Apprentice Wages in NSW: Weekly Pay Rates by Trade and Year (2026–2027)

Starting an apprenticeship is always a smart move. You’re earning while learning, gaining hands-on experience and setting yourself up for a long-term career. But now that you’ve decided on an apprenticeship journey, the next big question is, “How much do apprentices get paid?”

Apprentice wages in NSW aren’t one-size-fits-all. Your pay depends on things like your age, which year of your apprenticeship you’re in, your trade, and which award or agreement covers your role.

This NSW guide will give you a breakdown of what to expect from day one. It should also be read alongside our national apprentice wages page, which compares first-year apprentice pay across common Australian trades, and our QLD and VIC apprentice wages guides.

Based in the Illawarra? See apprenticeships in Wollongong.

How Apprentice Wages Are Set in NSW

Apprentice pay in NSW is governed by national legislation, applied through your specific workplace conditions:

• The Fair Work Act 2009, which sets minimum conditions for all Australian workers
• The modern award for your trade (for example, the Building and Construction General On-site Award)
• Any enterprise agreement specific to your employer
• Your age and schooling level when you started
• Your year of apprenticeship (first through fourth)

On top of base wages, many NSW apprentices may receive:

• Tool allowances (see our guide to the apprentice tool allowance)
• Travel allowances for remote or multi-site work
• Meal and uniform allowances
• Penalty rates for overtime, weekends and public holidays

NSW Apprentice Pay Rates by Year (July 2026)

As of 1 July 2026, award minimum wages, including those for apprentices, increased by 4.75%. This means many first year apprentices start at around $615–$724+ per week, depending on their award and other factors including the above.

Apprentice pay increases each year, either by time served (e.g. after 12 months) or by competency (e.g. once specific training milestones are achieved).

Here’s a rough estimate of apprentice wage progression in common NSW trades such as automotive, construction and electrotechnology. These figures are based on 2026–2027 minimum award rates and exclude additional allowances, overtime, penalty rates and any above-award payments that may apply under the employment arrangement.

In industries such as electrotechnology or automotive, apprentices may also be eligible to receive extra site-based allowances, tool allowances, or travel allowances, depending on the award conditions and the type of work environment.

These are especially common under awards like the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020 or the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award 2020.

Exact wage figures and entitlements can be checked through the Fair Work Pay and Conditions Tool or by referencing the pay guides linked on the Fair Work Apprentice Pay page.

NSW Apprentice Wages by Trade

Electrical Apprentice Wages in NSW

Electrical apprentices in NSW are commonly covered by the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020 (MA000025). As a guide, a first-year junior apprentice who started after 1 January 2014 and has completed Year 12 may earn around $682.76 per week before allowances, based on current minimum award rates.

Electrotechnology apprentices may also receive additional allowances depending on their work environment, travel requirements, site conditions or employment agreement.

Carpentry and Construction Apprentice Wages in NSW

Carpentry and many construction apprentices are commonly covered by the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 (MA000020). As a guide, first-year or stage 1 apprentices who have completed Year 12 may start at around $723.88 per week before allowances. For rates in every year of the apprenticeship, see our full guide to carpentry apprentice wages. Thinking about this trade? See how to become a carpenter in Australia.

Construction remains a major employment area in NSW, supported by residential, commercial and infrastructure projects. The NSW Government also maintains an infrastructure pipeline of major projects expected to come to market over the next three to five years.

Automotive Apprentice Wages in NSW

Automotive apprentices are commonly covered by the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award 2020 (MA000089). As a guide, a first-year junior apprentice who has completed Year 12 may earn around $615.51 per week, before any applicable allowances.

The automotive sector in NSW includes dealerships, independent workshops, fleet maintenance, heavy vehicle servicing, mobile plant and specialist repair businesses.

Apprentice wages can vary depending on the award, age, year or stage of training, school completion, trade, allowances, overtime, enterprise agreements and employment arrangements. Apprentices should always check their individual rate against the current Fair Work pay guide or speak with their apprentice and trainee officer.

Over 21? Adult Apprentice Pay in NSW

If you are 21 or older when you start, you are classified as an adult apprentice. Under most awards, adult apprentices earn at least the national minimum wage: $26.44 per hour ($1004.90 per week) from 1 July 2026.

For a full guide to eligibility, pay rates, and how to get started as an adult apprentice, see our dedicated page on mature age apprenticeships.

School-Based Apprenticeships in NSW

For high school students interested in getting a head start on their careers, a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship (SBAT) can be a great pathway. These allow you to begin an apprenticeship or traineeship while completing your HSC. These programs combine structured learning with paid on-the-job experience.

A school-based apprenticeship in NSW is designed for senior secondary students (typically from Year 10 or 11 onward) and involves a mix of:

• Paid part-time employment with a registered employer
• Formal training with a TAFE or approved RTO
• Units of study that count toward HSC and possible post-school qualifications.

Unlike full-time apprenticeships, school-based arrangements are part-time while you’re still in school. During your HSC years, you may complete the first stage of your apprenticeship training before transitioning into full-time employment and training after graduation.

School-based apprentices are paid pro-rata under the relevant award, based on the number of hours you work. All award protections (e.g. penalty rates, allowances, leave entitlements) still apply.

Learn more about Australian school-based apprenticeships and traineeships.

In-Demand Trades in NSW

NSW has strong demand for skilled workers, particularly in:

• Carpentry and construction (driven by residential and infrastructure projects)
• Electrotechnology (commercial and residential)
• Automotive mechanics
• Plumbing
• Civil construction

Compare earning potential across trades on our Explore Salaries page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a first-year apprentice earn in NSW?

First-year apprentice wages in NSW vary depending on the trade, award, age, school completion status and whether the apprentice is junior, adult or school-based. As a general guide, many first-year trade apprentices earn around $615 to $724+ per week before allowances, based on current 2026–2027 minimum award rates.

Rates are reviewed annually, and new minimum award rates apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July each year. Apprentices should always check the current Fair Work pay guide or Pay and Conditions Tool for their exact award and classification.

Do NSW apprentices get paid more than other states?

Base modern award rates are set nationally, so minimum apprentice wages are generally the same across Australian states and territories for the same award and classification. However, actual take-home pay can vary depending on allowances, overtime, penalty rates, enterprise agreements and employment arrangements.

In NSW, apprentices working on construction sites or infrastructure projects may receive additional allowances, overtime or penalty rates depending on the award, worksite conditions and employment arrangement that applies.

What affects apprentice wages in NSW?

Apprentice wages are affected by several factors, including the trade, award, age when the apprenticeship starts, whether the apprentice completed Year 12, the year or stage of training, and whether the apprentice is full-time, part-time or school-based.

Allowances, overtime, weekend work, public holiday work, travel and site conditions can also change the total amount an apprentice earns.

Are apprentice wage rates different for adult apprentices?

Yes. Adult apprentices are usually apprentices who are 21 or older when they start their apprenticeship. Adult apprentice rates are generally higher than junior apprentice rates, although the exact amount depends on the award or enterprise agreement that applies.

Do apprentices get paid while attending TAFE?

In most cases, apprentices are paid for time spent in required off-the-job training, such as TAFE or registered training. The exact rules can depend on the award, training arrangement and employment arrangement that applies.

Do apprentices get superannuation?

Yes. Apprentices are employees, so they are generally entitled to superannuation if they meet the ordinary eligibility rules. The superannuation guarantee rate is 12% at present.

Do apprentices get allowances on top of their base wage?

Many apprentices may receive allowances in addition to their base wage. These can include tool allowances, travel or fares allowances, meal allowances, uniform allowances, industry allowances or site-based allowances, depending on the award and the type of work being performed.

Do apprentice wages increase each year?

Yes. Apprentice wages usually increase as the apprentice progresses through their apprenticeship. This may happen based on time served, such as moving from first year to second year, or through competency-based progression where the apprentice moves up after completing a required amount of training.

Where can I check my correct apprentice pay rate?

The best place to check your minimum apprentice pay rate is the Fair Work Ombudsman Pay and Conditions Tool. You will need to know your trade, award, age, year or stage of apprenticeship, and whether you completed Year 12.

You can also speak with the 1300apprentice team for guidance on your pay, payslips and payroll-related questions. Your training provider or Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider may also be able to help with general apprenticeship and training information.

Ready to start an apprenticeship in NSW? Contact 1300apprentice to find the right opportunity, or browse our current job listings.