Highest-paying Apprenticeships
Discover a wide range of apprenticeships in Australia with competitive pay and roles that combine practical experience with formal training.
Traineeship Pay Rates
Traineeship wages in Australia depend on factors like age, experience, and the type of traineeship. Pay rates are set by industry awards and agreements, which may change over time. Always check the latest rates on the Fair Work website to ensure you’re receiving the correct pay.
Check the tables below, explore pay rates, and know your earning potential from day one.
Minimum Traineeship Wages for Full-time Trainees
Level I-III Traineeships | Year 10 | Year 11 | Year 12 |
School Leaver | $347.10* | $382.20* | $443 – $455.30* |
1 year out of school | $382.20* | $443 – $455.30* | $498.80 – $529.90* |
2 years out of school | $443 – $455.30* | $498.80 – $529.90* | $557.30 – $616.60* |
3 years out of school | $498.80 – $529.90* | $557.30 – $616.60* | $620.70 – $706* |
4 years out of school | $557.30 – $616.60* | $620.70 – $706* | |
5+ years out of school | $620.70 – $706* | ||
Level IV Traineeships | 1st Year | 2nd Year | |
Minimum Weekly Wage | $643.90 – $733.40* | $668.20 – $761.80* |
*per week
Minimum Traineeship Wages for Part-time Trainees
Level I-III Traineeships | Year 10 | Year 11 | Year 12 |
School Leaver | $11.42* | $12.59* | $14.59 – $14.99* |
1 year out of school | $12.59* | $14.59 – $14.99* | $16.41 – $17.45* |
2 years out of school | $14.59 – $14.99* | $16.41 – $17.45* | $18.33 – $20.28* |
3 years out of school | $16.41 – $17.45* | $18.33 – $20.28* | $20.42 – $23.22* |
4 years out of school | $18.33 – $20.28* | $20.42 – $23.22* | |
5+ years out of school | $20.42 – $23.22* | ||
Level IV Traineeships | 1st Year | 2nd Year | |
Hourly Wage | $21.19 – $24.11* | $21.99 – $25.06* |
*per hour
School Traineeships
School Year | Hourly Wage |
Year 11 or lower | $11.42* |
Year 12 | $12.59* |
*per hour
Understanding the Different Types of Apprenticeships and Traineeships
Australia has apprenticeships and traineeships for many industries. You can find traditional trades and emerging fields like IT and health care. Learn more about structured learning and practical skills development to ensure job readiness in your chosen field.
FAQs
What is the average salary in Australia?
The typical salary in Australia is approximately $92,000 per year as of 2024. However, this figure varies depending on factors such as industry, job role, experience, and location. For example, roles in mining, IT, and healthcare tend to pay higher-than-average salaries, while entry-level positions in retail or hospitality may fall below the average.
How can I compare salaries across industries?
To compare salaries across industries, start with reliable resources like salary comparison platforms, government publications, or industry-specific reports. You can also contact us for personalised guidance on earning potential and the nuances of different trades or industries.
What careers in Australia pay over $100K annually?
There are several high-paying careers in Australia that offer salaries exceeding $100,000 annually. Professions in fields like engineering, IT, law, and healthcare are well-known for their lucrative pay scales. For instance, software engineers, specialist doctors, and experienced lawyers often earn well above $100K.
Trades such as electrical work, plumbing, and construction management can also reach this level with the right qualifications and experience. Pursuing a high-paying career requires a mix of education, skill development, and industry demand. Choose a path that aligns with your strengths and interests.
How do I negotiate a higher salary?
Negotiating a higher salary starts with thorough preparation.
- Research industry benchmarks for your role and location to understand the going rate for your skills and experience.
- Highlight your achievements, such as projects you’ve led or goals you’ve surpassed, to demonstrate your value to the company.
- Practice confidently articulating your expectations
- Be ready to discuss alternative benefits, such as flexible hours or professional development opportunities, if a salary increase isn’t immediately feasible.
Timing is also critical, so aim to negotiate during performance reviews or after significant accomplishments.