Free Tradie Work Order Generator — Australia
Create a professional work order tailored for tradie businesses in Australia. Create work orders to authorise and track jobs or maintenance tasks.
Create Your Work Order Now →Common Work Order Line Items for Tradies
Here are typical items you might include on a tradie work order:
| Description | Unit |
|---|---|
| Labour | hour |
| Call-out fee | each |
| Materials | lot |
| Demolition and removal | hour |
| Site clean-up | each |
| Travel / mobilisation | each |
Typical Tradie Pricing in Australia
Rates vary by state and job complexity, but these are the kinds of ranges tradies commonly charge:
| Item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Labour | $65–$110 per hour |
| Call-out fee | $60–$120 flat |
| Materials | cost + 10–20% markup |
| Site clean-up | $80–$200 flat |
| Travel / mobilisation | $40–$90 flat |
Compliance Tips for Tradies
- ABN must appear on all tax invoices; without it the client may withhold 47% under the PAYG system.
- GST registration is mandatory once turnover reaches $75,000 per year.
- State licensing requirements apply — include your licence number on all documents.
How to Create a Tradie Work Order
Follow these steps to put together a tradie work order with our free generator:
- Enter the job details, site address, and the personnel assigned to complete the work.
- List required materials and tasks as line items so scope is clear before work begins.
- Add the expected timeline and any special instructions (access, safety, client preferences).
- Download the work order as a PDF for the assigned team to take on-site.
What to Include on a Tradie Work Order
A tradie work order should cover these fields, plus a few billing norms specific to how tradies typically operate in Australia.
Fields to include
- Job scope and location: Describe exactly what work is authorised and where, to avoid disputes about what was included.
- Assigned personnel: Naming who is responsible keeps accountability clear, especially for multi-person jobs.
- Materials and timeline: List required materials and an expected completion date so the job can be tracked against plan.
How Tradies typically bill
- Residential jobs are usually quoted as a fixed price; larger renovations are often split into a deposit plus progress payments.
- A call-out fee is charged separately from labour to cover travel and assessment time, especially for emergency work.
- Commercial clients typically expect 30-day payment terms; residential clients are usually asked to pay within 7–14 days.
- Materials are commonly marked up or charged at cost with a separate labour line, so clients can see where the money goes.
Most tradies register for an ABN from their first job and register for GST once turnover reaches $75,000, though many register earlier so they can claim GST credits on tools, vehicles, and materials.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Watch out for these common errors when preparing a tradie work order:
- Starting work before the order is approved, which can leave you unpaid if the client disputes the scope.
- Leaving the timeline open-ended, making it hard to flag delays or hold anyone accountable.
Frequently asked questions
Do tradies need to charge GST?
If your annual turnover is $75,000 or more you must register for GST and include it on all tax invoices. Even below that threshold, you can voluntarily register to claim GST credits on tools and materials.
What licence details should appear on a tradie invoice?
Include your state or territory licence number (e.g., NSW contractor licence). Some states require this by law for building and electrical work, and clients often check it before paying.
How should a tradie handle progress payments?
For larger jobs, break the total into milestones — e.g., 20% deposit, 40% at lock-up, 40% on completion. Issue a separate invoice for each stage with a clear description of the work completed.
What should a work order include?
A work order should include: job description, location, assigned personnel, required materials, timeline, special instructions, and approval signatures.
Who authorises a work order?
For a small business this is usually the owner or job manager; for larger operations it is often a supervisor with budget authority, since the work order commits labour and materials before the job starts.
Ready to create your tradie work order?
Add your logo, customise colours, and download as PDF — completely free.
Open Work Order Generator →Related calculators
Invoice Generator Create tax invoices with ABN and GST Tax Invoice Requirements Checker Check GST invoice fields and the $1,000 buyer-identity rule Payslip Generator Fair Work compliant payslips Quote Generator Professional quotes with GST GST Calculator Add or remove 10% GST instantly GST Credits Calculator Estimate input tax credits on eligible business purchases