Construction · South Australia
Construction SA Labour Hire Rates 2026
$56.50 – $80.50/hr ex-GST
EIR's 2026 published charge rates for construction labour hire in South Australia. Covering commercial construction, civil, and industrial sites across Greater Adelaide and regional SA. All rates are all-inclusive: base pay, 12% superannuation, ReturnToWorkSA workers' compensation, SA payroll tax (4.95%), casual loading, public liability insurance, 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 | $56.50/hr | $70.10/hr | $88.10/hr |
| Trade Assistant 1D | $59.00/hr | $72.76/hr | $91.28/hr |
| Boom Lift Operator CW2 | $59.00/hr | $72.80/hr | $91.40/hr |
| Construction Forklift CW2 | $59.00/hr | $72.80/hr | $91.40/hr |
| Hoist Personnel CW2 | $59.00/hr | $72.80/hr | $91.40/hr |
| Scissor Lift Operator CW2 | $59.00/hr | $72.80/hr | $91.40/hr |
| Traffic Controller CW2 | $59.00/hr | $72.80/hr | $91.40/hr |
| Work Platform Operator CW2 | $59.00/hr | $72.80/hr | $91.40/hr |
| Working at Heights CW2 | $59.00/hr | $72.80/hr | $91.40/hr |
| Dogman CW3 | $65.20/hr | $80.40/hr | $101.00/hr |
| Rigger Basic CW3 | $65.20/hr | $80.40/hr | $101.00/hr |
| Scaffolder Basic CW2 | $65.20/hr | $80.40/hr | $101.00/hr |
| Telescopic Handler CW3 | $65.20/hr | $80.40/hr | $101.00/hr |
| Safety Officer CW5 | $67.00/hr | $81.50/hr | $102.00/hr |
| Excavator Operator L1 CW4 | $68.00/hr | $84.00/hr | $105.00/hr |
| Carpenter (Full Tools) | $80.50/hr | $101.30/hr | $125.60/hr |
| Formwork Carpenter (Full Tools) | $80.50/hr | $101.30/hr | $125.60/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 construction labourer cost through labour hire in Adelaide?
A CW1C construction labourer engaged through EIR in SA costs $56.50/hr ex-GST at standard time, $70.10/hr at 1.5× overtime, and $88.10/hr at double time. Rates are all-inclusive of 12% super, ReturnToWorkSA premium, SA payroll tax, and EIR's margin.
What does a scaffolder or rigger cost through labour hire in SA?
A Basic Scaffolder or Rigger (CW3) through EIR in SA costs $65.20/hr ex-GST at standard time, $80.40/hr at 1.5× OT, and $101.00/hr at double time.
What does a construction carpenter cost in South Australia?
A carpenter with full tools through EIR in SA costs $80.50/hr ex-GST at standard time. Formwork carpenters are also $80.50/hr. Overtime is $101.30/hr (1.5×) and $125.60/hr (2×). EBA site rates are higher — call 1800 LABOUR.
Does EIR hold a labour hire licence in South Australia?
Yes. EIR holds a current South Australian labour hire licence under the SA Labour Hire Licensing Act 2017. Engaging an unlicensed provider is an offence for both the provider and the host employer in SA.
What is the SA payroll tax rate and how does it affect the charge rate?
South Australia's payroll tax rate is 4.95% (2025–26 financial year) with a threshold of $1.5M. This is factored into EIR's all-in charge rates — you pay a single hourly rate with no additional payroll tax obligation.
Other sector rate guides
- Construction NSW — $57 – $95/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
- SA Civil — $53.54 – $73.02/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.
Call 1800 LABOURAustralian family-owned since 2003 · SA, NSW & QLD
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.