It's no secret that apprentices rarely bring in the big bucks. While minimum wage laws exist in every country, apprentices are often classified as unqualified or are required to engage in study as part of their training. As a result, they may receive a 'training wage' that falls below the standard minimum. Even so, the average apprentice wage should reflect the hard work they put in, factoring in their age and the experience they bring to the job.
Time to review your charge-out rate? Use our free calculator!
Low on time? Skip ahead!
- Can apprentices be paid below minimum wage?
- The average apprentice salary in the USA
- The average apprentice wage in the UK
- The average apprentice wage in Australia
- The average apprentice wage in New Zealand
1. Can apprentices be paid below minimum wage?
Many countries have wage structures for apprentices that are different from standard minimum wage laws. Typically, this rate is a percentage of the minimum wage and should increase as the apprentice gains more experience or completes different stages of their training. Pay for apprentices may also be influenced by their age, as countries such as the UK have set minimum wages for those under 21 that are different from the standard minimum wage. While apprentices may earn below the standard minimum wage, many governments offer financial support, such as subsidies, grants, or incentives, to financially support apprentices and employers.
2. The average apprentice salary in the USA
The average apprentice salary in the USA is $19.05 per hour. This equates to about $762 per week, assuming a 40-hour work week, and around $38,100 annually, based on a 50-week year. However, state-by-state differences mean there are some pretty big variations in local standards for the average apprentice wages, to reflect changes in the cost of living and work opportunities. The U.S. Department of Labor and state governments often offer grants and financial incentives to businesses that hire apprentices, such as tax credits and funding for training programs, as well as additional support for apprentices.
What is the minimum apprentice salary in the USA?
The federal minimum wage remains at $7.25 per hour, though apprentices usually earn more due to their specialised training. An apprentice working in the United States could expect to earn the following throughout their training:
Less than a year's experience:
- Hourly wage: $12.63 to $15.09
- Weekly salary (40 hours): $505.20 to $603.60
- Yearly salary (50 weeks): $25,260 to $30,180
1 year of experience:
- Hourly wage: $13.50 to $16.00
- Weekly salary (40 hours): $540 to $640
- Yearly salary (50 weeks): $27,000 to $32,000
2 years of experience:
- Hourly wage: $16.00 to $18.00
- Weekly salary (40 hours): $640 to $720
- Yearly salary (50 weeks): $32,000 to $36,000
3 years of experience:
- Hourly wage: $17.50 to $19.50
- Weekly salary (40 hours): $700 to $780
- Yearly salary (50 weeks): $35,000 to $39,000
4 years of experience:
- Hourly wage: $18.50 to $21.00
- Weekly salary (40 hours): $740 to $840
- Yearly salary (50 weeks): $37,000 to $42,000
3. The average apprentice wage in the UK
The average base rate for apprentices starts at £6.50 per hour for those aged under 19 or those in their first year of an apprenticeship, resulting in a yearly salary of £13,312. For apprentices who are 19 or older and in their second year, the pay increases to £8.60. The average apprentice wage goes up to £11.44 per hour for those over 21. Apprentices in the UK can check out the Association of Apprentices or the Government apprentice support website for support and financial assistance.
What is the minimum apprentice wage in the UK?
An apprentice working in the United Kingdom could expect to earn the following throughout their training:
Ages 16-18, or 19 in their first year:
- Minimum hourly wage: £6.50
- Weekly wage (40 hours): £260.00
- Yearly salary (50 weeks): £13,000
Ages 19-20, in year 2+ of apprenticeship:
- Minimum hourly wage: £8.60
- Weekly wage (40 hours): £344.00
- Yearly salary (50 weeks): £17,200
Ages 21+, in year 2+ of apprenticeship:
- Minimum hourly wage: £11.44
- Weekly wage (40 hours): £457.60
- Yearly salary (50 weeks): £23,795.20
4. The average apprentice wage in Australia
The average wage for adult apprentices (21+) in Australia is $24.10 AUD per hour, the national minimum wage. Entry-level apprentices typically start at rates closer to $18 - $22 per hour, approximately $37,440 - $45,760 per year. More experienced apprentices earn higher rates, generally ranging from $25 - $35 per hour, with annual earnings potentially reaching around $52,000 - $70,000. However, those in their fourth year or who have recently completed their apprenticeship and gained additional experience can earn salaries up to $92,742 per year ($46.37 per hour). Apprentices can find support at Apprentice Support Australia.
What is the minimum apprentice wage in Australia?
The minimum wage for apprentices in Australia depends on age, apprenticeship year, and the award or agreement under which they are employed. Children as young as 15 can begin school-based apprenticeships, combining their training with regular schooling. During school terms, a 15-year-old apprentice is typically limited to working up to 12 hours per week, though this can vary by state. During school holidays, they may be able to work up to 38 hours per week, depending on state regulations and employer agreements. Overall, the minimum apprentice wage in Australia is a percentage of the national minimum wage which increases roughly 10% year on year.
15 years old
- 36.8% of national minimum wage
- Minimum hourly rate: $8.55
- Weekly wage (12 hours during school terms): $102.60
- Total wage during school terms (40 weeks): $4,104.00
- Weekly wage (38 hours during school holidays): $324.90
- Total wage during school holidays (10 weeks): $3,240.00
- Total yearly wage: $7,353.00
16 years old
- 47.3% of the national minimum wage
- Minimum hourly rate: $10.99
- Weekly wage (38 hours): $417.62
- Yearly wage (50 weeks): $20,881
17 years old
- 57.8% of the national minimum wage
- Minimum hourly rate: $13.43
- Weekly wage (38 hours): $510.34
- Yearly wage (50 weeks): $25,517
18 years old
- 68.3% of the national minimum wage
- Minimum hourly rate: $15.87
- Weekly wage (38 hours): $602.86
- Yearly wage (50 weeks): $30,143
19 years old
- 82.5% of the national minimum wage
- Minimum hourly rate: $19.16
- Weekly wage (38 hours): $728.08
- Yearly wage (50 weeks): $36,404
20 years old
- 97.7% of the national minimum wage
- Minimum hourly rate: $22.70
- Weekly wage (38 hours): $862.60
- Yearly wage (50 weeks): $43,130
21 years old and over
- 100% of the national minimum wage
- Minimum hourly rate: $24.10
- Weekly wage (38 hours): $915.80
- Yearly wage (50 weeks): $45,790
5. The average apprentice wage in New Zealand
The average apprentice wage in New Zealand is $26.69 per hour, as it is typical for employers to pay their apprentices a living wage rather than the minimum wage. New Zealand has three types of minimum wages that apply to apprentices, including the starting-out wage, training wage, and adult minimum wage. Apprentices in their first year are typically paid at least the starting-out or training wage, which is $18.52 per hour for both, with an expected minimum increase of $2 per hour each year. Once the training is complete, they must be paid the adult minimum wage of $23.15 per hour. Eligibility for specific wage rates depends on the number of training credits the apprentice earns each year. To encourage more people to enter the trades, the New Zealand government provides various training subsidies and grants, such as the Mana in Mahi program. This initiative supports employers and job seekers by offering wage subsidies and funding for training costs, helping apprentices gain practical skills while earning a stable income.
What is the minimum apprentice wage in New Zealand?
As of 1 April 2024, the minimum wage rates for apprentices in New Zealand are:
Adult minimum wage
- Hourly Rate: $23.15
- Weekly Earnings (40 hours): $23.15 x 40 = $926.00
- Annual Earnings (50 weeks): $926.00 x 50 = $46,300.00
Training/starting-out wage
- Hourly Rate: $18.52
- Weekly Earnings (40 hours): $18.52 x 40 = $740.80
- Annual Earnings (50 weeks): $740.80 x 50 = $37,040.00
Ready to get started?
As the no.1 rated job management system, Tradify is used by thousands of tradespeople to build better lives and businesses. It gives you all the features needed to manage and grow a successful electrical business, including:
Sign up for a 14-day free trial. No credit card required. No commitment. Or pop over to one of our live demo webinars to see Tradify in action.
