1st Year Apprentice Wages in 2024: What to Expect

MIGAS Boilermaker Apprentices Baxter, Sebastian and Declan.

An apprenticeship in Australia offers valuable hands-on experience and a pathway to owning your own business.

Yet, many young people are unsure whether this path is worthwhile because they believe it’s low paid.

If you’re looking to sign up as a first-year apprentice in Australia, it can be hard to figure out how much money to expect from your employer.

This is an up-to-date guide that’s been verified by a MIGAS payroll expert – we’ve been employing (and paying!) apprentices for 35 years, so we’ve got it down pat.

If you want to find an apprenticeship with a top company, like Bengalla Mining Company, BHP, Jaybro, Johnson Controls, Origin Energy, RoadTek, Shell's QGC business, Siemens, Wood Australia, and more, MIGAS can help.

View our Jobs Board for current roles and apply online today.

The Apprentice Life: More Than Just a Paycheck

Choosing to become a tradie is a big decision. Statistics show that tradies are earning a median income of $2,025 per week, which is notably higher than the $1,790 earned in other typical Australian jobs.

Plus — about 94% of trade apprentices don't just complete their apprenticeship and hope for a job; they secure one almost immediately after they finish their training.

A significant number of apprentices find opportunities right where they trained, meaning it’s easier to continue with your current employer and not have to search for jobs elsewhere.

This path doesn't just offer a paycheck but also provides impressive job security, making the field of trades a promising and stable choice for building a career.

A Few Things to Remember (Before We Look at $$$)

We want to be clear that the pay rates below are the least you’ll be paid
Pay rates are determined based on your age, your trade and your employer
Your employer may choose to pay above Award rates
You may be eligible for a government incentive
Your employer may offer other benefits like a scholarship program

But at a minimum, this article outlines what wages you can expect in a trade apprenticeship.

Note: A MIGAS payroll expert has verified the information in this article, but it’s considered general advice. We recommend the Fair Work Ombudsman Pay Calculator for a comprehensive tool that looks at base pay rates, allowances and penalty rates (including overtime).

Money Talk: What Are You Likely to Earn?

Here’s an overview of how much you can expect to earn (at minimum) as a first-year apprentice in Australia.

It’s important to note this may change depending on the age you start.

1st Year Apprentice Wage for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

Electrical Award

Aged under 17 years: $555.63 per week
Aged 17 to 20 years: $609.01 per week
Aged over 21 years: $875.93 per week

1st Year Apprentice Wage for Boilermaker

Manufacturing Award

Aged under 17 years: $497.50 per week
Aged 17 to 20 years: $547.25 per week
Aged over 21 years: $796.00 per week

Read more about Boilermaker Apprenticeships

1st Year Apprentice Wage for Carpenter

Building Award

Aged under 17 years: $582.58 per week
Aged 17 to 20 years: $632.33 per week
Aged over 21 years: $986.08 per week (pay rate remains the same for all year levels as an adult)

Read more about Carpentry Apprenticeships

1st Year Apprentice Wage for Electrician

Electrical Award

Aged under 17 years: $555.63 per week
Aged 17 to 20 years: $609.01 per week
Aged over 21 years: $875.93 per week

Read more about Electrician Apprenticeships

1st Year Apprentice Wage for Instrumentation & Control

Electrical Award

Aged under 17 years: $555.63 per week
Aged 17 to 20 years: $609.01 per week
Aged over 21 years: $875.93 per week

1st Year Apprentice Wage for Fitter and Turner

Manufacturing Award

Aged under 17 years: $497.50 per week
Aged 17 to 20 years: $547.25 per week
Aged over 21 years: $796.00 per week

Read more about Fitter and Turner Apprenticeships

1st Year Apprentice Wage for Heavy Vehicle Mechanic

Vehicle Award

Aged under 17 years: $497.50 per week
Aged 17 to 20 years: $547.25 per week
Aged over 21 years: $796.00 per week

1st Year Apprentice Wage for Light Vehicle Mechanic

Vehicle Award

Aged under 17 years: $497.50 per week
Aged 17 to 20 years: $547.25 per week
Aged over 21 years: $796.00 per week

1st Year Apprentice Wage for Plumber

Plumbing Award

Aged under 17 years: $560.73 per week
Aged 17 to 20 years: $613.12 per week
Aged over 21 years: $919.62 per week

Read more about Plumbing Apprenticeships

1st Year Apprentice Wage for Sheetmetal Machinist

Manufacturing Award

Aged under 17 years: $497.50 per week
Aged 17 to 20 years: $547.25 per week
Aged over 21 years: $796.00 per week

Read more about Sheetmetal Apprenticeships

Actionable Steps

Know Your Worth: Familiarise yourself with industry standards for apprentice wages in Australia. Ensure you're being compensated fairly and understand any additional benefits or allowances you're entitled to.
Stay the Course: The initial stages of an apprenticeship can be challenging, but perseverance is key.
Seek Support: Whether it's from friends or supervisors, remember to ask for guidance. Building a support network can significantly ease your transition into the workforce. TIACS offers a free counselling service via text and call for apprentices and tradies – reach out whenever you need it.
Beyond Monetary Value: While money is necessary, the skills, knowledge, and experience you acquire during your apprenticeship will set you up for opportunities once you’ve got your qualification.

Find a trade apprenticeship with MIGAS on our Jobs Board.