How Much Do Apprentices Get Paid? 2026-27 Wages Guide
Money matters when you’re considering an apprenticeship, and knowing what you’ll actually earn is part of making the right decision.
This guide sets out the minimum Award wages for apprentices across some of Australia’s most popular trades, for the financial year 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027.
Understanding Minimum Award Rates
The figures provided in this guide are the legal minimum an employer can pay you under the relevant Modern Award.
That means they’re not the average, the typical or the expected. They’re the floor.
In practice, many apprentices earn more than these figures because:
- Some employers pay above Award rates, particularly in mining, resources, energy and large infrastructure projects
- Enterprise Bargaining Agreements (EBAs) often set higher pay rates than the Modern Award
- Allowances for tools, travel, site work or specific industries can lift weekly take-home pay
- Overtime, weekend and shift loadings apply on top of base wages, if applicable
- Government incentive payments are available for apprentices in priority occupations
Your actual pay will depend on your trade, your employer, where you work, and the agreement you’re employed under.
So use the figures in this guide as your baseline, knowing that what you actually earn could be higher.
How Apprentice Wages are Classified
Modern Awards classify apprentice wages into three main categories, based on where you sit when you commence your apprenticeship:
- Junior apprentice (under 21 years of age at the time of commencement) who did not complete Year 12: Lower starting rate, increasing across the years of the apprenticeship
- Junior apprentice (under 21 years of age at the time of commencement) who completed Year 12: Higher starting rate (recognising your additional study), increasing across the years of the apprenticeship
- Adult apprentice (21 years and over): A higher rate that reflects adult status and life experience. In some Awards this rate stays flat across all years of the apprenticeship
Get the Exact Wage for Your Situation
The wages provided below are minimum Award rates drawn from the Fair Work Ombudsman’s published Pay Guides, current as at 1 July 2026.
For a wage calculation specific to your trade, age, year of apprenticeship and any allowances or penalty rates that apply, use Fair Work’s Pay and Conditions Tool. It’s the official source and will give you the most accurate figure for your individual circumstances.
Engineering Apprenticeships – Minimum Award Rates
- Boilermaker Apprenticeship
Boilermaker Apprentice Wages
Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award
Junior apprentice, did not complete Year 12:
- Stage 1: $559.55 per week
- Stage 2: $671.46 per week
- Stage 3: $839.33 per week
- Stage 4: $984.81 per week
Junior apprentice, completed Year 12:
- Stage 1: $615.51 per week
- Stage 2: $727.42 per week
- Stage 3: $839.33 per week
- Stage 4: $1,029.10 per week
Adult apprentice (21 years and over):
- Stage 1: $895.28 per week
- Stage 2: $978.10 per week
- Stage 3: $1,004.90 per week
- Stage 4: $1,029.10 per week
Additional allowances, penalty rates and overtime may apply under the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award (MA000010). These minimum rates apply from the first full pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2026.
Learn more about Boilermaker Apprenticeships
- Fitter and Turner Apprenticeship
Fitter and Turner Apprentice Wages
Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award
Junior apprentice, did not complete Year 12:
- Stage 1: $559.55 per week
- Stage 2: $671.46 per week
- Stage 3: $839.33 per week
- Stage 4: $984.81 per week
Junior apprentice, completed Year 12:
- Stage 1: $615.51 per week
- Stage 2: $727.42 per week
- Stage 3: $839.33 per week
- Stage 4: $1,029.10 per week
Adult apprentice (21 years and over):
- Stage 1: $895.28 per week
- Stage 2: $978.10 per week
- Stage 3: $1,004.90 per week
- Stage 4: $1,029.10 per week
Additional allowances, penalty rates and overtime may apply under the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award (MA000010). These minimum rates apply from the first full pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2026.
Learn more about Fitter and Turner Apprenticeships
- Fitter Machinist Apprenticeship
Fitter Machinist Apprentice Wages
Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award
Junior apprentice, did not complete Year 12:
- Stage 1: $559.55 per week
- Stage 2: $671.46 per week
- Stage 3: $839.33 per week
- Stage 4: $984.81 per week
Junior apprentice, completed Year 12:
- Stage 1: $615.51 per week
- Stage 2: $727.42 per week
- Stage 3: $839.33 per week
- Stage 4: $1,029.10 per week
Adult apprentice (21 years and over):
- Stage 1: $895.28 per week
- Stage 2: $978.10 per week
- Stage 3: $1,004.90 per week
- Stage 4: $1,029.10 per week
Additional allowances, penalty rates and overtime may apply under the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award (MA000010). These minimum rates apply from the first full pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2026.
Learn more about Fitter Machinist Apprenticeships
- Mechanical Fitter Apprenticeship
Mechanical Fitter Apprentice Wages
Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award
Junior apprentice, did not complete Year 12:
- Stage 1: $559.55 per week
- Stage 2: $671.46 per week
- Stage 3: $839.33 per week
- Stage 4: $984.81 per week
Junior apprentice, completed Year 12:
- Stage 1: $615.51 per week
- Stage 2: $727.42 per week
- Stage 3: $839.33 per week
- Stage 4: $1,029.10 per week
Adult apprentice (21 years and over):
- Stage 1: $895.28 per week
- Stage 2: $978.10 per week
- Stage 3: $1,004.90 per week
- Stage 4: $1,029.10 per week
Additional allowances, penalty rates and overtime may apply under the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award (MA000010). These minimum rates apply from the first full pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2026.
Learn more about Mechanical Fitter Apprenticeships
- Sheetmetal Apprenticeship
Sheetmetal Apprentice Wages
Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award
Junior apprentice, did not complete Year 12:
- Stage 1: $559.55 per week
- Stage 2: $671.46 per week
- Stage 3: $839.33 per week
- Stage 4: $984.81 per week
Junior apprentice, completed Year 12:
- Stage 1: $615.51 per week
- Stage 2: $727.42 per week
- Stage 3: $839.33 per week
- Stage 4: $1,029.10 per week
Adult apprentice (21 years and over):
- Stage 1: $895.28 per week
- Stage 2: $978.10 per week
- Stage 3: $1,004.90 per week
- Stage 4: $1,029.10 per week
Additional allowances, penalty rates and overtime may apply under the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award (MA000010). These minimum rates apply from the first full pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2026.
Learn more about Sheetmetal Apprenticeships
Electrical Apprenticeships – Minimum Award Rates
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Apprenticeship
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Apprentice Wages
Award coverage for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Apprenticeships may vary depending on the employer’s business activities.
Apprentices employed by electrical contracting businesses may be covered by the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award. Apprentices employed by industrial refrigeration businesses may be covered by the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award.
Always use the Fair Work’s Pay Calculator for the exact award wage for your circumstances.
Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award
Junior apprentice, did not complete Year 12
- 1st year: $622.72 per week
- 2nd year: $742.79 per week
- 3rd year: $862.87 per week
- 4th year: $1,006.97 per week
Junior apprentice, completed Year 12
- 1st year: $682.76 per week
- 2nd year: $802.84 per week
- 3rd year: $862.87 per week
- 4th year: $1,006.97 per week
Adult apprentice (21 years and over)
- 1st year: $982.95 per week
- 2nd, 3rd and 4th years: $1,098.29 per week
Additional allowances, penalty rates and overtime may apply under the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award (MA000025). These minimum rates apply from the first full pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2026.
Learn more about Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Apprenticeships
Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award
Junior apprentice, did not complete Year 12:
- Stage 1: $559.55 per week
- Stage 2: $671.46 per week
- Stage 3: $839.33 per week
- Stage 4: $984.81 per week
Junior apprentice, completed Year 12:
- Stage 1: $615.51 per week
- Stage 2: $727.42 per week
- Stage 3: $839.33 per week
- Stage 4: $1,029.10 per week
Adult apprentice (21 years and over):
- Stage 1: $895.28 per week
- Stage 2: $978.10 per week
- Stage 3: $1,004.90 per week
- Stage 4: $1,029.10 per week
Additional allowances, penalty rates and overtime may apply under the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award (MA000010). Rates apply from the first full pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2026.
Learn more about Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Apprenticeships
- Data and Voice Communications Apprenticeship
Data and Voice Communications Apprentice Wages
Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award
Junior apprentice, did not complete Year 12
- 1st year: $622.72 per week
- 2nd year: $742.79 per week
- 3rd year: $862.87 per week
- 4th year: $1,006.97 per week
Junior apprentice, completed Year 12
- 1st year: $682.76 per week
- 2nd year: $802.84 per week
- 3rd year: $862.87 per week
- 4th year: $1,006.97 per week
Adult apprentice (21 years and over)
- 1st year: $982.95 per week
- 2nd, 3rd and 4th years: $1,098.29 per week
Additional allowances, penalty rates and overtime may apply under the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award (MA000025). These minimum rates apply from the first full pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2026.
Learn more about Data and Voice Communications Apprenticeships
- Electrical Fitter Apprenticeship
Electrical Fitter Apprentice Wages
Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award
Junior apprentice, did not complete Year 12
- 1st year: $622.72 per week
- 2nd year: $742.79 per week
- 3rd year: $862.87 per week
- 4th year: $1,006.97 per week
Junior apprentice, completed Year 12
- 1st year: $682.76 per week
- 2nd year: $802.84 per week
- 3rd year: $862.87 per week
- 4th year: $1,006.97 per week
Adult apprentice (21 years and over)
- 1st year: $982.95 per week
- 2nd, 3rd and 4th years: $1,098.29 per week
Additional allowances, penalty rates and overtime may apply under the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award (MA000025). These minimum rates apply from the first full pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2026.
Learn more about Electrical Fitter Apprenticeships
- Electrician Apprenticeship
Electrician Apprentice Wages
Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award
Junior apprentice, did not complete Year 12
- 1st year: $622.72 per week
- 2nd year: $742.79 per week
- 3rd year: $862.87 per week
- 4th year: $1,006.97 per week
Junior apprentice, completed Year 12
- 1st year: $682.76 per week
- 2nd year: $802.84 per week
- 3rd year: $862.87 per week
- 4th year: $1,006.97 per week
Adult apprentice (21 years and over)
- 1st year: $982.95 per week
- 2nd, 3rd and 4th years: $1,098.29 per week
Additional allowances, penalty rates and overtime may apply under the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award (MA000025). These minimum rates apply from the first full pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2026.
Learn more about Electrician Apprenticeships
- Instrumentation and Control Apprenticeship
Instrumentation and Control Apprentice Wages
Note: A dual trade Electrical and Instrumentation Apprenticeship is also available and is more common in mining and resources. The dual trade typically takes five years and combines a Certificate III in Instrumentation and Control qualification with a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician.
The wages below apply to a single trade Instrumentation and Control Apprenticeship.
Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award
Junior apprentice, did not complete Year 12
- 1st year: $622.72 per week
- 2nd year: $742.79 per week
- 3rd year: $862.87 per week
- 4th year: $1,006.97 per week
Junior apprentice, completed Year 12
- 1st year: $682.76 per week
- 2nd year: $802.84 per week
- 3rd year: $862.87 per week
- 4th year: $1,006.97 per week
Adult apprentice (21 years and over)
- 1st year: $982.95 per week
- 2nd, 3rd and 4th years: $1,098.29 per week
Additional allowances, penalty rates and overtime may apply under the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award (MA000025). These minimum rates apply from the first full pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2026.
Learn more about Instrumentation and Control Apprenticeships
- Security Systems Apprenticeship
Security Systems Apprentice Wages
Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award
Junior apprentice, did not complete Year 12
- 1st year: $622.72 per week
- 2nd year: $742.79 per week
- 3rd year: $862.87 per week
- 4th year: $1,006.97 per week
Junior apprentice, completed Year 12
- 1st year: $682.76 per week
- 2nd year: $802.84 per week
- 3rd year: $862.87 per week
- 4th year: $1,006.97 per week
Adult apprentice (21 years and over)
- 1st year: $982.95 per week
- 2nd, 3rd and 4th years: $1,098.29 per week
Additional allowances, penalty rates and overtime may apply under the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award (MA000025). These minimum rates apply from the first full pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2026.
Learn more about Security Systems Apprenticeships
Automotive Apprenticeships – Minimum Award Rates
- Diesel Fitter Apprenticeship
Diesel Fitter Apprentice Wages
Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award
Junior apprentice, did not complete Year 12:
- 1st year: $559.55 per week
- 2nd year: $671.46 per week
- 3rd year: $839.33 per week
- 4th year: $984.81 per week
Junior apprentice, completed Year 12:
- 1st year: $615.51 per week
- 2nd year: $727.42 per week
- 3rd year: $839.33 per week
- 4th year: $984.81 per week
Adult apprentice (21 years and over):
- 1st year: $895.28 per week
- 2nd year: $978.10 per week
- 3rd year: $1,004.90 per week
- 4th year: $1,029.10 per week
A tool allowance is paid in addition to these rates. Additional penalty rates and overtime may apply under the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award (MA000089). These minimum rates apply from the first full pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2026.
Learn more about Diesel Fitter Apprenticeships
- Heavy Vehicle Mechanic Apprenticeship
Heavy Vehicle Mechanic Apprentice Wages
Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award
Junior apprentice, did not complete Year 12:
- 1st year: $559.55 per week
- 2nd year: $671.46 per week
- 3rd year: $839.33 per week
- 4th year: $984.81 per week
Junior apprentice, completed Year 12:
- 1st year: $615.51 per week
- 2nd year: $727.42 per week
- 3rd year: $839.33 per week
- 4th year: $984.81 per week
Adult apprentice (21 years and over):
- 1st year: $895.28 per week
- 2nd year: $978.10 per week
- 3rd year: $1,004.90 per week
- 4th year: $1,029.10 per week
A tool allowance is paid in addition to these rates. Additional penalty rates and overtime may apply under the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award (MA000089). These minimum rates apply from the first full pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2026.
Learn more about Heavy Vehicle Mechanic Apprenticeships
- Light Vehicle Mechanic Apprenticeship
Light Vehicle Mechanic Apprentice Wages
Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award
Junior apprentice, did not complete Year 12:
- 1st year: $559.55 per week
- 2nd year: $671.46 per week
- 3rd year: $839.33 per week
- 4th year: $984.81 per week
Junior apprentice, completed Year 12:
- 1st year: $615.51 per week
- 2nd year: $727.42 per week
- 3rd year: $839.33 per week
- 4th year: $984.81 per week
Adult apprentice (21 years and over):
- 1st year: $895.28 per week
- 2nd year: $978.10 per week
- 3rd year: $1,004.90 per week
- 4th year: $1,029.10 per week
A tool allowance is paid in addition to these rates. Additional penalty rates and overtime may apply under the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award (MA000089). These minimum rates apply from the first full pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2026.
Learn more about Light Vehicle Mechanic Apprenticeships
- Mobile Plant Mechanic Apprenticeship
Mobile Plant Mechanic Apprentice Wages
Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award
Junior apprentice, did not complete Year 12:
- 1st year: $559.55 per week
- 2nd year: $671.46 per week
- 3rd year: $839.33 per week
- 4th year: $984.81 per week
Junior apprentice, completed Year 12:
- 1st year: $615.51 per week
- 2nd year: $727.42 per week
- 3rd year: $839.33 per week
- 4th year: $984.81 per week
Adult apprentice (21 years and over):
- 1st year: $895.28 per week
- 2nd year: $978.10 per week
- 3rd year: $1,004.90 per week
- 4th year: $1,029.10 per week
A tool allowance is paid in addition to these rates. Additional penalty rates and overtime may apply under the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award (MA000089). These minimum rates apply from the first full pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2026.
Learn more about Mobile Plant Mechanic Apprenticeships
Construction Apprenticeships – Minimum Award Rates
- Carpentry Apprenticeship
Carpentry Apprentice Wages
Building and Construction General On-site Award
Note: These award rates apply to a Carpentry Apprenticeship in non-residential building and construction and include industry and tool allowances. Rates vary across sectors (residential, non-residential, civil construction) so always use Fair Work's Pay Calculator for the exact Award wage for your circumstances.
Junior apprentice, did not complete Year 12:
- 1st year: $667.92 per week
- 2nd year: $779.83 per week
- 3rd year: $947.70 per week
- 4th year: $1,115.56 per week
Junior apprentice, completed Year 12:
- 1st year: $723.88 per week
- 2nd year: $835.79 per week
- 3rd year: $947.70 per week
- 4th year: $1,115.56 per week
Adult apprentice (21 years and over):
- $1,121.87 per week (flat across all years)
Additional penalty rates and overtime may apply under the Building and Construction General On-site Award (MA000020). These minimum rates apply from the first full pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2026.
Learn more about Carpentry Apprenticeships
- Plumbing Apprenticeship
Plumbing Apprentice Wages
Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award
These minimum award rates apply to plumbing and mechanical services apprentices. Separate rates apply to sprinkler pipe-fitting and trainee apprentices, so use Fair Work's Pay Calculator for the exact Award wage for your circumstances.
Junior apprentice, did not complete Year 12:
- 1st year: $629.23 per week
- 2nd year: $746.79 per week
- 3rd year: $864.35 per week
- 4th year: $1,099.48 per week
Junior apprentice, completed Year 12:
- 1st year: $688.01 per week
- 2nd year: $805.57 per week
- 3rd year: $864.35 per week
- 4th year: $1,099.48 per week
Adult apprentice (21 years and over):
- 1st year: $1,046.31 per week
- 2nd year: $1,046.31 per week
- 3rd year: $1,046.31 per week
- 4th year: $1,099.48 per week
Rates include industry, plumbing trade and tool allowances. Additional penalty rates and overtime may apply under the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award (MA000036). These minimum rates apply from the first full pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2026.
Learn more about Plumbing Apprenticeships
Above Award Wages and EBAs
Remember, the figures shown above are minimum Award rates. Many apprentices earn more, particularly when working under an Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) or when the host employer chooses to pay above Award rates.
When applying for apprenticeships, it’s worth asking whether the role pays the standard Award rate, above-Award, or under an EBA. The difference can be significant, particularly in mining, resources, energy and large industrial projects.
At MIGAS, we’ll discuss the wage and any applicable agreements with you as part of the recruitment process, so you’ll know exactly what you’ll be paid before you commence.
Government Support for Apprentices
Many apprentice trades appear on the Australian Government’s Australian Apprenticeship Priority List, which means eligible apprentices can access additional financial support payments on top of their wages. Travel and accommodation allowances are also available for some apprentices.
For the full picture, see our guide to Financial Assistance for Apprentices.
Why a Trade Apprenticeship Still Stacks Up
Starting wages are one part of the picture, but the long-term value of a trade qualification is what makes apprenticeships such a strong career choice.
Most apprentices land a job straight after completing their training, and qualified tradespeople are consistently in demand across Australia. Earning potential continues to grow as you gain experience, specialise, take on supervisory roles, or eventually run your own business.
Explore how apprenticeships work or read our frequently asked questions for more details.
Find an Apprenticeship With MIGAS
One of the advantages of undertaking an apprenticeship through a Group Training Organisation like MIGAS Apprentices & Trainees is that you’re matched with employers who have committed to apprentice training as part of their business, which can mean a more structured and supportive learning environment.
MIGAS specialises in Engineering, Electrical, Automotive and Construction trade apprenticeships. We employ apprentices directly and place them with quality host employers across Australia, with support from a dedicated Field Officer throughout their apprenticeship.
Browse our Jobs Board to see current apprenticeship opportunities, or register your interest to receive updates when new positions are added.