Federal award · All states · FY2025–26
Apprentice Wages in Victoria, NSW, Queensland, WA and Across Australia
If you've been told your apprentice pay rate is different because of which state you live in, you've likely been misinformed. Here's how Australian apprentice wages actually work.
The short answer
Federal Modern Awards set the same minimum apprentice pay rates across every state and territory in Australia. A Year 1 electrical apprentice earns $14.43/hr whether they're in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, Hobart, or Canberra. Your state does not change this.
State-by-state award coverage
| State / Territory | Governing framework | Same federal rates? |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria (VIC) | Federal Modern Awards | Yes |
| New South Wales (NSW) | Federal Modern Awards | Yes |
| Queensland (QLD) | Federal Modern Awards | Yes |
| Western Australia (WA) | Federal Modern Awards (most employers) | Yes |
| South Australia (SA) | Federal Modern Awards | Yes |
| Tasmania (TAS) | Federal Modern Awards | Yes |
| ACT | Federal Modern Awards | Yes |
| Northern Territory (NT) | Federal Modern Awards | Yes |
How the federal award system works
Since January 2010, the Fair Work Act has established a national workplace relations system covering the vast majority of Australian employees — including trade apprentices. Modern Awards are set by the Fair Work Commission and apply nationally, not state by state.
The three awards that cover most construction and trade apprentices are:
- MA000025 — Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020 (electrical, air conditioning)
- MA000036 — Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2020 (plumbing, gas fitting, roof plumbing)
- MA000020 — Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 (carpentry, joinery, painting, tiling, bricklaying, glazing)
These awards are identical regardless of which state you work in. The pay rates in Melbourne are the same as the pay rates in Brisbane.
What does differ by state
While base pay rates are the same everywhere, a few things do vary by state:
- TAFE fees and training subsidies — each state runs its own training system and fee structure
- Apprenticeship duration — state training authorities may set slightly different training requirements
- State-based training supplements — some states offer additional payments on top of federal entitlements
- WA state awards — a small number of WA employers are still covered by state awards rather than federal Modern Awards (mainly smaller or unincorporated employers)
For almost all apprentices working for incorporated businesses in any state, the federal award rates apply. If you're unsure whether a state award applies to your situation, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94.
Find out your exact rate
Apprentice Register shows you your minimum pay rate based on your trade and year of training — regardless of which state you're in. Join the waitlist for early access.
Check my pay rate →Related: Electrical apprentice pay rates · How much do apprentices earn? · Apprentice entitlements