Mechanic Apprentice Wages: Pay Rates by Year (2026-2027)
Wondering how much you will earn as a mechanic apprentice? Once your apprenticeship employment begins, you are paid while you work and complete your training. Many mechanic and automotive apprentices are covered by the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award, with minimum rates progressing through apprenticeship stages. Your exact rate depends on the award or agreement covering your employment, your stage of training, your age and whether you completed Year 12.
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 wage guides. You can also explore our automotive apprenticeships to learn more about the different pathways we recruit for.
How Mechanic Apprentice Wages Are Set
Mechanic and automotive apprentices are commonly covered by the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award. Under this award, apprentice pay progresses through stages. You can move to the next stage by completing the required competency stage or the relevant period of service, depending on the progression rules that apply.
Your exact minimum rate can depend on your apprenticeship stage, your age and whether you completed Year 12. Award minimum rates are reviewed through the annual wage review, and the rates on this page reflect the increase applying from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.
In addition to your minimum rate, you may also be entitled to allowances, overtime or penalty rates depending on the award conditions, the work you perform and your hours. You can find more on our tools and allowances page.
Mechanic Apprentice Pay Rates by Year (from 1 July 2026)
A Stage 1 junior automotive apprentice who completed Year 12 earns approximately $16.20 per hour or $615.51 per week under the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award, equivalent to around $32,007 per year.
| Apprenticeship Year | Estimated Weekly Pay (from 1 July 2026) |
| Stage 1 / 1st Year | $615.51 |
| Stage 2 / 2nd Year | $727.42 |
| Stage 3 / 3rd Year | $939.33 |
| Stage 4 / 4th Year | $984.81 |
These rates are minimum junior apprentice rates for apprentices who completed Year 12 before starting their apprenticeship. Different minimum rates can apply if you did not complete Year 12, are an adult apprentice, or are covered by a different award or registered agreement. Use Fair Work’s Pay and Conditions Tool to confirm the rate that applies to your employment.
Over 21? Adult and Mature-Age Mechanic Apprentices
If you start your mechanic apprenticeship at 21 or older, adult apprentice rates may apply. Under the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award, adult apprentice rates are separate from junior rates and increase as you progress through the apprenticeship stages.
From 1 July 2026, the minimum adult apprentice rates range from approximately $23.56 per hour at Stage 1 to $27.08 per hour at Stage 4. The rate that applies to you will depend on your apprenticeship stage and the award or agreement covering your employment. For more information head to our Mature Age page.
Becoming a Qualified Mechanic
Automotive apprenticeships can lead to different nationally recognised Certificate III qualifications depending on the pathway you choose. These can include light vehicle mechanical technology, heavy vehicle mechanical technology, mobile plant technology and automotive electrical technology.
If you successfully secure an automotive apprenticeship through 1300apprentice, we employ you directly, coordinate your placement with a host employer and pay your wages and superannuation while you complete your training. Explore our automotive apprenticeships to learn more about the pathways available, or browse our current jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a first-year mechanic apprentice earn?
A first-year or Stage 1 mechanic apprentice can earn different minimum rates depending on whether they completed Year 12 and the award or agreement covering their employment. Under the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award, a Stage 1 junior apprentice who completed Year 12 earns approximately $16.20 per hour or $615.51 per week before overtime, penalties, allowances and any above-award payments.
When do mechanic apprentice wages go up?
Mechanic apprentice wages go up in two ways. Award minimums are reviewed each year and updated from the first full pay period on or after 1 July, and your own pay also increases as you progress through each year or competency stage of the apprenticeship.
How much does an adult mechanic apprentice earn?
An adult mechanic apprentice, or mature aged apprentice, is generally someone who is 21 or older when starting the apprenticeship. Under the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award, adult apprentice rates range from approximately $23.56 per hour at Stage 1 to $27.08 per hour at Stage 4 from 1 July 2026, before overtime, penalties, allowances and any above-award payments.
Do mechanic apprentices get paid for TAFE?
Mechanic 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 may apply to school-based apprentices depending on the award or agreement covering the employment.
Do mechanic apprentices get a tool allowance?
Mechanic apprentices may be entitled to tool or other allowances where the applicable award conditions provide for them. Overtime and penalty rates may also apply to eligible hours. Your exact entitlements depend on the award or agreement covering your employment, so use Fair Work’s Pay and Conditions Tool to confirm what applies to you.
Start Your Automotive Apprenticeship
If you are ready to start an automotive 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.
