January 14, 2026

Exploring Electrical Careers: Commercial Electrician

Commercial electricians are essential to the safe and reliable operation of Western Australia’s offices, retail centres, schools, hospitals, hospitality venues and large-scale commercial developments. Their work sits between domestic and heavy industrial environments, offering strong career stability, diverse daily tasks and excellent long-term prospects.

If you’re considering a career in the electrical trade, becoming a commercial electrician is one of the most versatile and in-demand pathways.

What Does a Commercial Electrician Do?

A commercial electrician installs, maintains and repairs electrical systems within commercial buildings. These environments typically include:

Shopping centres
Office buildings
Schools and universities
Hospitals and health facilities
Hotels, restaurants and hospitality venues
Large multi-storey developments
Public facilities and government buildings

Their scope of work often includes:

Installing lighting, switchboards, power systems and cabling
Diagnosing and repairing faults
Completing fit-outs and refurbishments
Maintaining electrical equipment and compliance systems
Testing and tagging
Ensuring all work meets WA electrical and WHS regulations

Compared with domestic electricians, commercial electricians deal with larger load requirements, more complex systems and strict compliance standards specific to commercial infrastructure.

How to Become a Commercial Electrician

The pathway to becoming a commercial electrician in Western Australia begins with an apprenticeship.

Typical pathway:

1. Complete a pre-apprenticeship (optional but beneficial).

A Certificate II in Electrotechnology can help you build foundational skills and improve your chances of securing an apprenticeship.

2. Complete an electrical apprenticeship.

Apprentices complete the UEE30820 Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician with a registered training organisation like CET.

Apprentices gain exposure to a variety of settings, often including commercial work.

3. Obtain your Electrician’s Licence after successful completion of your apprenticeship.

This is issued by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) after completing your apprenticeship and capstone assessments.

4. Gain on-the-job commercial experience.

Many electricians start in mixed roles before moving into full commercial work with electrical contractors, construction companies or facilities management teams.

Are Additional Qualifications Needed to Become a Commercial Electrician?

While no formal post-trade qualification is required to work as a commercial electrician once licensed, many electricians complete additional short courses to stay competitive or progress into higher-level roles. Common options include:

These courses can help electricians take on more specialised commercial work, supervise teams or transition into building maintenance and asset management roles.

How Commercial Electricians Differ From Other Types of Electricians

Commercial electricians sit between domestic and industrial electricians in terms of system complexity and environment. Key differences include:

Compared to domestic electricians:

Commercial electricians work with three-phase systems more regularly, handle larger loads, and use higher-capacity equipment. Compliance requirements are stricter, and projects often occur in multi-storey or large open commercial spaces with ongoing public use.

Compared to industrial electricians:

Commercial electricians typically handle general power, lighting, control systems and compliance equipment, whereas industrial electricians work with heavy machinery, automation systems, and complex process control equipment in factories or mining sites.

Compared to specialised electricians (HV, solar, instrumentation):

Commercial roles are broader and more generalised, with fewer high-risk technical requirements but a strong focus on installation quality, safety and compliance.

Commercial work is well-balanced, offering a strong mix of job variety, steady work, and career progression.

Commercial Electrician Salary and Pay Range

In Western Australia, commercial electricians enjoy competitive wages and strong job security due to ongoing commercial construction and maintenance needs.

Typical salary ranges:

Apprentices: Paid according to the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award, increasing each year of the apprenticeship.

Licensed commercial electricians: The average salary for commercial electricians in Western Australia is approximately $79k . Commercial electricians’ average hourly rates can be between $32 and $50.

Experienced commercial electricians: Experience can affect the estimated salary of commercial electricians, with some earning approximately $95,000–$130,000+ per year, depending on experience and employer.

Factors that influence pay

Level of experience and additional certifications
WA location (metro vs regional vs FIFO)
Size and complexity of commercial projects
Ongoing maintenance vs new construction
Supervisory or team leadership responsibilities
Commercial electricians often benefit from overtime, site allowances, and long-term maintenance contracts.

Ready to Start Your Career as a Commercial Electrician?

If you’re looking for a stable, versatile and well-paid electrical career, becoming a commercial electrician is an excellent pathway. Completing your electrical apprenticeship with CET will give you the skills, experience and industry exposure you need to work confidently across WA’s commercial sector.

Explore CET’s Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician and take the first step toward your electrical career.