Apprentice carpenter wages from 1 July 2026 for each year of a 4-year apprenticeship, in residential and commercial building, with take-home pay after tax in 2026–27.
A first-year apprentice carpenter earns $17.22 to $19.05 an hour, rising to $29.00 in fourth year. Adult apprentices get $29.17 an hour or more from day one.
Apprentice carpenter pay rates
| Year | Residential weekly | Residential hourly | Commercial hourly | Year (52 weeks, residential) | Take-home per fortnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st year, did not complete Year 12 | $654.49 | $17.22 | $17.58 | $34,033 | $1,221 |
| 1st year, completed Year 12 | $710.45 | $18.70 | $19.05 | $36,943 | $1,311 |
| 2nd year, did not complete Year 12 | $766.40 | $20.17 | $20.52 | $39,853 | $1,400 |
| 2nd year, completed Year 12 | $822.36 | $21.64 | $21.99 | $42,763 | $1,487 |
| 3rd year | $934.27 | $24.59 | $24.94 | $48,582 | $1,646 |
| 4th year | $1,102.13 | $29.00 | $29.36 | $57,311 | $1,869 |
4-year apprenticeships started on or after 1 January 2014, including the industry and tool allowances. Also applies to joiners, floor sanders, stonemasons and tilelayers. Take-home pay is after income tax and the Medicare levy for a full year in 2026–27.
Adult apprentices
| Weekly | Hourly | Year (52 weeks) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential building | $1,108.44 | $29.17 | $57,639 |
| Commercial (non-residential) building | $1,121.87 | $29.52 | $58,337 |
How it works
- First and second year rates depend on whether you completed Year 12. From third year everyone gets the same rate.
- Commercial (non-residential) building pays a little more than residential.
- Apprentices who started before 1 January 2014 have different rates; use the Fair Work Pay and Conditions Tool.
- Super is paid on top of these rates.
Common questions
How much does a first-year apprentice carpenter earn?
$17.22 an hour ($654.49 a week) in residential building if you didn't finish Year 12, or $18.70 if you did, from 1 July 2026. On commercial sites it's $17.58 or $19.05.
How much does a 4th-year apprentice carpenter earn?
$29.00 an hour ($1,102.13 a week) in residential building and $29.36 on commercial sites.
What do adult apprentice carpenters get?
$29.17 an hour ($1,108.44 a week) in residential building and $29.52 on commercial sites, in every year of the apprenticeship.
Do apprentices get overtime and weekend rates?
Yes. A 4th-year residential apprentice gets $43.50 for the first 2 hours of weekday overtime, $58.00 on Sundays and $72.50 on public holidays.
How much more once I'm qualified?
A qualified residential carpenter (Level 3) gets at least $31.95 an hour. See carpenter salary.
See also carpenter salary, apprentice electrician wages and the weekly tax table.
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide MA000020 (published 2 July 2026), Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 [MA000020], rates from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. Take-home pay: ATO tax rates. Checked 2026-10-21. General information only.