There is no single apprentice minimum wage in Australia. Pay and hours come from the award or agreement that covers the job, so employers need to check the right source each time.
The minimum wage and working hours for apprentices in Australia are not a single number or a single rule. They come from the modern award or enterprise agreement that covers the apprentice's job, and the Fair Work Ombudsman publishes the current rates. This guide explains how the system works so you know where to look before you set pay or a roster.
Nothing here is a rate to copy. Pay guides are updated every year, so use the Fair Work apprentice and trainee pay rates page and the Pay and Conditions Tool for the figures that apply on the day.
The Fair Work Ombudsman's guide to taking on an apprentice says that the National Minimum Wage does not include special rates for apprentices. Apprentice wages are set out in the award or agreement that applies to your business. If an apprentice is not covered by an award or agreement, they must be paid at least the minimum apprentice rates in the Miscellaneous Award.
The award rate can vary based on:
After the apprenticeship is complete and signed off by the registered training organisation and the employer, the person is paid the tradesperson's rate.
Use the Fair Work Find My Award tool to confirm which award covers the apprentice. Different industries have different classifications and allowances, and an apprentice may also be entitled to penalty rates, overtime and allowances for the work they do. Some awards also require the employer to reimburse prescribed training fees and textbooks.
Trainees are paid differently from apprentices. Most trainees get their pay related to their training from the National Training Wage schedule in the Miscellaneous Award, and other entitlements such as penalty rates and overtime from the industry or occupation award that covers them. A trainee's minimum rate under the schedule is based on:
The Fair Work page on trainee rates in the National Training Wage schedule explains the detail and links to the Pay and Conditions Tool.
Apprentices usually receive pay for all hours spent working in your business and in formal training or trade school. Plan the roster so the apprentice can attend off-the-job training, and do not treat training days as unpaid time.
Part-time apprentices receive entitlements such as annual leave and sick and carer's leave, in proportion to their hours.
Awards set the details of hours of work, rosters, breaks, penalty rates and overtime. They apply together with the National Employment Standards. There is no apprentice-only rule that applies in every industry, so:
In group training, the GTO employs the apprentice and is responsible for paying them under the correct award. The host pays the GTO a charge rate that reflects the wage and on-costs. Ask your GTO to explain how the charge rate is built and how a change in award rates flows through to your invoice. Read more in our host employer responsibilities guide.
No. The National Minimum Wage does not include special rates for apprentices. Pay comes from the award or agreement that covers the job.
Use Find My Award to identify the award, then the award's pay guide or the Fair Work Pay and Conditions Tool.
Apprentices usually receive pay for all hours spent working and in formal training or trade school.
Most trainees are paid under the National Training Wage schedule in the Miscellaneous Award, based on the traineeship, school year completed and years out of school.
The Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94, or your GTO if it employs the apprentice.
Wrong pay is the most common and most avoidable mistake in hiring. If you want a GTO to employ the apprentice and manage payroll, call Future1st on (03) 9656 9797 or use the contact page.
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