Apprentice plumber wages from 1 July 2026 for each year of the apprenticeship, for junior apprentices with and without Year 12 and adult apprentices, with take-home pay after tax in 2026–27.
A first-year apprentice plumber earns $16.56 to $27.53 an hour depending on Year 12 and age, rising to $28.93 in fourth year.
Apprentice plumber pay rates
Junior apprentice, did not complete Year 12
| Year | Weekly | Hourly | Sunday | Public holiday | Take-home per fortnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st year | $629.23 | $16.56 | $33.12 | $41.40 | $1,184 |
| 2nd year | $746.79 | $19.65 | $39.30 | $49.13 | $1,369 |
| 3rd year | $864.35 | $22.75 | $45.50 | $56.88 | $1,552 |
| 4th year | $1,099.48 | $28.93 | $57.86 | $72.33 | $1,865 |
Junior apprentice, completed Year 12
| Year | Weekly | Hourly | Sunday | Public holiday | Take-home per fortnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st year | $688.01 | $18.11 | $36.22 | $45.28 | $1,274 |
| 2nd year | $805.57 | $21.20 | $42.40 | $53.00 | $1,461 |
| 3rd year | $864.35 | $22.75 | $45.50 | $56.88 | $1,552 |
| 4th year | $1,099.48 | $28.93 | $57.86 | $72.33 | $1,865 |
Adult apprentice
| Year | Weekly | Hourly | Sunday | Public holiday | Take-home per fortnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st year | $1,046.31 | $27.53 | $55.06 | $68.83 | $1,795 |
| 2nd year | $1,046.31 | $27.53 | $55.06 | $68.83 | $1,795 |
| 3rd year | $1,046.31 | $27.53 | $55.06 | $68.83 | $1,795 |
| 4th year | $1,099.48 | $28.93 | $57.86 | $72.33 | $1,865 |
Plumbing and mechanical services 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.
How it works
- First and second year rates depend on whether you completed Year 12; from third year they're the same.
- Adult apprentices get a higher rate in the first three years.
- 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 plumber earn?
$16.56 an hour ($629.23 a week) if you didn't finish Year 12, $18.11 if you did, and $27.53 as an adult apprentice, from 1 July 2026.
How much does a 4th-year apprentice plumber earn?
$28.93 an hour, or $1,099.48 a week, for junior and adult apprentices alike.
Do the rates include allowances?
Yes. The pay guide rates include the industry, plumbing trade and tool allowances where they apply.
How much more once I'm licensed?
A registered plumber (tradesperson level 1) gets at least $32.80 an hour. See plumber salary.
When do apprentice wages go up?
When you move to the next year of your apprenticeship, and every year from 1 July after the Annual Wage Review. Next: 1 July 2027 (Annual Wage Review).
See also plumber salary, apprentice electrician and apprentice carpenter wages.
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide MA000036 (published 11 August 2026), Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2020 [MA000036], rates from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. Take-home pay: ATO tax rates. Checked 2026-10-22. General information only.