Before you start a gasfitting apprenticeship, the first question is usually simple: what’s the pay actually like? Here’s the plain-English version for 2026.
Which award covers you?
Most gasfitting apprentices are covered by the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2020 (award code MA000036). In practice, gasfitting is usually gained as an additional licence class during or after a plumbing apprenticeship rather than as a completely separate trade — but the pay while training follows the same award. A Modern Award sets the legal floor on your wage regardless of employer; a registered enterprise agreement (EBA) would take precedence if your employer has one.
How apprentice pay is worked out
Apprentice wages are a percentage of the qualified tradesperson’s rate, over what’s typically a four-year plumbing apprenticeship (Certificate III in Plumbing) with gasfitting as one of your licence streams. The percentage steps up each year. As an indicative guide only, expect a lower share in year one climbing toward the full rate by year four — exact figures are published by the Fair Work Ombudsman and usually change on 1 July each year, so we point you to the source rather than quote a number that can go stale.
Year 12 and adult apprentices
Completing Year 12 can lift your starting percentage compared to leaving school earlier. If you start as an adult apprentice (generally 21+), you’re usually entitled to a higher minimum than a school-leaver — worth confirming before you sign your training contract, especially if you’re coming from another trade or career.
What else you get paid
- Allowances for tools, travel and licence classes as you add them (gasfitting, drainage, roofing)
- Penalty rates for overtime, weekends, public holidays and on-call/emergency work
- Superannuation on top of your wage
- Paid time to attend TAFE in most arrangements
How to check your correct rate
Don’t rely on a mate’s guess or a random figure (including this one). Use the Fair Work Ombudsman Pay Calculator at fairwork.gov.au — enter your award, apprentice year and age and it returns the current legal minimum. If your pay doesn’t add up, Fair Work has a free helpline and can look into underpayment.
The bottom line
A plumbing/gasfitting apprenticeship means a few years on lower pay in exchange for a licensed trade that’s always in demand. Your wage climbs each year, and stacking licence classes like gasfitting adds real earning power once you’re qualified. Know how the percentages work and check them against the correct award so you start on the right money.
General information only — not financial or legal advice. Check the Fair Work Ombudsman and your award for exact rates.
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