Most electrical workers in WA move through a few stages over their career. Some race through to the highest-paying end of the industry. Some find their spot at a particular stage and build a long career there. Here’s roughly what each stage looks like. 

Stage 1: Commercial & Metro Projects

What it is: Office fitouts, retail, hospitality, healthcare, education and light industrial. Most metro electrical work falls into this category.

What it pays: For licensed electricians, expect somewhere in the range of $60-$65 per hour as a casual or labour hire worker. Permanent salaried roles around $55-$60p/h in a normal week, plus annual leave, sick leave and other entitlements.

What it takes: Your Electrical Workers Licence, White Card, First Aid and LVR/CPR. Many sites will also require Working at Heights, EWP, and some may add asbestos awareness, or similar site-specific tickets depending on the job. 

Who it suits: Sparkies who want a regular week, time at home, and steady work. Some make a whole career out of it. Plenty of others use it as the foundation before stepping up to industrial or mining.

Stage 2: Industrial and Infrastructure

What it is: Manufacturing facilities, processing plants, civil infrastructure, and major construction projects. Bigger sites, longer projects, more complex work than commercial.

What it pays: Rates step up here. Casual or labour hire roles typically pay $65-$75 per hour depending on the site and the specific work. EEHA, Instrumentation and control work tends to pay at the top of that range.

What it takes: Everything from stage one, plus Confined Space + Gas Testing and any site-specific inductions. A lot of industrial work also benefits from dual trade (electrical plus instrumentation and/or EEHA) qualifications.

Who it suits: Sparkies who want bigger and more complex work without the time-away-from-home commitment of mining. Also the natural stepping stone for people heading to FIFO.

Stage 3: Mining and Resources

What it is: FIFO work across WA mining operations, including shutdowns, fixed plant maintenance, construction projects, and expansions. Typically involves roster-based work (most commonly 2/1 or similar), 12-hour shifts (dayshift & nightshift), large-scale sites, and structured crews. 

What it pays: This is where the money jumps significantly. Expect $75-$100+ per hour for licensed electricians depending on the role, the roster, and the site. HV electricians and E&I Techs at the top of that range, with supervisors earning more again.

What it takes: Everything from commercial and industrial stages plus High Risk Work Licence with EWP (11m+) and any additional site-specific tickets (Basic Fire Training, MSIC, etc). You’ll also need client-specific inductions required by individual clients such as BHP, Rio Tinto, Fortescue, Hancock and others. 

Who it suits: Sparkies willing to do FIFO rosters in exchange for the higher pay. Many sparkies transition into this space within a few years of qualifying. We regularly help electricians make the move into mining roles for the first time. 

Stage 4: Offshore

What it is: Oil and gas work on offshore platforms. Different roster patterns (often 4 weeks on, 4 weeks off or similar). Higher complexity, higher compliance, higher risk.

What it pays: Top of the E&I market. Offshore rates lift significantly during TARs and HUC/commissioning campaigns, where scope is concentrated and demand peaks. Expect $110–$130+ per hour, depending on phase, roster, and complexity. 

What it takes: Electrical & Instrumentation Dual Trade, Hazardous Areas (EEHA), BOSIET & Escape Chute. Not a cheap or entry level pathway to build into, typically built from strong mining, brownfield, or oil & gas backgrounds – worth it once you’re there.

Who it suits: Experienced E&I Technicians targeting the highest tier of WA electrical/instrumentation work. Suits those comfortable in shutdowns, TARs, HUC and commissioning environments offshore, trading longer rotations for higher intensity and extended time off. 

A note on which stage to aim for

There’s no ‘right’ answer. Some sparkies hit stage one and stay there for thirty years because the regular week suits their family. Others race through to offshore in five years because the money is the priority. Plenty of people end up somewhere in the middle, on industrial or mining work, and stay there because the work suits them.

The most useful thing is to be honest with yourself about what you actually want. If you don’t want to do FIFO, don’t chase the tickets that lead there. If you do want offshore, start chasing EEHA early. We can help you work it out either way.

Want a hand mapping out your next move?

Give us a call on 0456 183 159 or drop us a note. We’ll talk through where you are now, where you want to end up, and what to chase to get there. Useful whether you’re on our books or not.