Compare apprentice pay and qualified-trade earnings, and learn what can affect your wages as you progress.
Wondering which apprenticeships may lead to higher-earning trade careers?
Apprentice wages and qualified-trade earnings are two different measures. Your apprentice wage depends on the award or agreement covering your employment, your age and your stage of training. Earnings after qualification vary by occupation, experience, hours, location and working conditions.
Once your formal apprenticeship employment begins, you are paid while you work and complete your training. Your minimum rate may increase through time-based or competency-based progression, depending on the award or agreement that applies.
Use this page to compare qualified-trade earnings, understand how apprentice pay is calculated and find our detailed wage guides.
What Are the Highest Paying Apprenticeships in Australia?
There is no single apprenticeship that pays the most in every employment arrangement. Apprentice rates vary according to the relevant award or agreement, age, training stage and trade.
Current Jobs and Skills Australia data shows that some qualified trade occupations have higher median full-time earnings than others.
Carpenter
Typical Salary $90K
Diesel Mechanic Typical Salary $95K
Plumber
Typical Salary $120K
Auto Electrician Typical Salary $145KThese figures reflect median earnings for qualified adult full-time workers, not apprentice wage rates.
How Apprentice Pay Works
Your minimum apprentice wage may be set by a modern award, registered agreement or an applicable special minimum rate.
Your rate can progress in one of two ways:
- Time-based progression: your rate moves to the next level after you complete a specified period of employment.
- Competency-based progression: your rate moves to the next level after you complete the required proportion of your skills or training.
The progression method depends on the award or agreement covering your employment.
You may also be entitled to allowances, overtime rates or penalty rates. These entitlements depend on your trade, duties, hours, work location and the expenses you incur.
Read our apprentice and trainee wage guide for more information.
Current Apprentice and Trainee 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 | $432.30* | $476* | $551.70 – $566.20* |
| 1 year out of school | $476* | $551.70 – $566.20* | $623.90 – $658.90* |
| 2 years out of school | $551.70 – $566.20* | $623.90 – $658.90* | $697 – $766.80* |
| 3 years out of school | $623.90 – $658.90* | $697 – $766.80* | $776.40 – $877.80* |
| 4 years out of school | $697 – $766.80* | $776.40 – $877.80* | |
| 5+ years out of school | $776.40 – $877.80* | ||
| Level IV Traineeships | 1st Year | 2nd Year | |
| Minimum Weekly Wage | $805.90 – $911.10* | $836.40 – $945.70* |
*per week
Minimum Traineeship Wages for Part-time Trainees
| Level I-III Traineeships | Year 10 | Year 11 | Year 12 |
| School Leaver | $14.21* | $15.66* | $18.16 – $18.61* |
| 1 year out of school | $15.66* | $18.16 – $18.61* | $20.51 – $21.67* |
| 2 years out of school | $18.16 – $18.61* | $20.51 – $21.67* | $22.93 – $25.21* |
| 3 years out of school | $20.51 – $21.67* | $22.93 – $25.21* | $25.53 – $28.88* |
| 4 years out of school | $22.93 – $25.21* | $25.53 – $28.88* | |
| 5+ years out of school | $25.53 – $28.88* | ||
| Level IV Traineeships | 1st Year | 2nd Year | |
| Hourly Wage | $26.51 – $29.98* | $27.52 – $31.10* |
*per hour
School Traineeships
| School Year | Hourly Wage |
| Year 11 or lower | $14.21* |
| Year 12 | $15.66* |
*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.
How to Become a Carpenter? All You Need to Know - Carpentry is a rewarding career that offers plenty of opportunities for growth in the building and construction industry, with even higher-paying supervisory or specialist positions. Think construction foreman, lead hand carpenter, or carpenter foreman. As a carpenter, you study building plans, work out the materials required, shape timber into structures and fittings, and erect frameworks,...
ACT Government Indigenous Employment Pathway Program - Applications are open for the ACT Government Indigenous Employment Pathway Program, helping Year 11 students earn, study and build careers.
Tax time! See the apprentice resource kit - EOFY tax tips from ATO; Save time and reduce mistakes to avoid amendments later. Head to a reputable source for your tax return submission.
1300apprentice Awards 2026 winners - We are proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our 2026 award-winning apprentices and trainees, whose dedication, perseverance and passion have led them to this well-deserved recognition.What Affects Apprentice Earnings?
Your apprentice earnings may be affected by:
- your trade or industry
- your age when you begin the apprenticeship
- your year or stage of training
- whether your progression is time-based or competency-based
- the award or registered agreement covering your employment
- your ordinary hours and roster
- overtime and penalty rates
- applicable tool, travel, site or other allowances
- your worksite and employment conditions
Use Fair Work’s Pay and Conditions Tool to check the rate and entitlements that apply to your circumstances.
Compare Wages by Trade and State
Use our wage guides to understand how apprentice rates are calculated and check the publication date before relying on any listed figures.
- Apprentice and Trainee Wage Guide
- Apprentice Wages in NSW
- Apprentice Wages in the ACT
- Apprentice Tool Allowance
Adult and School-Based Apprentices
An adult apprentice is generally someone who is 21 or older when starting an apprenticeship. Adult-apprentice rates vary between awards and agreements, so being over 21 does not automatically mean that the ordinary National Minimum Wage applies.
School-based apprentices are paid for the hours they work and receive the apprentice conditions that apply under the relevant award or agreement. In many awards, payment for off-the-job training is calculated as an additional 25% of the hours worked for the employer.
Explore Current Apprenticeship Opportunities
If you successfully secure an apprenticeship through 1300apprentice, we become your legal employer and coordinate your placement with a host employer.
We pay your wages and superannuation, manage applicable entitlements and pay your TAFE or registered training organisation fees. Your host employer provides your day-to-day workplace training and supervision, while our Apprentice and Trainee Officers provide ongoing support.
Vacancies vary by trade and location, and applying does not guarantee an interview or placement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Apprenticeship Pays the Most in Australia?
The highest paying apprenticeships in Australia are usually in skilled trades with strong demand, such as electrical, plumbing and refrigeration. Once qualified, these trades tend to sit at the higher end of earnings. First-year rates are lower and increase each year.
How Much Do Apprentices Get Paid?
How much an apprentice gets paid depends on the applicable award or registered agreement, the apprentice’s age, trade and stage of training. Our apprentice and trainee wages guide explains these factors, but apprentices should use Fair Work’s Pay and Conditions Tool to confirm the rate that applies to their employment.
Do Apprentice Wages Increase Each Year?
Whether apprentice wages increase each year depends on the progression rules in the applicable award or agreement. Time-based apprentices generally move to the next pay level after completing a specified period, while competency-based apprentices may progress after completing the required amount of training or skills.
Are the Highest Paying Trades the Same in Every State?
Base award rates are set nationally, so minimum rates are broadly the same across states for the same award and classification. Take-home pay can vary with allowances, overtime, enterprise agreements and worksite conditions.
Do Adult Apprentices Earn More?
Whether adult apprentices earn more depends on the award or agreement covering their employment. Many awards provide separate adult-apprentice rates for people who are 21 or older when starting, but the rate must be checked against the specific trade, employment arrangement and applicable industrial instrument.
What is the average salary in Australia?
The typical salary in Australia is approximately $106,600 per year as of 2026. 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.