Apprentice mechanic wages from 1 July 2026 for each year of the apprenticeship, plus qualified mechanic rates, under the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award 2020, with take-home pay after tax in 2026–27.
A first-year apprentice mechanic earns $14.73 to $23.56 an hour depending on Year 12 and age, rising to $25.92 in fourth year. A qualified mechanic gets at least $29.45.
Apprentice mechanic pay rates
Junior apprentice, did not complete Year 12
| Year | Hourly | Weekly | Saturday | Sunday | Take-home per fortnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st year | $14.73 | $559.55 | $22.10 | $29.46 | $1,079 |
| 2nd year | $17.67 | $671.46 | $26.51 | $35.34 | $1,247 |
| 3rd year | $22.09 | $839.33 | $33.14 | $44.18 | $1,513 |
| 4th year | $25.92 | $984.81 | $38.88 | $51.84 | $1,713 |
Junior apprentice, completed Year 12
| Year | Hourly | Weekly | Saturday | Sunday | Take-home per fortnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st year | $16.20 | $615.51 | $24.30 | $32.40 | $1,163 |
| 2nd year | $19.14 | $727.42 | $28.71 | $38.28 | $1,339 |
| 3rd year | $22.09 | $839.33 | $33.14 | $44.18 | $1,513 |
| 4th year | $25.92 | $984.81 | $38.88 | $51.84 | $1,713 |
Adult apprentice
| Year | Hourly | Weekly | Saturday | Sunday | Take-home per fortnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st year | $23.56 | $895.28 | $35.34 | $47.12 | $1,594 |
| 2nd year | $25.74 | $978.10 | $38.61 | $51.48 | $1,704 |
| 3rd year | $26.44 | $1,004.90 | $39.66 | $52.88 | $1,740 |
| 4th year | $27.08 | $1,029.10 | $40.62 | $54.16 | $1,772 |
Apprentices who started on or after 1 January 2014, for a 38-hour week. Take-home pay is after income tax and the Medicare levy for a full year in 2026–27.
Qualified mechanic and other vehicle industry rates
| Classification | Hourly | Casual hourly | Weekly | Year (52 weeks) | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $25.74 | $32.18 | $978.10 | $50,861 | $51.48 |
| Level 2 | $26.44 | $33.05 | $1,004.90 | $52,255 | $52.88 |
| Level 3 | $27.08 | $33.85 | $1,029.10 | $53,513 | $54.16 |
| Level 4 | $27.97 | $34.96 | $1,062.90 | $55,271 | $55.94 |
| Level 5 | $28.64 | $35.80 | $1,088.20 | $56,586 | $57.28 |
| Tradesperson or equivalent level 1 | $29.45 | $36.81 | $1,119.10 | $58,193 | $58.90 |
| Tradesperson or equivalent level 2 | $32.22 | $40.28 | $1,224.40 | $63,669 | $64.44 |
How it works
- The Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award 2020 covers mechanical repair, servicing, panel beating, tyre fitting and vehicle retail.
- First and second year rates depend on whether you completed Year 12; adult apprentices get more in every year.
- 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 mechanic earn?
$14.73 an hour ($559.55 a week) if you didn't finish Year 12, $16.20 if you did, and $23.56 as an adult apprentice, from 1 July 2026.
How much does a 4th-year apprentice mechanic earn?
$25.92 an hour for a junior apprentice and $27.08 for an adult apprentice.
How much does a qualified mechanic earn?
The award minimum for a tradesperson (level 1) is $29.45 an hour, $1,119.10 a week or about $58,193 a year; level 2 is $32.22. Many mechanics are paid above the award.
Do apprentice mechanics get weekend rates?
Yes: time and a half on Saturdays and double time on Sundays. A first-year junior apprentice gets $22.10 on Saturday and $29.46 on Sunday.
When do apprentice wages go up?
When you move to the next year of the apprenticeship, and every 1 July after the Annual Wage Review. Next: 1 July 2027 (Annual Wage Review).
See also apprentice electrician, apprentice plumber and apprentice carpenter wages.
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide MA000089 (published 24 June 2026), Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award 2020 [MA000089]. Casual rates are the hourly rate plus the 25% casual loading. Take-home pay: ATO tax rates. Checked 2026-10-22. General information only.