Apprentice pay in Australia isn't one flat number — it's set by the award that covers your trade, and it increases as you progress through your apprenticeship. Understanding how it works helps you check you're being paid correctly from day one.
What decides your pay rate
- Your award — most trades are covered by a modern award, such as the Building and Construction General On-site Award for carpenters and bricklayers, or the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award for electrical apprentices.
- Your year or competency level — pay is usually a percentage of a qualified tradesperson's rate, stepping up each year (or as you demonstrate competency).
- Whether you're an adult apprentice — apprentices who start at 21 or older generally get a higher minimum rate.
- School completion — finishing Year 12 can lift your first- and second-year percentage under many awards.
Typical progression
As a rough shape (exact percentages vary by award): first-year apprentices often start around half of the qualified tradesperson rate, rising each year until the final year sits close to 90% or more. On top of base pay you may be entitled to allowances — tool allowance, travel, and industry-specific extras.
Check your exact rate
The only reliable way to confirm your pay is the Fair Work Ombudsman's free Pay and Conditions Tool (P.A.C.T.). It asks your trade, year and circumstances, and gives you the current legal minimum, updated whenever award rates change (usually 1 July each year).
If you think you're being underpaid, keep your payslips and contact the [Fair Work Ombudsman](https://www.fairwork.gov.au) — it's free and confidential.