How Much do Apprentices Get Paid in 2023?
If you're thinking about an apprenticeship but want to know how much you'll get paid, this article will help.
Apprenticeships are the perfect way to start building your career and get paid while you do it. But how much can you expect to hit your bank account every week?
We will outline an accurate picture of how much you can expect each week as an Apprentice Boilermaker, Apprentice Fitter and Turner, Apprentice Sheet Metal Worker, Apprentice Electrician, Apprentice Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Electrician, Apprentice Electrical & Instrumentation, Apprentice Heavy Vehicle Mechanic, Apprentice Light Vehicle Mechanic, Apprentice Plumber or Apprentice Carpenter.
Do Apprentices Get Paid in Australia?
Yes. Australian Apprentices are paid for their work as part of their training. Australian law says that employers must pay apprentices and trainees at least the minimum wage rate for their industry and level of experience. Apprentices are often paid above the minimum wage rate by their employer.
The pay rate depends on the trade, location, and level of apprenticeship (for example, a first-year apprentice will earn more as they progress to be a fourth-year apprentice). Usually, pay goes up as an apprentice gains more experience and skills.
Just like any other employee, apprentices receive benefits on top of their regular pay, such as personal leave, annual leave, and contributions to superannuation.
Apprenticeships can lead to high paying jobs or enable you to start your own business once qualified.
Before we get into the specifics, let's give you a few basics about apprentice pay.
What are the Benefits of Apprentice Pay?
1. Avoid Debt: Unlike doing a university degree course, you won't go into debt for your training. Your employer will pay the cost - this is a legal requirement.
2. Earn a Wage: You will earn a wage for your apprenticeship; this includes annual leave, personal leave and superannuation contributions.
3. Regular Wage Increases: Apprentice pay may increase on a set schedule (e.g. every six months) or be tied to specific milestones or achievements within the apprenticeship program.
4. Financial Awards Programs: Several awards programs and scholarships offer financial awards and recognitions for apprentices. There are local, state and national programs throughout Australia, with thousands of dollars on offer each year to top performers. MIGAS invests $30,000 annually in their scholarship program.
5. Financial Incentives: Depending on your trade area, you may be eligible for government incentives for starting an apprenticeship. These are for eligible "priority" jobs, though all the trade areas mentioned below are included. This provides apprentices with up to $5000 across two years. Read more about apprentice incentives.
6. Government Allowances: Depending on your particular situation, you can claim one of the following allowances: Living away from home allowance, Travel and accommodation allowance, Youth Allowance, Austudy, Abstudy and Trade Support Loans.
7. Student Discounts: You can take advantage of student discounts. These may include public transport, medical care, insurance, gym memberships, dining and entertaining, and tech purchases.
Apprentice Pay Rates - How Much do Apprentices Get Paid?
Apprentices are paid based on what’s known as a Modern Award which is set by the Government and takes into account your age, previous qualification level (completed year 12 vs didn't finish year 12), and the apprenticeship year (first year vs third year).
The age classifications in this article are as follows:
- Aged under 17 years (Junior Apprentice did not complete Year 12)
- Aged 17 to 20 years (Junior Apprentice completed Year 12)
- Aged over 21 years (Adult apprentice)
All figures shown below depend on the apprenticeship year the person is in. (Updated July 2023)
Apprentice wage for Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration
Electrical Award
Aged under 17 years: $555.63 to $897.27 per week
Aged 17 to 20 years: $609.01 to $897.27 per week
Aged over 21 years: $875.93 to $956.20 per week
Apprentice wage for Boilermaking
Manufacturing Award
Aged under 17 years: $497.50 to $875.60 per week
Aged 17 to 20 years: $547.25 to $914.90 per week
Aged over 21 years: $796.00 to $914.90 per week
Apprentice wage for Carpenter
Building Award
Aged under 17 years: $582.58 to $980.58 per week
Aged 17 to 20 years: $632.33 to $980.58 per week
Aged over 21 years: $986.08 per week (pay rate remains the same for all year levels as an adult)
Apprentice wage for Electrician
Electrical Award
Aged under 17 years: $555.63 to $897.27 per week
Aged 17 to 20 years: $609.01 to $897.27 per week
Aged over 21 years: $875.93 to $956.20 per week
Apprentice wage for Electrical & Instrumentation
Electrical Award
Aged under 17 years: $555.63 to $897.27 per week
Aged 17 to 20 years: $609.01 to $897.27 per week
Aged over 21 years: $875.93 to $956.20 per week
Apprentice wage for Fitter and Turner
Manufacturing Award
Aged under 17 years: $497.50 to $875.60 per week
Aged 17 to 20 years: $547.25 to $914.90 per week
Aged over 21 years: $796.00 to $914.90 per week
Apprentice wage for Heavy Vehicle Mechanic
Vehicle Award
Aged under 17 years: $497.50 to $875.60 per week
Aged 17 to 20 years: $547.25 to $875.60 per week
Aged over 21 years: $796.00 to $914.90 per week
Apprentice wage for Sheet Metal Machinist
Manufacturing Award
Aged under 17 years: $497.50 to $875.60 per week
Aged 17 to 20 years: $547.25 to $914.90 per week
Aged over 21 years: $796.00 to $914.90 per week
Apprentice wage for Light Vehicle Mechanic
Vehicle Award
Aged under 17 years: $497.50 to $875.60 per week
Aged 17 to 20 years: $547.25 to $875.60 per week
Aged over 21 years: $796.00 to $914.90 per week
Apprentice wage for Plumber
Plumbing Award
Aged under 17 years: $560.73 to $979.85 per week
Aged 17 to 20 years: $613.12 to $979.85 per week
Aged over 21 years: $919.62 to $979.85 per week
8 Little-Known Financial Benefits of an Apprenticeship
If you have been thinking about getting an apprenticeship but were worried about how much money you would make, we encourage you to consider the following little-known benefits:
1. Earn while you learn: You get paid while getting trained
2. Hands-on work: You gain valuable hands-on experience
3. Work anywhere in Australia: You gain a nationally recognised qualification
4. Steady Pay Increases: Your pay increases throughout your apprenticeship
5. Government Benefits: You may be eligible for a range of allowances
6. Holiday Leave: You benefit from the same rights as other workers, including annual and sick leave
7. Awards and Recognition: You can enter local, national and international competitions for apprentices
8. Student Discounts/Rewards: You can take advantage of student discounts (these may include public transport, medical care, insurance, gym memberships, dining and entertaining, and tech purchases)
If you're looking to complete an apprenticeship, choose MIGAS. We offer excellent support, mentoring and weekly pay cycles.
Find an apprenticeship on our jobs board.
More reading: 1st Year Apprenticeship Wages in 2024: What to Expect