1st Year Apprentice Wages: What Do First Year Apprentices Get Paid?

Starting an apprenticeship means earning a wage from day one while you learn your trade and work towards a nationally recognised qualification.

But how much does a first year apprentice actually get paid?

There isn't one standard apprentice wage in Australia. Your minimum pay rate can depend on the trade you're completing, your age when you start your apprenticeship, whether you've completed Year 12, and the Award or enterprise agreement that applies to your employment.

This indicative guide looks specifically at first year apprentice wages for 2026–27, using minimum Award rates effective from 1 July 2026.

How Much Does a First Year Apprentice Earn?

For a full-time first year apprentice, minimum Award wages can vary considerably depending on the trade and your circumstances.
Apprentice wages generally fall into three categories:

• Junior apprentice who did not complete Year 12
• Junior apprentice who completed Year 12
• Adult apprentice aged 21 years or over when they commence

Completing Year 12 can result in a higher starting rate under some Awards, while adult apprentices generally receive a higher minimum wage from the beginning of their apprenticeship.

The figures below are minimum Award wages, not average earnings. Some apprentices may earn more through above Award wages, enterprise agreements, allowances, overtime and penalty rates.

First Year Apprentice Wages by Trade

Here are the minimum weekly Award wages for first year apprentices across some common trade apprenticeships for 2026–27.

These are full-time minimum Award wages based on the relevant Modern Awards. Some rates include particular industry or tool allowances.

For rates across all years of an apprenticeship, see our 2026–27 Apprentice Wages Guide.

*Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Apprenticeship rates shown here are from 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 and receive different rates. See our full electrical apprenticeship wages guide for details.

 

Why Do First Year Apprentice Wages Vary?

Apprentices aren't all covered by the same Award.

An electrical apprentice, for example, may be covered by the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award, while many engineering apprentices are covered by the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award.

The Award sets the minimum employment conditions and pay rates that apply to a particular industry or occupation.

Your actual first year wage can therefore depend on:

• The trade you're completing
• The Award that covers your employment
• Allowances, overtime and penalty rates relevant to the position
• Your age when you commence
• Whether you've completed Year 12
• Whether an enterprise agreement applies
• Whether your employer pays above the minimum Award rate

This is why comparing your wage with a friend doing a different apprenticeship doesn't necessarily tell you what you should be getting paid.

Does Finishing Year 12 Affect Your Apprentice Wage?

It can. Several Modern Awards provide a higher minimum rate for a junior apprentice who has completed Year 12 before starting their apprenticeship.

For example, under the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award in 2026–27, a first year junior electrical apprentice who has completed Year 12 has a minimum weekly rate of $682.76, compared with $622.72 for a junior apprentice who has not completed Year 12. 

The rules vary between Awards, so it's important to check the Award that applies to your apprenticeship rather than assuming the same rates apply to every trade.

What Does a Mature Age First Year Apprentice Get Paid?

If you're 21 years of age or older when you commence your apprenticeship, you're generally considered an adult apprentice for Award wage purposes.

Adult apprentice minimum wages are typically higher than junior apprentice rates.

For example, the 2026–27 minimum first year rate for an adult apprentice is:

• $982.95 per week for an electrician apprenticeship covered by the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award
• $895.28 per week for a mechanical fitter apprenticeship or boilermaker apprenticeship covered by the Manufacturing Award
• $1,046.31 per week for a plumbing apprenticeship under the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award

If you're considering starting a trade later in life, read our Mature Age Apprenticeships in Australia guide for more information about wages, eligibility and what to expect.

Can First Year Apprentices Earn More Than the Award?

Absolutely. The Award rate is the minimum, not necessarily what an apprentice will actually earn.

Some employers choose to pay apprentices above the Award rate. Other workplaces operate under an enterprise agreement, which may provide higher wages or different employment conditions. This is particularly common in industries such as mining, resources, energy and major infrastructure.

Depending on your employment arrangements, you may also receive additional payments for things such as:

• Overtime
• Weekend or shift work
• Tools
• Travel
• Particular types of site work
• Industry-specific allowances

This means two first year apprentices completing the same qualification could receive different overall pay depending on where they work and the employment arrangements that apply.

Do First Year Apprentices Get Superannuation?

Yes. Apprentices are employees, and eligible apprentices receive superannuation in addition to their wages. From 1 July 2026, the legislated Superannuation Guarantee rate is 12%.

Superannuation is paid into your nominated super fund and is separate from the weekly Award wage figures shown in this guide.

Effective 1 July 2026, Payday Super rules require employers to make super contributions on the same schedule as regular wages, replacing the older quarterly system.

Does Your Apprentice Wage Increase After First Year?

It depends on the Award that applies to your apprenticeship.

Many apprentice wage structures provide for a higher minimum rate as you progress through your apprenticeship, either after completing a period of time or reaching a particular competency-based progression point. 

However, moving from first year to second year doesn't always mean your minimum Award rate will increase. Carpentry apprentices covered by the Building and Construction General On-site Award, for example, can remain on the same minimum apprentice rate across their first and second years, depending on their age, schooling and commencement circumstances.

Even where an apprentice doesn't move to a higher pay rate because of their year or stage of apprenticeship, minimum Award rates are reviewed annually. The Fair Work Commission reviews minimum Award wages each year through its Annual Wage Review, with any changes generally taking effect from the first full pay period on or after 1 July.

For apprentices whose Award provides for progressive rates, wages can increase both as they progress through their apprenticeship and when minimum Award rates are increased through the Annual Wage Review.

For a complete breakdown of current rates across different trades and apprenticeship years, see our 2026–27 Apprentice Wages Guide.

How Do I Find My Exact Apprentice Wage?

The rates in this article are a useful starting point, but your individual circumstances matter.

The Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool (P.A.C.T) can calculate the applicable minimum rate based on your Award, age, apprenticeship year and other employment details.

You should also check your employment contract or enterprise agreement where applicable.

Disclaimer: The information in this article provides general guidance on minimum apprentice wages and should not be taken as individual employment or financial advice. For the most accurate calculation of your entitlements, including applicable allowances and penalty rates, use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool.

Start Your Apprenticeship With MIGAS

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As a Group Training Organisation, we employ you for the duration of your apprenticeship and place you with a host employer where you'll gain practical, on-the-job experience while completing your formal training.

If you're ready to start your trade career, browse our current apprenticeship vacancies on our Jobs Board or register your interest to hear about future opportunities.