Apprentice Wage Estimator

Apprentice Wage Calculator

If you’re in a building or construction trade, skip the lookup — these are the exact Fair Work minimums effective 1 July 2026, with the industry and tool allowances already included.

Your trade Year of apprenticeship

Did you complete Year 12?

Your minimum rate

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per week (38 hrs)

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per hour

Covers 4-year apprenticeships in the residential sector under the Building and Construction General On-site Award (MA000020), started after 1 January 2014. Civil and commercial sectors, 3-year apprenticeships and adult apprentices differ — use the estimator below or check Fair Work. Guide only, not legal or financial advice.

Not a construction trade? Use the estimator below — it works for any award once you look up your qualified tradesperson rate.

Get a rough idea of your weekly base pay as an apprentice — built off the real qualified rate for your trade.

First, grab one number. This tool needs the qualified tradesperson’s base rate for your trade and award. The most accurate place to get it (free, official) is the Fair Work PACT calculator.

Open the Fair Work PACT calculator →

Qualified tradesperson base rate

Look up the full adult tradesperson rate for your award on calculate.fairwork.gov.au, then type it here. This is the “100%” rate an apprentice works up towards.

Weekly rate Hourly rate

Enter the weekly base rate (before tax). We assume 38 ordinary hours a week.

Apprenticeship length

4-year apprenticeship (most common) 3-year apprenticeship

Which year are you in now?

Have you completed Year 12?

No Yes — finished Year 12

Completing Year 12 usually bumps up the early-year percentages a little.

Are you an adult apprentice (started at 21 or older)?

No Yes — adult apprentice

Heads up — these are indicative estimates only. The tool multiplies the rate you entered by a commonly-seen apprentice percentage for your stage. Real percentages vary by award and change every year in the Fair Work annual wage review. Always confirm your actual figure on calculate.fairwork.gov.au.

Related guides

This tool gives indicative estimates only and is not financial or legal advice. Apprentice percentages, award rates and minimums change and vary by award, state and your individual circumstances. Always confirm your exact pay using the official Fair Work Pay and Conditions Tool (PACT) at calculate.fairwork.gov.au or by contacting the Fair Work Ombudsman.