There’s a distinction in this trade that catches a lot of apprentices out: solid plastering and plasterboard work are two different qualifications with different career paths. Here’s what each pays, starting with the Fair Work minimums as at 1 July 2026.
What a plastering apprentice earns
Legal minimums for a four-year apprenticeship in the residential sector under the Building and Construction General On-site Award (MA000020), for apprenticeships started after 1 January 2014.
| Stage | Weekly (38 hrs) | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 1st year — did not complete Year 12 | $647.37 | $17.04 |
| 1st year — completed Year 12 | $703.33 | $18.51 |
| 2nd year — did not complete Year 12 | $759.28 | $19.98 |
| 2nd year — completed Year 12 | $815.24 | $21.45 |
| 3rd year | $927.15 | $24.40 |
| 4th year | $1,095.01 | $28.82 |
Plasterers share a rate band with casters, fixers and floorlayer specialists, sitting a few dollars below carpenters and a little above bricklayers. As with every trade on this award, the difference is the tool allowance folded into the rate, not the underlying percentage.
Solid plastering versus plasterboard — pick deliberately
Solid plastering is wet trade work: render, cement and lime finishes applied by hand to masonry. The qualification is CPC31020 Certificate III in Solid Plastering. It’s the older, more skilled end of the trade, and heritage and decorative render work commands genuine premiums.
What most Australians call plastering — hanging and setting plasterboard — is actually wall and ceiling lining, a separate qualification. It’s higher volume, more commonly subcontracted by the square metre, and generally easier to get into.
Both sit on the same apprentice award rates. They diverge sharply after you qualify, so it’s worth knowing which one your apprenticeship actually leads to before you sign the training contract.
Silica is the health issue in this trade
Cutting, sanding and mixing cement-based products generates respirable crystalline silica. Australia tightened its silica rules significantly following the engineered stone ban, and the exposure standard applies to construction dust generally, not just stone benchtops. Dust extraction, wet cutting and proper respiratory protection are legal requirements on your employer, not optional extras.
What sits on top of the base rate
The table is ordinary hours only. Overtime runs at time-and-a-half for the first two hours then double time, plus weekend and public holiday penalties. Most on-site apprentices also receive the daily fares and travel allowance. Commercial and civil work sits on a higher schedule, and any enterprise agreement on your site replaces the award.
Adult apprentices
Starting at 21 or over entitles you to a higher minimum than the rates above. Confirm yours with Fair Work rather than assuming the school-leaver figures apply.
How to check your exact rate
Run your award, sector, year and start date through the Fair Work Pay Calculator. If your payslip doesn’t match, the Fair Work Ombudsman’s free helpline is 13 13 94 and they can investigate underpayment.
FAQ
How much does a first-year plastering apprentice get paid?
From 1 July 2026, $647.37 a week without Year 12 or $703.33 with it, for residential work under MA000020 — $17.04 and $18.51 an hour.
What’s the difference between solid plastering and plasterboard?
Solid plastering is wet render work on masonry (CPC31020). Plasterboard hanging and setting is wall and ceiling lining, a separate qualification. Same apprentice pay, different trades after you finish.
Is plastering bad for your lungs?
It can be if silica dust isn’t controlled. Wet cutting, on-tool extraction and fitted respiratory protection are your employer’s legal obligation.
Do plasterers get paid by the square metre?
Qualified plasterers often are, particularly in plasterboard work. Apprentices are entitled to the award rate regardless of output.
General information only — not financial or legal advice. Rates were correct at 1 July 2026 and change annually. Check the official source and your state authority before acting.
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