Apprentice Wages in QLD: Weekly Pay Rates by Year (2026–2027)

Wondering how much you will earn as an apprentice in Queensland? The good news is you get paid from day one, and your wage rises every year of your apprenticeship. Apprentice pay is set by national awards, so the rates below apply across Queensland, and there are Queensland incentives that can add to your support. Here is what to expect, by year, by trade and as an adult apprentice.

This guide should be read alongside our national apprentice wages page, which compares first-year apprentice pay across common Australian trades, and our NSW and VIC apprentice wages guides.

How Apprentice Wages Are Set in Queensland

Apprentice wages are set by federal modern awards under the Fair Work system, not by the Queensland Government, so the minimum rates are the same nationwide. Your exact pay depends on your trade and its award, your year of apprenticeship, your age and whether you have completed Year 12. Award minimums are reviewed each year and updated from the first full pay period on or after 1 July.

In addition to the award, you may receive allowances, overtime and any above-award payments.

QLD Apprentice Pay Rates by Year (from 1 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 QLD 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.

Ranges are indicative and exclude allowances, overtime, penalty rates and any above-award payments. They reflect national minimum award rates effective the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. For an exact figure for a specific trade and classification, check the Fair Work Pay Calculator.

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.

Apprentice Wages by Trade in QLD

Apprentice wages in Queensland depend on the trade, the modern award covering the role, your age, whether you completed Year 12 and your year or stage of training. The figures below are current from 1 July 2026 and show the minimum ordinary pay for a full-time, first-year junior apprentice who has completed Year 12. Annual amounts are approximate equivalents based on 52 weeks of pay and do not include additional overtime, penalty rates or allowances that may apply.

Electrical

Electrical apprentices are commonly covered by the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award. A first-year junior apprentice who has completed Year 12 may earn approximately $17.97 per hour or $682.86 per week, equivalent to around $35,509 per year. The award rate includes certain all-purpose allowance components, while additional travel, site or overtime payments may apply depending on the work performed.

Plumbing

Plumbing apprentices are commonly covered by the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award. A first-year junior apprentice who has completed Year 12 may earn approximately $18.11 per hour or $688.18 per week, equivalent to around $35,785 per year. The rate includes the applicable industry and a proportion of relevant tool and plumbing trade allowances, with other allowances potentially payable for particular work or site conditions.

Carpentry and Construction

Carpentry and many other on-site construction apprentices are commonly covered by the Building and Construction General On-site Award. A first-year or Stage 1 apprentice who has completed Year 12 may earn approximately $19.05 per hour or $723.88 per week, equivalent to around $37,642 per year. Pay increases as the apprentice progresses through the required training stages, and additional industry, tool, travel or site allowances may apply.

Automotive

Automotive apprentices are commonly covered by the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award. A first-year junior apprentice who has completed Year 12 may earn approximately $16.20 per hour or $615.51 per week, equivalent to around $32,007 per year. The minimum wage rises with each year or competency stage of the apprenticeship, while overtime, penalties and any applicable allowances can increase total earnings.

Over 21? Adult and Mature-Age Apprentice Pay in QLD

If you start an apprenticeship at 21 or older, adult apprentice minimum rates usually apply, which are higher than the junior rates and closer to the top of the ranges above. Mature-age apprenticeships are one of the most searched apprenticeship topics in Queensland, and it is never too late to start a trade. Adult apprentices may also be eligible for additional government support.

School-Based Apprenticeships in QLD

School students in Queensland can start a school-based apprenticeship (SAT) while finishing Year 11 and 12, combining school, paid work and training. Pay is pro-rata for the hours worked, and the time counts towards completing the apprenticeship.

Queensland Incentives, Subsidies and Support

Modern award minimum pay rates generally apply nationally, but Queensland and Australian Government programs may provide additional support for eligible apprentices and employers. Programs, payment amounts and eligibility requirements can change, so always confirm the current details before relying on them.

Queensland payroll tax rebate: Wages and allowances paid to eligible apprentices and trainees under registered training contracts may be exempt from Queensland payroll tax. Employers that are liable for payroll tax may also qualify for the apprentice and trainee rebate. Check the current exemption and rebate rules with the Queensland Revenue Office.

Queensland Government apprenticeship support: Eligible Queensland apprentices and trainees who must travel a significant distance to attend off-the-job training may be able to claim travel and accommodation assistance for road, rail or air travel and accommodation. Distance requirements, payment rates and different rules for school-based apprentices apply.

Australian Government incentives: Financial support may be available where the apprenticeship leads to an occupation and qualification on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List. Depending on the occupation and commencement date, this may include the Australian Apprentice Training Support Payment, employer hiring incentives or higher payments through the Key Apprenticeship Program. Confirm current eligibility and payment amounts through Australian Apprenticeship Support.

In-Demand Trades in QLD

Queensland has strong, ongoing demand for electrical, plumbing, carpentry and construction, automotive and engineering apprentices, driven by housing, infrastructure and resources activity. These trades offer secure, well-paid careers, and starting as an apprentice means you earn while you qualify.

Your Rights Beyond Pay

Wages are only one part of your entitlements. See our guide to apprentice rights and responsibilities for the full picture, including leave, safety and training entitlements, plus what is expected of you in return.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A first-year full-time apprentice in Queensland earns an estimated $615 to $724 per week under national minimum award rates, before allowances and overtime. Electrical and adult apprentices sit at the higher end.

Are apprentice wages different in Queensland?

No, apprentice wages in Queensland are not different. Apprentice award rates are set nationally by the Fair Work system, so the minimum rates are the same in Queensland as elsewhere in Australia. Queensland adds its own incentives and support on top.

When do apprentice wages go up?

Award minimum apprentice wages are reviewed each year and updated from the first full pay period on or after 1 July. Your pay also increases each year as you progress through the apprenticeship. The rates on this page reflect the July 2026 increase.

How much does a mature-age apprentice earn in QLD?

Apprentices aged 21 or over are usually paid adult apprentice rates, which are higher than junior rates and sit towards the top of the ranges shown. Additional government support may also apply.

Do apprentices get paid during TAFE?

Yes, apprentices get paid for their time at TAFE. Time spent at TAFE or a registered training organisation as part of your apprenticeship is generally paid, as it is part of your training.

Is there an apprentice wage subsidy in QLD?

Employers may access Queensland and Australian Government incentives for taking on apprentices, and the payroll tax exemption on apprentice wages applies in Queensland. Confirm current programs before relying on them.

Start Your Apprenticeship in QLD

Ready to start your apprenticeship? Call 1300 277 736 or register your interest with 1300apprentice today.