Carpentry Apprentice Wages: Pay Rates by Year (2026-2027)
Wondering how much you will earn as a carpentry apprentice? You are paid from day one with your host employer, and your wage rises as you progress through the stages of your apprenticeship. Many on-site carpentry apprentices are covered by the Building and Construction General On-site Award. The applicable rate depends on the work, award or agreement covering the employment, apprenticeship stage and other factors. Here is what to expect, by stage 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, QLD and VIC apprentice wages guides. New to the trade? Read how to become a carpenter.
How Carpentry Apprentice Wages Are Set
Carpentry and many other on-site construction apprentices are commonly covered by the Building and Construction General On-site Award. Carpentry apprentice pay under this award progresses through stages. You move to the next stage when you reach the required training milestone or complete the specified period at your current stage, whichever occurs earlier. Your exact rate can depend on your stage, whether you completed Year 12, whether adult-apprentice provisions apply and the type of construction work you are doing. Award minimums are reviewed each year and updated from the first full pay period on or after 1 July, and the rates on this page reflect the July 2026 increase.
Carpentry Apprentice Pay Rates by Year (from 1 July 2026)
A first-year or Stage 1 residential carpentry apprentice who has completed Year 12 may earn approximately $18.70 per hour or $710.45 per week.
| Apprenticeship Year | Estimated Weekly Pay (from 1 July 2026) |
| Stage 1 / 1st Year | $654.49 – $710.45 |
| Stage 2 / 2nd Year | $766.40 – $822.36 |
| Stage 3 / 3rd Year | $839 – $934.27 |
| Stage 4 / 4th Year | $985 – $1,102.13+ |
These rates are based on residential carpentry apprentices covered by the Building and Construction General On-site Award and include the applicable residential industry and carpenter tool allowances. Carpentry apprentices working in general or non-residential building construction may receive slightly higher minimum rates because a different industry allowance applies. Your exact rate will depend on the work you perform, your apprenticeship stage, whether you completed Year 12 and the award or agreement covering your employment. Use the Fair Work Pay and Conditions Tool to confirm the rate that applies to you.
Site, Tool and Travel Allowances
On-site construction work may attract additional payments on top of the base rate. Depending on the award conditions and the work you do, carpentry apprentices may be eligible for industry, tool, travel or site allowances, plus overtime and penalty rates for eligible hours. These extras can add meaningfully to your weekly earnings. To learn more about allowances you can visit the tools and allowance page.
Over 21? Adult and Mature-Age Carpentry Apprentices
If you start a carpentry apprenticeship at 21 or older, Mature-age apprentice minimum rates usually apply. From July 2026 the national adult apprentice minimum is at least $27.85 per hour.
Becoming a Qualified Carpenter
A carpentry apprenticeship usually takes 4 years and leads to the nationally recognised CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry. If you successfully secure a carpentry apprenticeship through 1300apprentice, we employ you directly and pay your wages and superannuation while you learn. Explore our carpentry apprenticeships page or read the step-by-step guide on how to become a carpenter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a first-year carpentry apprentice earn?
A first-year carpentry apprentice can earn different minimum rates depending on the type of construction work, whether they completed Year 12 and the award or agreement that applies. Under the Building and Construction General On-site Award, a first year apprentice who completed Year 12 earns about $18.70 per hour in residential construction and about $19.05 per hour in general or non-residential building work, before any additional applicable payments.
How do carpentry apprentice pay stages work?
Carpentry apprentice pay stages progress according to the rules in the applicable award. Under the Building and Construction General On-site Award, an apprentice can move to the next stage after reaching the required competency milestone or completing the specified period at their current stage, whichever occurs first.
Do carpentry apprentices get allowances?
Carpentry apprentices may receive allowances depending on the award, the type of construction work and the conditions of the job. Under the Building and Construction General On-site Award, industry and tool allowances are built into the ordinary apprentice rates, while other allowances, overtime and penalty rates may apply in particular circumstances.
How much does an adult carpentry apprentice earn?
An adult carpentry apprentice is generally someone who is 21 or older when starting the apprenticeship. Under the Building and Construction General On-site Award, adult apprentice rates are separate from junior apprentice rates, and the minimum rate depends on the type of construction work and any applicable award protections. Learn more about this on our Mature Age page.
Do carpentry apprentices get paid for TAFE?
Carpentry apprentices are generally paid for required TAFE or registered training organisation training because off-the-job training forms part of the apprenticeship. Different payment arrangements can apply to school-based apprentices, depending on the award or agreement covering the employment.
Start Your Carpentry Apprenticeship
If you are ready to start a carpentry apprenticeship, explore our current opportunities or register your interest with 1300apprentice. If you successfully secure a role through us, we employ you directly, coordinate your host placement and support you throughout your apprenticeship.
Call 1300 277 736 or register your interest today.
