Civil Construction · South Australia
SA Civil Labour Hire Rates 2026
$53.54 – $73.02/hr ex-GST
EIR's 2026 published charge rates for civil construction labour hire in South Australia. Covering earthworks, utilities, road, and civil infrastructure projects across Greater Adelaide and regional SA. Rates are all-inclusive: base pay, 12% superannuation, ReturnToWorkSA, SA payroll tax (4.95%), casual loading, and EIR's agency margin. GST is not included.
Current Charge Rates
All rates ex-GST · Award: Building and Construction General On-Site Award 2020 (BOCGO) · Effective July 2026
| Role / Classification | Standard | 1.5× OT | 2× OT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Labourer CW1C | $53.54/hr | $66.93/hr | $86.04/hr |
| Water Cart Operator CW2 | $55.48/hr | $69.34/hr | $89.16/hr |
| Front End Loader Operator CW3 | $57.63/hr | $72.04/hr | $92.62/hr |
| Roller Operator CW3 | $57.63/hr | $72.04/hr | $92.62/hr |
| Skid Steer Operator CW3 | $57.63/hr | $72.04/hr | $92.62/hr |
| Moxy Dump Truck Driver CW3 | $57.63/hr | $72.04/hr | $92.62/hr |
| Land Plane Operator CW3 | $61.34/hr | $76.67/hr | $98.57/hr |
| Excavator Operator L1 CW4 | $64.26/hr | $80.32/hr | $103.27/hr |
| Excavator Operator L2 CW4 | $68.64/hr | $85.80/hr | $110.31/hr |
| Pipelayer CW3 | $65.72/hr | $82.15/hr | $105.62/hr |
| Final Trim / GPS Operator CW5 | $73.02/hr | $91.27/hr | $117.35/hr |
All rates are all-inclusive: base Award or EBA pay, 12% superannuation (SG), ReturnToWorkSA workers' compensation premium, state payroll tax, 25% casual loading, public liability insurance, and EIR's agency margin. GST is not included and will be added to invoices.
What's included in the charge rate?
- ✓Award or EBA base wage (set by Fair Work Australia)
- ✓12% superannuation (Superannuation Guarantee)
- ✓ReturnToWorkSA workers' compensation insurance
- ✓South Australia payroll tax (4.95%)
- ✓25% casual loading
- ✓Public liability and professional indemnity insurance
- ✓EIR Labour Hire agency margin
You do not need to manage payroll, super, workers' comp claims, or employment obligations for labour hire workers. EIR is the employer of record — your obligation is to provide a safe workplace.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a civil labourer cost through labour hire in SA?
A CW1C civil labourer through EIR in SA costs $53.54/hr ex-GST at standard time, $66.93/hr at 1.5× overtime, and $86.04/hr at double time. Rates are all-inclusive of 12% super, ReturnToWorkSA, SA payroll tax and EIR's margin.
What does an excavator operator cost through labour hire in Adelaide?
An Excavator Operator Level 1 (CW4) through EIR in SA costs $64.26/hr ex-GST at standard time. Level 2 (more experienced, tighter tolerances) is $68.64/hr. A GPS / Final Trim specialist (CW5) is $73.02/hr.
How much does a pipelayer cost through civil labour hire in SA?
A CW3 pipelayer through EIR in SA costs $65.72/hr ex-GST at standard time, $82.15/hr at 1.5× OT, and $105.62/hr at double time.
What is the difference between CW3 and CW4 civil operators?
Under BOCGO 2020, CW3 covers plant operators who operate a single type of mobile plant (roller, skid steer, front end loader). CW4 covers more complex plant — typically excavators or machines requiring greater skill and site awareness. CW4 rates at EIR in SA start from $64.26/hr.
Other sector rate guides
- Construction NSW — $57 – $95/hr ex-GST
- Construction SA — $56.50 – $80.50/hr ex-GST
- EBA Adelaide — $83.70 – $95.13/hr ex-GST
- Food and Bev QLD — $48.60 – $57.35/hr ex-GST
- Food and Bev SA — $45.35 – $53.53/hr ex-GST
- Manufacturing QLD — $46.70 – $53.41/hr ex-GST
- Manufacturing SA — $47.32 – $54.12/hr ex-GST
- NSW Restoration — $52.50 – $54.20/hr ex-GST
- Restoration QLD — $50.51 – $54.70/hr ex-GST
- Restoration SA — $50.69 – $52.35/hr ex-GST
- Roads and Transport — $49.39 – $51.15/hr ex-GST
- Storage and Warehouse QLD — $47.81 – $54.27/hr ex-GST
- Storage and Warehouse SA — $50.81 – $52.73/hr ex-GST
See also: Full 2026 Labour Hire Rates Guide and Labour Hire Rates by State.
Need a site-specific quote?
These are published rack rates. Your actual rate may differ based on shift volume, site location, EBA coverage, and role mix. Call EIR for a tailored quote — usually confirmed within the hour.
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Rates effective July 2026. EIR reviews charge rates annually and following Fair Work Australia wage decisions. Last updated 27 July 2026. All rates exclude GST.