Airtasker Fees (2026) vs Mates RatesThe Real Cost of Getting Things Done
See exactly how much you pay (and save) with a transparent breakdown of service fees, connecting costs, and tasker commissions.
Quick Answer: Who is Cheaper?
Mates Rates is significantly cheaper for both users and tradies.
- Posters: Save $2.90 - $34.90 per job (Mates Rates has a flat 10% fee vs. Airtasker's connection fees + potential higher quotes to cover commission).
- Taskers: Save 10-20% on every job. Mates Rates charges Taskers 0% commission, whereas Airtasker takes up to 20% of their earnings.
Head-to-Head: Fee Comparison Table
| Comparison Point | Airtasker (2026 Est.) | Mates Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Posting a Job | Free to post, pay later | Free to post |
| Booking/Connection Fee | $2.90 - $34.90 | 10% Service Fee |
| Tasker Commission | 10% - 20% (Tiered) | 0% (Keep 100%) |
| Subscription Fees | None (usually) | None |
| Hidden Impact | Quotes are often inflated by ~20% to cover the Tasker's fee. | No inflation needed. Tradies price competitively. |
*Airtasker fees are based on available 2025/2026 data. Connection fees vary by task size.
The "Hidden" Cost of Airtasker
While posting is free, Airtasker's business model relies on taking a cut from both sides. This creates a "double tax" on your job.
For Taskers (The Tradies)
Tradies lose 10% to 20% of their hard-earned money. To make $100, they often have to charge you $125.
For Posters (You)
You pay a comprehensive "Booking Fee" on top of the quote. Plus, since the tradie is losing 20%, they've likely already increased their quote price. You pay twice.
The Mates Rates Advantage
We believe in a simpler model. You pay a small fee to secure the platform, and the worker keeps everything they earn.
Fair for Tradies
Zero commissions. If a plumber quotes $150, they take home $150. This attracts better quality professionals.
Transparent for You
You pay a flat 10% service fee. That's it. No inflating quotes, no tiered confusion. Just Mates Rates.
Real Life Scenario: $250 Gardening Job
You Save $47.90
And the worker earns $10 more. Everyone wins.
When is it worth paying more?
Some platforms charge premium fees because they offer insurance guarantees or mediation services. It's important to weigh these up.
Consider Mates Rates if:
- You want the absolute best price for your job.
- You want to support local tradies directly without valid commissions cutting into their pay.
- You prefer a simple, transparent fee structure with no surprises.
Ready to Save?
Stop paying "laziness tax" on other platforms. Post your job on Mates Rates and see the difference.
Post a Job Now (Free)No credit card required to post. Verified Australian Tradies.