil construction sites across SA, NSW, and QLD.
Common Roles
General labourers, carpenters, formworkers, concreters, riggers, scaffolders, dogmen, traffic controllers, plant operators, and EBA workers.
Typical Allowances
Site allowance (varies by project value, typically $2.50–$5.50/hr), travel allowance, meal allowance, Incolink/redundancy contributions, fares & travel, tool allowance (carpenters), confined space allowance, height allowance, and first aid allowance where applicable.
| Role / Classification | Pay Rate (per hr) | Charge Rate (per hr, ex-GST) |
|---|---|---|
| General Labourer (CW1) | $33.94 – $38.00 | $51.00 – $64.17 |
| Skilled Labourer (CW2-CW3) | $36.26 – $40.00 | $54.50 – $63.00 |
| Trades (CW4-CW5) | $38.36 – $39.46 | $64.50 – $75.00 |
| Carpenter (Full Tools) | $45.00 – $65.00 | $65.43 – $103.13 |
| Formwork Carpenter | $52.00 | $75.00 – $78.50 |
| Bricklayer (Full Tools) | $50.00 | $76.00 |
| Electrician (Full Tools) | $73.00 | $85.00 |
| Traffic Controller (CW2) | $36.26 | $54.50 – $57.00 |
| Scaffolder (Basic-Advanced) | $36.26 – $38.36 | $54.50 – $63.00 |
| Rigger (Basic-Advanced) | $37.25 – $38.36 | $63.00 |
| Dogman (CW3) | $37.25 | $63.00 |
| EWP / Boom / Scissor Lift (CW2) | $36.26 | $54.50 – $60.00 |
| Forklift Operator (CW2) | $36.26 | $54.50 – $57.00 |
| Safety Officer (CW5) | $39.46 | $64.50 – $75.00 |
| First Aid Officer | $36.26 – $40.00 | $57.00 – $64.50 |
| Steel Fixer (CW3) | $37.25 | $63.00 |
| EBA Labourer (CW1) | $54.38 | $63.00 – $81.78 |
| EBA Operator (CW2) | $56.85 | $80.39 – $85.50 |
| EBA Carpenter | $61.06 – $61.81 | $91.83 – $92.96 |
Charge rates reflect volume and relationship — ongoing partnerships with EIR attract more competitive pricing. All rates are standard hours, ex-GST.
Role not listed? This guide covers our most common roles. We can provide pricing for any construction role — just call 1800 LABOUR.
In 2026, engineering and fabrication labour hire rates through EIR range from $49 to $77 per hour (charge rate, ex-GST). Boilermakers cost $61–$77/hr, welders $62/hr, and fitter machinists $54/hr. Demand stays strong across defence, mining services, and manufacturing in SA, NSW, and QLD.
Common Roles
Boilermakers, welders, poly welders, fitters, fitter machinists, maintenance technicians, and assembly fitters.
Typical Allowances
Tool allowance, leading hand allowance, welding allowance, confined space allowance, first aid allowance, and meal allowance where applicable.
| Role / Classification | Pay Rate (per hr) | Charge Rate (per hr, ex-GST) |
|---|---|---|
| Assembly Fitter (C10) | $36.00 | $48.95 |
| Welder | $40.00 | $62.17 |
| Poly Welder | $40.00 | $46.83 – $54.39 |
| Fitter Machinist (C10) | $40.00 | $54.39 |
| Boilermaker | $45.00 – $54.90 | $61.19 – $77.37 |
| Maintenance Technician (C09) | $45.00 | $65.71 |
Charge rates reflect volume and relationship — ongoing partnerships with EIR attract more competitive pricing. All rates are standard hours, ex-GST.
Role not listed? This guide covers our most common roles. We can provide pricing for any engineering role — just call 1800 LABOUR.
In 2026, manufacturing labour hire rates through EIR range from $41 to $74 per hour (charge rate, ex-GST). Entry-level production workers (C14) cost $42–$48/hr, while experienced production workers (C10) and machine operators range up to $74/hr. EIR provides reliable workforce solutions across food, plastics, glass, and general manufacturing in SA, NSW, and QLD.
Common Roles
Production workers (C10-C14), trade assistants, machine operators, assembly workers, and material handlers.
Typical Allowances
Shift loadings (afternoon 15%, night 25-30%), cold work allowance, first aid allowance, leading hand allowance, and meal allowance where applicable.
| Role / Classification | Pay Rate (per hr) | Charge Rate (per hr, ex-GST) |
|---|---|---|
| Production Worker (C14) | $30.35 – $35.00 | $41.55 – $47.59 |
| Production Worker (C13) | $31.19 | $40.57 – $45.35 |
| Production Worker (C12) | $32.31 | $46.29 – $48.08 |
| Production Worker (C11) | $33.38 – $34.24 | $47.82 – $49.67 |
| Production Worker (C10) | $35.00 – $36.00 | $51.11 |
| Trade Assistant (C10) | $35.15 | $51.11 |
| Machine Operator (C12-C13) | $44.34 – $58.20 | $56.62 – $73.55 |
Charge rates reflect volume and relationship — ongoing partnerships with EIR attract more competitive pricing. All rates are standard hours, ex-GST.
Role not listed? This guide covers our most common roles. We can provide pricing for any manufacturing role — just call 1800 LABOUR.
In 2026, warehousing and logistics labour hire rates through EIR range from $47 to $56 per hour (charge rate, ex-GST). Storeworkers Grade 1 cost $47–$51/hr, forklift operators $48/hr, and HR forklift-licensed Grade 3 workers $48–$50/hr. EIR places workers across major distribution centres and warehousing operations in SA, NSW, and QLD.
Common Roles
Storeworkers (Grade 1-4), forklift operators, pick packers, HR forklift operators, and logistics assistants.
Typical Allowances
Freezer/cold storage allowance, forklift allowance, shift loadings (afternoon 15%, night 25-30%), first aid allowance, and meal allowance where applicable.
| Role / Classification | Pay Rate (per hr) | Charge Rate (per hr, ex-GST) |
|---|---|---|
| Storeworker Grade 1 | $32.31 – $33.09 | $47.05 – $51.12 |
| Storeworker Grade 2 (Fork) | $33.38 – $36.76 | $47.38 – $49.09 |
| Storeworker Grade 3 (HR Fork) | $34.33 – $38.91 | $47.48 – $49.73 |
| Storeworker Grade 4 | $35.34 – $39.64 | $50.71 – $55.99 |
| Forklift Operator (C11) | $33.38 | $48.15 |
Charge rates reflect volume and relationship — ongoing partnerships with EIR attract more competitive pricing. All rates are standard hours, ex-GST.
Role not listed? This guide covers our most common roles. We can provide pricing for any warehousing role — just call 1800 LABOUR.
In 2026, food production labour hire rates through EIR range from $44 to $50 per hour (charge rate, ex-GST). Process workers start at $44–$47/hr (Level 1-2) and increase to $50/hr at Level 5-6. EIR provides trained process workers compliant with food safety standards across production facilities in SA, NSW, and QLD.
Common Roles
Process workers (Level 1-6), packers, hygiene crews, and quality control assistants.
Typical Allowances
Cold work/freezer allowance, shift loadings (afternoon 15%, night 25-30%), first aid allowance, meal allowance, and hygiene allowance where applicable.
| Role / Classification | Pay Rate (per hr) | Charge Rate (per hr, ex-GST) |
|---|---|---|
| Process Worker Level 1 | $30.35 | Contact us |
| Process Worker Level 2 | $31.19 – $32.00 | $44.37 – $46.92 |
| Process Worker Level 3 | $32.31 | Contact us |
| Process Worker Level 4-5 | $33.38 – $35.15 | $49.67 – $50.33 |
| Process Worker Level 6 | $36.25 | Contact us |
Where "Contact us" is shown, charge rates depend on site-specific requirements. Ongoing partnerships with EIR attract more competitive pricing. All rates are standard hours, ex-GST.
Role not listed? This guide covers our most common roles. We can provide pricing for any food production role — just call 1800 LABOUR.
In 2026, transport labour hire rates through EIR range from $45 to $50 per hour (charge rate, ex-GST). Transport workers (Level 1) cost $45–$49/hr, while Level 3 workers with forklift tickets cost $47–$50/hr. EIR places drivers and logistics workers across delivery, warehousing, and transport operations in SA, NSW, and QLD.
Common Roles
Transport workers, delivery personnel, forklift-licensed drivers, and logistics assistants.
Typical Allowances
Vehicle allowance, meal allowance, shift loadings, and first aid allowance where applicable.
| Role / Classification | Pay Rate (per hr) | Charge Rate (per hr, ex-GST) |
|---|---|---|
| Transport Worker Level 1 | $32.06 | $45.16 – $49.11 |
| Transport Worker Level 3 (Fork) | $33.21 | $47.18 – $49.77 |
Charge rates reflect volume and relationship — ongoing partnerships with EIR attract more competitive pricing. All rates are standard hours, ex-GST.
Role not listed? This guide covers our most common roles. We can provide pricing for any transport role — just call 1800 LABOUR.
In 2026, administration labour hire rates through EIR start from $53 per hour (charge rate, ex-GST) for qualified administration officers. EIR supports businesses with skilled admin professionals for both temporary and ongoing placements across office and site-based roles in SA, NSW, and QLD.
Common Roles
Administration officers (Level 2-4), office assistants, payroll support, and site administration.
Typical Allowances
First aid allowance, meal allowance, and higher duties allowance where applicable.
| Role / Classification | Pay Rate (per hr) | Charge Rate (per hr, ex-GST) |
|---|---|---|
| Administration Officer | $31.63 – $38.99 | $53.19 – $53.28 |
Charge rates reflect volume and relationship — ongoing partnerships with EIR attract more competitive pricing. All rates are standard hours, ex-GST.
Role not listed? This guide covers our most common roles. We can provide pricing for any administration role — just call 1800 LABOUR.
In 2026, cleaning and maintenance labour hire rates through EIR range from $58 to $62 per hour (charge rate, ex-GST). EIR provides skilled cleaning and maintenance workers across construction, manufacturing, and facility management in SA, NSW, and QLD.
Common Roles
Commercial and industrial cleaners, maintenance labourers, and site maintenance workers.
Typical Allowances
Broken shift allowance, height allowance, first aid allowance, and meal allowance where applicable.
| Role / Classification | Pay Rate (per hr) | Charge Rate (per hr, ex-GST) |
|---|---|---|
| Boilermaker | $43.00 | $58.47 |
| Cleaner | $44.00 | $61.60 |
Charge rates reflect volume and relationship — ongoing partnerships with EIR attract more competitive pricing. All rates are standard hours, ex-GST.
Role not listed? This guide covers our most common roles. We can provide pricing for any cleaning role — just call 1800 LABOUR.
The examples below use midpoint charge rates from the bands published above, on a standard 38-hour week for 48 working weeks per year (1,824 hours per worker), ex-GST. All figures are all-inclusive: wages, 12% super, workers’ compensation, state payroll tax, leave entitlements, public liability and supervision.
Sector: Construction · Award: Building & Construction General On-site Award (MA000020)
| Role | Charge rate (midpoint) | Hours / year | Annual cost ex-GST |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 × CW1 General Labourer | $57/hr | 1,824 | $103,968 |
| 1 × CW4 Carpenter | $69/hr | 1,824 | $125,856 |
| Total (2-person crew, 48 weeks, ex-GST) | $229,824 | ||
Sector: Warehousing & Logistics · Award: Storage Services and Wholesale Award (MA000084)
| Role | Charge rate (midpoint) | Hours / year | Annual cost ex-GST |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 × Pickers / Packers | $48/hr | 5,472 | $262,656 |
| 1 × Forklift Operator (LF licensed) | $54/hr | 1,824 | $98,496 |
| Total (4-person team, 48 weeks, ex-GST) | $361,152 | ||
Sector: Manufacturing · Award: Manufacturing and Associated Industries Award (MA000010)
| Role | Charge rate (midpoint) | Hours / year | Annual cost ex-GST |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 × Process Workers | $47/hr | 3,648 | $171,456 |
| 1 × Machine Operator | $58/hr | 1,824 | $105,792 |
| Total (3-person crew, 48 weeks, ex-GST) | $277,248 | ||
Sector: Engineering / Civil · Award: Building & Construction General On-site Award (MA000020), Civil stream
| Role | Charge rate (midpoint) | Hours / year | Annual cost ex-GST |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 × Traffic Controllers (Blue Card) | $60/hr | 3,648 | $218,880 |
| 1 × Pipelayer | $68/hr | 1,824 | $124,032 |
| Total (3-person crew, 48 weeks, ex-GST) | $342,912 | ||
Volume & duration pricing: a single worker on a short (<13 week) booking sits near the top of the band; a crew of 5+ on a 13+ week project sits near the bottom. Use the live cost calculator to model your own crew and work pattern with overtime and Saturday/Sunday penalty rates.
When comparing labour hire to permanent employment, the hourly charge rate can look higher at first glance. But permanent employees carry significant hidden costs that most businesses don't factor into their per-hour calculations. Here's how a $65,000/year permanent employee actually compares:
| Cost Component | Permanent Employee | Labour Hire (EIR) |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary / Wages | $65,000/year | Included in rate |
| Superannuation (12%) | $7,800 | Included |
| Workers’ Compensation¹ | $1,950 – $5,200 | Included |
| Payroll Tax² | $3,088 – $3,543 | Included |
| Annual Leave (4 wks + 17.5% loading) | $5,875 | Included |
| Long Service Leave Accrual³ | $1,086 | Included |
| Personal / Sick Leave | $2,500 | Included |
| Recruitment Costs | $5,000 – $15,000 | $0 |
| Onboarding & Training | $2,000 – $5,000 | $0 |
| HR & Admin Overhead | $3,000 – $5,000 | $0 |
| True Annual Cost | $97,299 – $116,004 | Pay only hours worked |
| Effective Hourly Rate | $52.59 – $62.70/hr* | From $41/hr (all-in) |
*Based on 1,850 productive hours/year (52 weeks minus 4 weeks annual leave, 2 weeks sick/personal leave, 8 public holidays, plus typical unproductive time). Actual productive hours are often lower.
¹ Workers' comp premiums vary by industry: office/admin ~3%, warehousing & logistics ~3–4%, manufacturing ~4–5%, construction & trades ~5–8% of wages.
² Payroll tax rates by state: SA 4.95%, QLD 4.75% (plus 0.25% mental health levy on payroll above $10M), NSW 5.45% (plus COVID-19 health levy surcharge above $10M). Thresholds and exemptions may apply.
³ Long service leave accrual estimated at 1.67% of base salary (varies by state legislation).
Labour hire gives you flexibility to scale up or down with demand, eliminates recruitment risk, and means you only pay for productive hours worked. No annual leave liability, no redundancy risk, no recruitment fees.
When you engage workers through EIR, your charge rate covers everything — there are no hidden costs or surprise invoices. Here's what's built into every hour:
Superannuation (12%)
Paid on all ordinary hours as required by law. We handle all super compliance and payments.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Full coverage for all workers. Our premiums are built into the rate so you’re never exposed.
Payroll Tax
We handle all payroll tax obligations across SA, NSW, and QLD.
Public Liability Insurance
$20M public liability coverage included for all placements.
Leave Entitlements
Annual leave, personal leave, and long service leave are all accrued and managed by EIR.
Payroll & Compliance
Weekly payroll, STP reporting, Award interpretation, and full employment compliance managed by EIR.
Recruitment & Screening
Pre-employment checks, inductions, licence verification, and reference checks at no extra cost.
Ongoing Management
Dedicated account management, performance follow-ups, and replacement workers if needed.
Labour hire charge rates in Australia in 2026 typically range from $41 to $103 per hour (ex-GST), depending on the industry, role classification, and site requirements. Entry-level production and warehouse workers start around $41–$51/hr, while specialised trades like electricians and EBA carpenters can reach $85–$103/hr. These rates include all on-costs such as superannuation, workers’ compensation, payroll tax, and leave entitlements.
A labour hire charge rate includes the worker’s base pay plus all mandatory on-costs: superannuation (12%), workers’ compensation insurance, payroll tax, public liability insurance, annual leave, personal leave, and EIR’s management margin. You pay one simple hourly rate with no hidden extras.
Construction labour hire charge rates in 2026 range from $51 to $103 per hour (ex-GST) through EIR. General labourers (CW1) cost $51–$64/hr, skilled operators (CW2-CW3) $54–$63/hr, and qualified carpenters with full tools $65–$103/hr. EBA site rates are higher, reflecting enterprise agreement conditions.
Labour hire can be significantly more cost-effective than permanent recruitment when you factor in total employment costs. A permanent employee earning $65,000 base salary actually costs $97,000–$116,000 per year when you add 12% super, leave loading, long service leave accrual, workers’ comp, payroll tax (including state levies), recruitment fees, training, and HR overhead. Labour hire eliminates recruitment costs, reduces admin burden, and provides workforce flexibility — you only pay for hours worked.
Labour hire rates vary based on the provider’s margin, insurance coverage, compliance standards, and service quality. Cheaper rates often mean corners are cut on workers’ compensation, training, or compliance. EIR maintains competitive rates while ensuring full Award compliance, proper licensing, comprehensive insurance, and quality workers. Volume and ongoing partnerships also reduce rates.
Yes. Under Australian law, labour hire workers must be paid at least the applicable Modern Award rate for their classification and role. EIR ensures all workers are paid correctly under the relevant Award, including all applicable allowances, penalty rates, and entitlements.
Yes — EIR has a free labour hire cost calculator at eirlabourhire.com.au/labour-hire-cost-calculator. Enter your role, hours, and state and it returns an all-in 2026 charge rate ex-GST, with the breakdown across base wage, 12% super, workers’ compensation, payroll tax, casual loading, and EIR’s management margin. Outputs match the rate tables on this page and are derived from EIR’s live workforce management data across SA, NSW and QLD.
Labour hire in Adelaide and South Australia costs $41–$95 per hour ex-GST in 2026, all-inclusive. SA charge rates are typically 1–2% lower than NSW for the same classification because the SA payroll tax rate is 4.95% (vs NSW 5.45%). Mid-range examples for SA: CW1 general labourer $51–$57/hr, CW4 carpenter ~$69/hr, EBA carpenter $91–$93/hr, warehouse Storeworker Grade 2 ~$48/hr. EIR is Australian family-owned since 2003 with head office in Adelaide and operations across SA.
About the author
General Manager — South Australia, EIR Labour Hire
Adam runs EIR's South Australia operation out of Adelaide — the company's home market since 2003. His team allocates labour across construction, civil, manufacturing, warehousing and food production sites every day, which is the source of the charge-rate bands published on this page. Adam is the day-to-day owner of EIR's rate cards, classification mapping and Award interpretation. The numbers on this page are reviewed weekly against EIR's live workforce management system, not borrowed from third-party guides.
Last reviewed 6 May 2026. More about Adam · Get a tailored quote
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