Apprentice wages from 1 July 2026 for electricians, carpenters, plumbers, mechanics and hairdressers, for every year of the apprenticeship, from each trade's award pay guide.
A first-year apprentice earns $14.73 to $17.22 an hour depending on the trade (junior, no Year 12), or $23.56 to $29.17 as an adult apprentice.
Junior apprentices who didn't complete Year 12
| Trade | 1st year | 2nd year | 3rd year | 4th year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $16.39 | $19.55 | $22.71 | $26.50 |
| Carpenter (residential) | $17.22 | $20.17 | $24.59 | $29.00 |
| Plumber | $16.56 | $19.65 | $22.75 | $28.93 |
| Mechanic | $14.73 | $17.67 | $22.09 | $25.92 |
| Hairdresser | $14.73 | $17.67 | $22.68 | $26.51 |
Junior apprentices who completed Year 12
| Trade | 1st year | 2nd year | 3rd year | 4th year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $17.97 | $21.13 | $22.71 | $26.50 |
| Carpenter (residential) | $18.70 | $21.64 | $24.59 | $29.00 |
| Plumber | $18.11 | $21.20 | $22.75 | $28.93 |
| Mechanic | $16.20 | $19.14 | $22.09 | $25.92 |
| Hairdresser | $16.20 | $19.14 | $22.68 | $26.51 |
Adult apprentices
| Trade | 1st year | 2nd year | 3rd year | 4th year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $25.87 | $28.90 | $28.90 | $28.90 |
| Carpenter (residential) | $29.17 | $29.17 | $29.17 | $29.17 |
| Plumber | $27.53 | $27.53 | $27.53 | $28.93 |
| Mechanic | $23.56 | $25.74 | $26.44 | $27.08 |
| Hairdresser | $23.56 | $27.81 | $27.81 | $27.81 |
Hourly rates for apprentices who started on or after 1 January 2014, full-time (38 hours a week), including the allowances each pay guide builds into the rate. Tap a trade for weekly pay, weekend rates and take-home pay.
How it works
- Each trade's award sets apprentice pay as a set amount for each year of the apprenticeship.
- First and second year rates are higher if you completed Year 12; adult apprentices (21 or over when they started) get more again.
- Penalty rates, overtime and super are paid on top, the same as for other employees.
Common questions
How much does a first year apprentice earn in Australia?
Between $14.73 (Mechanic) and $17.22 (Carpenter (residential)) an hour for a junior apprentice who didn't finish Year 12, under the trades compared here, from 1 July 2026. Apprentices who finished Year 12 get a little more, and adult apprentices get $23.56 to $29.17.
How much does a first year apprentice take home?
An electrical apprentice on $622.72 a week takes home about $1,174 a fortnight after tax in 2026–27, on a full year's pay.
What is an adult apprentice?
An apprentice who was 21 or older when the apprenticeship started. Adult apprentices get a higher rate, often close to the adult minimum wage.
Do apprentices get paid more if they finished Year 12?
Yes, in the first and second years under most trade awards. From third year the rates are the same.
When do apprentice wages go up?
When you move to the next year (or stage) of your apprenticeship, and every 1 July after the Fair Work Commission's Annual Wage Review.
See also junior pay rates, the national minimum wage and the weekly tax table.
Sources: Fair Work Ombudsman pay guides for the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020; Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020; Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2020; Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award 2020; Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2010 (each cited on its trade page). Take-home pay: ATO tax rates. General information only.