Plumbing Apprentice Wages: Pay Rates by Year (2026-2027)
Wondering how much you will earn as a plumbing apprentice? Once your apprenticeship employment begins, you are paid while you work and complete your training. Many plumbing apprentices are covered by the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award, with minimum rates increasing as you progress through your apprenticeship. Your exact rate depends on the award or agreement covering your employment, your year 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 Certificate III in Plumbing page to learn more about the qualification and apprenticeship pathway.
How Plumbing Apprentice Wages Are Set
Plumbing apprentices are commonly covered by the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award. Under this award, junior apprentice minimum rates increase from the first through to the fourth year of the apprenticeship.
Your exact minimum rate can depend on your year of apprenticeship, 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.
The apprentice hourly rates under the award already include the full industry allowance and the relevant proportion of the tool allowance and plumbing trade allowance. Other allowances, overtime and penalty rates may also apply depending on your duties, worksite and hours.
Plumbing Apprentice Pay Rates by Year (from 1 July 2026)
A first-year junior plumbing apprentice who completed Year 12 earns approximately $18.11 per hour or $688.18 per week under the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award. This is equivalent to around $35,785 per year before overtime, penalties, additional allowances and any above-award payments.
| Apprenticeship Year | Estimated Weekly Pay (from 1 July 2026) |
| Stage 1 / 1st Year | $688.18 |
| Stage 2 / 2nd Year | $805.60 |
| Stage 3 / 3rd Year | $864.50 |
| Stage 4 / 4th Year | $1,099.34 |
These rates are minimum junior apprentice rates for plumbing apprentices who completed Year 12 before starting their apprenticeship. Different rates can apply if you did not complete Year 12, are an adult apprentice, are employed under a different award or registered agreement, or are covered by another apprenticeship arrangement. For an exact figure for a specific classification, check the Fair Work Pay and Conditions Tool.
Allowances That Boost Plumbing Apprentice Pay
Plumbing apprentice rates under the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award already include the applicable industry allowance and the relevant proportion of the tool and plumbing trade allowances.
Depending on the work you perform and your employment conditions, other allowances may also apply. Overtime and penalty rates can increase your earnings when you work eligible hours. You can learn more about apprentice allowances on our tools and allowances page.
Over 21? Adult and Mature-Age Plumbing Apprentices
An adult plumbing apprentice, or mature aged apprentice, is generally someone who is 21 or older when entering into the apprenticeship.
Under the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award, adult apprentice rates are separate from junior apprentice rates. From 1 July 2026, the minimum ordinary rate for an adult plumbing apprentice is approximately $27.53 per hour in the first, second and third years, increasing to approximately $28.93 per hour in the fourth year.
The rate that applies to you may also be affected by existing-employee protections and the award or agreement covering your employment.
Becoming a Qualified Plumber
A plumbing apprenticeship generally takes about four years and combines paid workplace training with formal study towards the nationally recognised CPC32420 Certificate III in Plumbing.
If you successfully secure a plumbing apprenticeship through 1300apprentice, we employ you directly, coordinate your placement with a host employer, pay your wages and superannuation, and pay your TAFE or registered training organisation enrolment fees while you complete your training.
Completing the Certificate III in Plumbing does not automatically issue a plumbing licence. After completing your apprenticeship, you may be eligible to apply for the licence, registration or certificate required in your state or territory, subject to the relevant licensing requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a first-year plumbing apprentice earn?
A first-year plumbing apprentice who completed Year 12 earns approximately $18.11 per hour or $688.18 per week under the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award from 1 July 2026. This rate includes the applicable industry allowance and the relevant proportion of the tool and plumbing trade allowances, while overtime, penalties and other applicable allowances may increase your earnings.
When do plumbing apprentice wages go up?
Plumbing apprentice wages increase as you progress through each year of the apprenticeship under the applicable award. Award minimum rates may also change following the annual wage review, so the current rate should always be checked against the award or Fair Work’s Pay and Conditions Tool.
How much does an adult plumbing apprentice earn?
An adult plumbing apprentice is generally someone who is 21 or older when entering into the apprenticeship. Under the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award, the minimum ordinary rate from 1 July 2026 is approximately $27.53 per hour in the first three years and $28.93 per hour in the fourth year, subject to the applicable award provisions and any existing-employee protections.
Do plumbing apprentices get paid for TAFE?
Plumbing 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.
How long does a plumbing apprenticeship take?
A plumbing apprenticeship generally takes about four years and combines paid workplace training with formal study towards the CPC32420 Certificate III in Plumbing. Completion time can vary depending on the apprenticeship arrangement, training provider and competency progression.
Start Your Plumbing Apprenticeship
If you are ready to start a plumbing 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.
