How much do apprentices get paid in Australia?

Apprentice pay is set by the modern award for your trade, not by the national minimum wage. Each award has its own table by year of apprenticeship, and most pay junior apprentices more in years 1 and 2 if they completed Year 12. From 1 July 2026, a first-year junior apprentice's base rate is $14.73/hr (not completed Year 12) or $16.20/hr (completed Year 12) in most trade awards. Some awards also include all-purpose allowances: a first-year electrical apprentice who completed Year 12 must be paid at least $17.97/hr (Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award, cl 16.4 and Schedule B.4.5). A first-year junior plumbing apprentice gets $16.56/hr, or $18.11/hr with Year 12 (Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award, Schedule E.2.1).

Do adult apprentices get paid more?

Yes. An adult apprentice (21 or over when the apprenticeship started) usually gets at least 80% of the trade rate in year 1 ($23.56/hr from 1 July 2026), then at least the award's lowest adult rate from year 2. For example, a second-year adult apprentice is paid $25.74/hr under the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award (cl 16.10(b)) and $26.44/hr base, or $28.90/hr including all-purpose allowances, under the Electrical Contracting Award (cl 16.4(b)(v), Schedule B.4.1). A first-year adult plumbing apprentice gets $27.53/hr (Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award cl 18.3(b), Schedule E.3.1).

Do apprentices get superannuation?

Yes. Employers must pay the Superannuation Guarantee (currently 12%) on top of an apprentice's ordinary earnings. This applies regardless of how much the apprentice earns per month.

Do apprentices get paid for TAFE days?

Yes. Apprentices are entitled to be paid for time spent attending TAFE or other registered training as part of their apprenticeship. This is considered part of their ordinary working hours and should be paid at their normal rate.

Can an apprentice earn more than the minimum rate?

Yes. The rates shown are the award minimums for your trade. An enterprise agreement or your employment contract can pay more, and your award may add allowances that aren't in the hourly rate, such as fares, travel time or a tool allowance if you have to supply your own tools. If your trade isn't listed, the calculator uses the Miscellaneous Award apprentice rates (cl 15.2), which only cover award-free apprentices, so check which award applies to you.

Apprentice Wages Calculator

Calculate minimum apprentice pay rates by year of apprenticeship and age, including super and annual salary breakdown.

Last verified: 25 September 2026

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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.

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