All trades · FY2025–26 · Fair Work rates

How Much Do Apprentices Earn in Australia?

Apprentice pay in Australia is set by the Fair Work Commission through Modern Awards. The rates vary by trade, year of apprenticeship, and whether you're classified as a junior or adult apprentice — but they are legally enforceable minimums. Your employer cannot pay below them.

Pay rates across trades — FY2025–26

All rates below are the junior (pre-Year 12 / under 21) minimum hourly rates.

Trade	Award	Year 1 ($/hr)	Year 2 ($/hr)	Year 3 ($/hr)	Year 4 ($/hr)	Adult ($/hr)
Electrical	MA000025	$14.43	$17.14	$20.56	$24.10	$24.10*
Plumbing	MA000036	$13.85	$16.38	$20.10	$24.10	$24.10*
Carpentry	MA000020	$16.45	$19.26	$23.48	$27.70	$27.85
Joinery	MA000020	$16.45	$19.26	$23.48	$27.70	$27.85
Painting	MA000020	$15.66	$18.47	$22.69	$26.90	$27.36
Bricklaying	MA000020	$16.15	$18.96	$23.18	$27.39	$27.55
Plastering	MA000020	$16.27	$19.08	$23.30	$27.70	$27.67
Glazing	MA000020	$15.66	$18.47	$22.69	$26.90	$27.36

* Electrical and plumbing adult rates floored at National Minimum Wage ($24.10/hr) for FY2025–26. Rates effective 1 July 2025. Source: Fair Work Commission official pay guides.

What "junior" and "adult" means

Junior: you had not completed Year 12 (or were under 21, depending on the award) when you commenced your apprenticeship. Junior rates are lower and increase with each year of training.

Adult: you were 21 or over when you started. Adult apprentices cannot be paid below the National Minimum Wage ($24.10/hr for FY2025–26) regardless of their year level. This floor makes adult rates significantly higher for early-year apprentices.

How much does a fully qualified tradesperson earn?

Once you complete your apprenticeship and receive your trade certificate, your pay is no longer set by the apprenticeship percentages — you move onto the qualified tradesperson rate. In electrical, a first-year qualified electrician earns around $40–$50/hr on award. With experience, specialisation, or contracting, experienced tradespeople regularly earn $80–$120/hr and beyond.

The apprenticeship years are intentionally underpaid relative to a qualified tradesperson — the offset is that your employer pays for your training. Understanding what the path looks like from Year 1 to fully qualified to senior tradesperson matters when deciding which trade to choose.

Allowances add to your base rate

The hourly rates above are the base. Most Modern Awards also include allowances that add to your take-home:

Tool allowance — typically $15–$25/week depending on the award
Industry allowance — for working in specific sectors
Fares and travel — if you travel to different job sites
Overtime and penalty rates — weekends, public holidays, shift penalties

Find out exactly what you should be earning

Enter your trade and year level on Apprentice Register to get your specific minimum rate — including whether the junior or adult rate applies to you.

Check my pay rate →