Apprentices and trainees are paid on a percentage of the qualified tradesperson's rate, stepping up as they progress. The exact minimums come from the relevant modern award (or a registered agreement), so a first-year electrical apprentice and a first-year hairdressing apprentice can be on quite different dollar figures even though both are "first years".
Four things move an apprentice's pay: the year of the apprenticeship (rates rise each year), whether progression is time-based or competency-based (many awards now let apprentices advance faster by demonstrating skills rather than waiting out the year), whether they're an adult apprentice (21 or over, who attract higher minimums), and their school-completion level on entry, which can lift the starting percentage. Award minimums also increase each year with the Fair Work Commission's annual wage review, so a rate that was current last financial year may now be out of date.
The headline percentage is only part of the package. Apprentices are generally entitled to superannuation, paid time at training/TAFE, tool allowances under many awards, and penalty rates and overtime where they apply. Time spent at approved training is usually paid time. This is why comparing only the base hourly figure understates what an apprenticeship actually pays.
Do adult apprentices earn more? Yes — most awards set higher minimum rates for apprentices aged 21 and over, recognising they're often supporting themselves.
Can an apprentice progress faster than one year per stage? Under competency-based progression in many trades, yes — demonstrating the required skills can move you to the next pay level ahead of the calendar.
Are apprentices paid while at TAFE? Generally yes — time at approved off-the-job training is normally treated as paid working time under the award.
This calculator uses current published rates from Australian government and regulator sources. The result is an estimate for general guidance — it does not constitute personal financial advice. For decisions about your circumstances, consult a registered financial adviser, tax agent, or other professional. See editorial standards for how DecisionLab sources and updates its calculator data.
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