We've got a number of great scaffolding hire suppliers listed on iseekplant. So, we've canvassed them to determine the average rates you might pay to hire from them. This article isn't a commitment by any of them to an average rate - they will always quote your job unique to your requirements and will often be willing to negotiate if you are offering an amount and term that is attractive. We always encourage users of iseekplant to reach out to our suppliers over the phone to have a conversation (because you never know what sort of deal you can strike)!
Discover rates for a wide range of machinery and equipment in our comprehensive machine hire rates guide.
What are typical scaffolding hire day rates? (By platform height)
- 2 metre scaffolding platform: $85 - $125+GST per day
- 2.5 metre scaffolding platform: $95 - $140+GST per day
- 3 metre scaffolding platform: $110 - $160+GST per day
- 3.5 metre scaffolding platform: $115 - $185+GST per day
- 4 metre scaffolding platform: $120 - $205+GST per day
- 4.5 metre scaffolding platform: $130 - $220+GST per day
- 5 metre scaffolding platform: $145 - $245+GST per day
- 5.5 metre scaffolding platform: $150 - $260+GST per day
- 6 metre scaffolding platform: $155 - $275+GST per day
- 6.5 metre scaffolding platform: $165 - $290+GST per day
- 7 metre scaffolding platform: $180 - $300+GST per day
Rates vary significantly with platform height, as scaffolding over four metres is less common and and mainly used for commercial construction or standalone structures that require heavy loads to be supported. Scaffolding heights increase in 50cm increments for smaller sizes and 1-metre increments for larger sizes, with steel scaffolding commonly used for heavy-duty applications.
Hire rates also depend on several factors, including platform width (typically 0.7m to 1.3m) and whether the supplier provides a temporary framework for residential or heavy-duty commercial scaffolding. Hiring large quantities for construction projects or long-term hire periods can secure significant discounts, making them a cost-effective option.
What are mobile scaffolding towers: Easy scaff, folding scaff, and quick scaff
Depending on the type of job and the ground on which the scaffolding is being erected, aluminium scaffolding or mobile scaffolding towers (sometimes called Quick Scaff, Folding Scaff, or Easy Scaff) can provide convenient access than either erecting short meterages and re-erecting them throughout the job in new locations or hiring large meterages to cover the whole building or structure (which can be expensive and inefficient use of your construction budget).
What are mobile scaffolding tower hire rates?
The obvious benefit of mobile scaffolding is the wheels, which allow you to hire one large section and roll it to wherever on your job site it is required. Obviously, you will require flat and stable ground to be able to manoeuvre them around the site.
You can typically assume that mobile scaffolding hire rates add around $20 per day to the usual fixed scaffolding rate. However, this cost is usually competitive, considering mobile scaffold hire eliminates the need to erect, disassemble, and re-erect sections of fixed scaffolding.
| Mobile Scaffolding Tower Height | Price For Single Width Panel (0.7m wide) | Price For Double Width Panels (1.2m wide) |
| 1.5m High Mobile Scaffold Tower | $115 Per Day or $230 Per Week | $135 Per Day or $265 Per Week |
| 2m High Mobile Scaffold Tower | $120 Per Day or $240 Per Week | $140 Per Day or $280 Per Week |
| 3m High Mobile Scaffold Tower | $140 Per Day or $280 Per Week | $160 Per Day or $320 Per Week |
| 4m High Mobile Scaffold Tower | $145 Per Day or $290 Per Week | $170 Per Day or $340 Per Week |
| 5m High Mobile Scaffold Tower | $160 Per Day or $320 Per Week | $190 Per Day or $380 Per Week |
| 6m High Mobile Scaffold Tower | $175 Per Day or $350 Per Week | $205 Per Day or $410 Per Week |
| 7m High Mobile Scaffold Tower | N/A | $245 Per Day or $490 Per Week |
| 8m High Mobile Scaffold Tower | N/A | $295 Per Day or $590 Per Week |
| 9m High Mobile Scaffold Tower | N/A | $350 Per Day or $700 Per Week |
| 10m High Mobile Scaffold Tower | N/A | $385 Per Day or $770 Per Week |
Scaffolding hire rates: What does it cost to hire a scaffolder?
Erecting scaffolding is dangerous work, especially in the construction industry, and a secure barrier is necessary. So, hiring qualified, licensed professionals is essential. Scaffolders are among the lower-paid construction workers due to the manual labour involved and the minimal training required. Hiring a scaffolder directly will cost around $20 per hour, but most prefer to go through a scaffolding company to ensure proper setup and safety compliance.
- Hiring directly: Around $20 per hour, but rare.
- Through a scaffolding or labour hire company: Expect a $10–$20 per hour markup.
Assembling scaffolding takes 15–30 minutes per section with skilled labour and is essential for maintenance tasks that require stable access. For residential projects, scaffolding is typically hired in sections, then disassembled and reassembled as needed. Below are standard installation costs for common configurations:
- Freelance scaffolders: $20/hour ($36,000–$42,000/year for permanent roles).
- Labour hire company: $30/hour.
- Scaffolding company installation: $35/hour.
Calculating total scaffolding costs for your project
To help you calculate your own scaffolding job, here’s a common scaffolding cost estimate for a two-storey house painting project over four weeks. This setup uses a 3.5m platform height, double-width scaffolding, and 12 sections (covering 15.6m lengthwise), reassembled four times to complete the job.
Estimated costs of painting a two-storey house (assumes 4-week job)
- Scaffolding hire: $1,560+GST per week × 4 weeks = $6,240+GST
- Installation (6 hours): $35/hour + travel = $210+GST
- Re-erection (3 times): $35/hour + travel = $840+GST
- Drop-off charge (estimate): $200+GST
- Pick-up charge (estimate): $200+GST
- Total Estimated Cost: $7,690+GST
Standard Scaffolding Delivery Charges and Extras
When hiring scaffolding, additional charges may apply beyond standard hire rates and labour costs. Scaffold tagging ensures safety compliance, particularly for edge protection scaffolding, with a certified inspector tagging the scaffolding before site deployment. Moreover, to meet safety requirements, toe boards are essential for preventing tools or materials from falling off the platform, providing a safer working environment.
Additional Costs to Consider:
- Delivery rates: $80–$350+GST (varies by size & weight of load).
- Pick-up rates: $80–$350+GST (same factors as delivery).
- Scaffold tag fee: $20 per section
How to get the best scaffolding hire rates
iseekplant specialises in getting quotes for people looking for construction gear. Use our Get a Quote tool, and we will get you the best quote for your job completely free of charge!
Learn more about what you should be paying from our comprehensive machine hire rates guide, covering various scaffolding systems and more equipment available for hire. To search for machines or plant hire suppliers, click here.