Electrician Apprentice Salary Rates in Australia in 2024

An electrician apprenticeship is one of the most sought-after trade roles, providing rewarding career opportunities.

The Electrical industry is diverse, giving you the freedom to choose a workplace and role that suits your ultimate goals.

The benefits don’t stop there – electricians are some of Australia’s best-paid tradespeople. Electricians are highly skilled professionals that are needed throughout mining, engineering, construction, energy generation and many other high-paying sectors.

This means electrical apprentices can expect great pay rates throughout their training.

In this article we’ll discuss electrician apprentice salary rates in Australia, as well as the hourly rates and other allowances you can expect to receive.

Electrician Apprentice Salary Rates in Australia

Electrician apprentices are paid an average salary of $58,805 per year across Australia. The amount you’re paid as an apprentice increases as you progress through your training.

Because you don’t yet have the skills of a qualified electrician, apprentices are paid a percentage of the minimum weekly rate for a licensed tradesperson.

Electrical apprentice salaries vary widely. The amount you’re paid depends on:

• Your age and education level
• Years of experience
• When you started your apprenticeship
• The industry you’re working in (e.g. mining vs construction)
• Where you’re working (e.g. apprentices may be paid more in high-demand locations)
• Your employer’s policies

Once you’ve successfully completed your apprenticeship, you could earn up to $110,000 per year as an electrician in Australia. You could earn substantially more if you’re willing to work in higher paying industries, such as mining, resources and energy.

These weekly pay rates are based on a standard 38-hour work week. You may be entitled to additional loading rates for weekend work, after hours work, and over-time.

Note that apprentices are also entitled to a tool allowance that’s not included in your weekly pay rate. The tool allowance can be used to purchase and maintain the tools you need to carry out your work. The tool allowance is paid at a rate of $21.81 per week, or $1,134.12 per year.

You can use the Pay Rate Calculator on the Fair Work website to find out the minimum pay rates for apprentices in your state.

A school-based electrical apprenticeship is a great way to get a leg up on your career. Because you haven’t completed year 12, and because you can only work part time, school-based apprentices are paid at a rate of $14.62 per hour (as at December 2023).

School-based apprentices are entitled to the tool allowance and must be reimbursed for training costs, such as RTO fees.

Are Apprentices Paid for Time Spent at Training?

Yes. Part of your electrical apprenticeship includes off-the-job training with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). This is usually delivered at a dedicated site away from your normal workplace.

The time you spend in training at your RTO is paid as part of your normal 38 hour work week.

You won’t be paid for training hours if you don’t attend trade school when you are required to. You will be paid normally if you miss training because you are sick or using another type of leave (such as annual or personal leave).‌

The Costs of Your Training

While apprentices are paid a percentage of the rate of qualified electricians, you are entitled to a range of other benefits. This includes being reimbursed for the costs of your training.

Your employer should reimburse you for:

• Fees charged by your RTO in exchange for your training
• The cost of textbooks and other materials you need

Electrical apprentices are required to be reimbursed within 6 months of commencing apprenticeship training, or within 3 months of commencing training with an RTO.

Your employer isn’t required to reimburse your training expenses if your progress is unsatisfactory or if you don’t attend trade school as required.

Becoming an electrician is one of the most rewarding careers available. The skills you learn will always be in high demand, and qualified electricians are some of the country’s highest paid tradespeople.

If you’re ready to explore an electrical apprenticeship, get in touch with MIGAS!

MIGAS Apprentices & Trainees is a Group Training Organisation that partners with businesses and employers across Australia. We match apprentices and aspiring electricians to opportunities in a huge range of industries.

When you undertake an apprenticeship through MIGAS, you’ll receive the full support of our expert team. We’ll help you make the most of your training and find work placements that help you achieve your career goals.

Get started by browsing our Jobs Board, or speak to the MIGAS team if you’d like to find out more about electrical apprenticeships in Australia.