Electrician Apprenticeship Salary: Award Rates, Annual Pay, and Tax in 2026–27
For a first-year apprentice who has not completed Year 12, the minimum weekly rate is $622.72 for 38 hours, giving an annual gross of $32,381.44 before super and tax.
How the electrician apprenticeship salary is set
The electrician apprenticeship salary is governed by the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020 (MA000025). The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes a pay guide that shows minimum weekly and hourly rates for each year of an apprenticeship. These rates already include the industry allowance, tool allowance, and electrician’s licence allowance, making them all-purpose rates used to calculate overtime, leave, and public holiday pay.
Hourly to annual: the 38‑hour week
All full‑time employees under this award work an average of 38 ordinary hours per week. To convert an hourly rate to an annual salary, use the formula:
Annual gross = hourly rate × 38 hours × 52 weeks
For example, a first‑year apprentice who has not completed Year 12 receives $16.39 per hour. That gives:
- Weekly: $16.39 × 38 = $622.72
- Fortnightly: $622.72 × 2 = $1,245.44
- Annual: $622.72 × 52 = $32,381.44
If the apprentice completed Year 12, the first‑year rate is $25.87 per hour, leading to $982.95 weekly, $1,965.90 fortnightly, and $51,113.40 annually.
Award rates for each year
The pay guide lists separate rates depending on when the apprenticeship started and whether the apprentice completed Year 12. For apprentices who started on or after 1 January 2014 and did not complete Year 12:
- 1st year: $622.72/week ($16.39/h)
- 2nd year: $742.79/week ($19.55/h)
- 3rd year: $862.87/week ($22.71/h)
- 4th year: $1,006.97/week ($26.50/h)
For those who completed Year 12:
- 1st year: $982.95/week ($25.87/h)
- 2nd year: $1,098.29/week ($28.90/h)
- 3rd year: $1,098.29/week ($28.90/h)
- 4th year: $1,098.29/week ($28.90/h)
Adult apprentices (21 or older when starting) have their own structure: 80% of the Electrical Worker Grade 5 rate in the first year, then the Grade 1 rate in subsequent years.
How this compares to the National Minimum Wage
From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 for a 38‑hour week. A fourth‑year apprentice who has not completed Year 12 earns $26.50 per hour – slightly above the minimum. However, first‑year apprentices earn well below the minimum because the award recognises their training stage. Once the apprenticeship is finished, the employee moves to the tradesperson rate (e.g., Electrical Worker Grade 5 at $29.45/hour or $1,119.10/week).
Casual loading
If an apprentice is employed as a casual, they receive a 25% loading on top of the ordinary hourly rate. For a first‑year apprentice (not completed Year 12), the casual rate would be $16.39 × 1.25 = $20.49 per hour. The loading compensates for not receiving paid leave or notice of termination. The casual loading page explains how this affects annual estimates.
Superannuation is paid on top
Employers must contribute superannuation guarantee of 12% of ordinary earnings. This is paid in addition to the base salary. For a first‑year apprentice earning $32,381.44, the super contribution would be $3,885.77, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. Super does not reduce take‑home pay; it goes into a fund for retirement. See super and packaging for more details.
Tax on your electrician apprenticeship salary
The Australian Taxation Office’s 2026–27 resident tax rates apply:
- $0 – $18,200: nil
- $18,201 – $45,000: 15%
- $45,001 – $135,000: 30%
- $135,001 – $190,000: 37%
- Over $190,000: 45%
Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (with possible reductions for low incomes). A first‑year apprentice earning $32,381.44 would pay approximately:
- Tax on $32,381.44: ($32,381.44 – $18,200) × 15% = $2,127.22
- Medicare levy: $32,381.44 × 2% = $647.63
- Total tax and Medicare: $2,774.85
- Net annual take‑home: $29,606.59
Use the take-home pay tool for a personalised estimate.
Differences in ordinary‑time earnings
The electrician apprenticeship salary is a minimum award rate. Many employers pay above the award, especially for experienced apprentices or those with prior qualifications. The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Average Weekly Earnings (May 2026) for full‑time adult ordinary time is $2,083.70 per week. That is far above even a fourth‑year apprentice rate, reflecting the earnings of qualified tradespeople. After completing the apprenticeship, an electrician can expect to move into the higher classification levels (Grade 5 to Grade 10) with weekly rates from $1,119.10 to $1,415.00.
Using the timesheet calculator
To estimate your own electrician apprenticeship salary, enter your base hourly rate into the timesheet. The tool assumes a 38‑hour week and multiplies by 52 weeks. If you are a casual, tick the casual loading checkbox to add 25% on top. The result shows annual gross, fortnightly pay, super, and estimated tax. Remember that the estimate does not include overtime, penalty rates, or allowances beyond the all‑purpose amounts.
Summary
The electrician apprenticeship salary varies by year and education level. Using the Fair Work Ombudsman’s award rates, a first‑year apprentice (not completed Year 12) earns $32,381.44 annually, while a fourth‑year apprentice earns $52,362.44. Super adds 12% on top, and tax is calculated on the gross amount. After finishing the apprenticeship, the salary jumps to the tradesperson rate, which can exceed $60,000 per year.
Open the same rate on the home timesheet. Read the reference tables before treating a figure as your pay.