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Automotive Apprentice Wages in Australia

Starting an automotive apprenticeship means getting paid to learn a trade.

The downside?

You're definitely not starting on qualified mechanic money.

Automotive apprentice wages generally increase as you progress through your apprenticeship, and how much you're entitled to can depend on your age, apprenticeship stage and whether you completed Year 12.

For many mechanics working in vehicle repair and servicing, minimum wages are set by the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award.

Here's how automotive apprentice pay works in Australia.

How Much Do Automotive Apprentices Earn?

There isn't one single apprentice mechanic wage.

Your minimum pay can depend on:

  • Your apprenticeship stage
  • Your age when you started
  • Whether you completed Year 12
  • Your applicable award
  • Whether an enterprise agreement applies
  • Your working hours
  • Overtime and penalties
  • Whether your employer pays above award

Under the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award, apprentices are divided into junior and adult apprentices.

The current rates below apply from 1 July 2026.

Junior Automotive Apprentice Wages

Under the award, a junior apprentice is someone who is under 21 years old.

For junior apprentices, the minimum rate can also depend on whether you've completed Year 12.

If you haven't completed Year 12, the current minimum full-time rates are:

Apprenticeship Stage Weekly Pay Hourly Pay
First year / Stage 1 $559.55 $14.73
Second year / Stage 2 $671.46 $17.67
Third year / Stage 3 $839.33 $22.09
Fourth year / Stage 4 $984.81 $25.92

If you have completed Year 12, the rates are higher during the first two stages:

Apprenticeship Stage Weekly Pay Hourly Pay
First year / Stage 1 $615.51 $16.20
Second year / Stage 2 $727.42 $19.14
Third year / Stage 3 $839.33 $22.09
Fourth year / Stage 4 $984.81 $25.92

By third year, the rates are the same regardless of whether you completed Year 12.

These are minimum award rates. An employer can choose to pay you more.

How Much Does a First-Year Mechanic Apprentice Earn?

For a junior first-year automotive apprentice covered by the award, the current minimum is:

Without Year 12 completed:

$14.73 per hour or $559.55 per week.

With Year 12 completed:

$16.20 per hour or $615.51 per week.

So completing Year 12 can make a noticeable difference to your minimum pay during the first couple of years.

How Much Does a Second-Year Mechanic Apprentice Earn?

Second-year junior apprentices currently receive a minimum of:

Without Year 12 completed:

$17.67 per hour or $671.46 per week.

With Year 12 completed:

$19.14 per hour or $727.42 per week.

That's a decent jump from first-year wages.

And fortunately, the increases keep coming.

How Much Does a Third-Year Mechanic Apprentice Earn?

By third year, the distinction based on completing Year 12 disappears.

The current minimum is:

$22.09 per hour

or

$839.33 per week

for a full-time apprentice.

By this point, you should also be considerably more useful in the workshop than you were during your first few months.

You're developing real diagnostic and repair skills rather than simply learning where everything is kept.

How Much Does a Fourth-Year Mechanic Apprentice Earn?

A fourth-year junior apprentice currently has a minimum ordinary rate of:

$25.92 per hour

or

$984.81 per week

for full-time employment.

That's considerably closer to qualified tradesperson rates.

Once you complete your apprenticeship, you'll generally move onto the applicable qualified tradesperson rate.

What Is an Adult Automotive Apprentice?

Under the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award, an adult apprentice is someone who is over 21 when they commence their apprenticeship.

Adult apprentices receive higher minimum rates than junior apprentices.

That's important for anyone considering changing careers later.

Starting a mechanic apprenticeship at 25 doesn't mean you're necessarily going to be paid the same rate as a 17-year-old first-year apprentice.

Adult Automotive Apprentice Wages

The current minimum adult apprentice rates are:

Apprenticeship Stage Weekly Pay Hourly Pay
First year / Stage 1 $895.28 $23.56
Second year / Stage 2 $978.10 $25.74
Third year / Stage 3 $1,004.90 $26.44
Fourth year / Stage 4 $1,029.10 $27.08
Thereafter $1,119.10 $29.45

That's a significant difference compared with junior apprentice wages.

It makes starting an automotive trade later in life considerably more financially achievable.

Still not exactly private-jet money.

But definitely easier to live on than $14.73 an hour.

What If You Already Work for the Automotive Employer?

There's an important protection for some adult apprentices.

Under the award, if you're already employed by an employer in the vehicle industry immediately before becoming an adult apprentice with that same employer, you can't have your rate reduced simply because you've become an apprentice.

That can be useful for someone already working as a trades assistant or in another automotive position who decides to start a formal apprenticeship.

Can Employers Pay Apprentices More Than the Award?

Absolutely.

The award sets minimum rates.

It doesn't set maximum rates.

An employer can offer:

  • Higher hourly rates
  • Bonuses
  • Tool allowances
  • Overtime
  • Other incentives

Some employers deliberately pay apprentices above award to attract and retain good workers.

So when you're comparing apprenticeship offers, don't assume every workshop will pay exactly the same amount.

Do Dealership Apprentices Earn More?

Not necessarily.

Large dealerships may have different employment arrangements from small independent workshops.

Some employers may operate under enterprise agreements or provide additional benefits and incentives.

Others simply use the applicable award rates.

The only way to know is to check the actual employment offer.

Don't assume that working on $100,000 cars means the apprentice servicing them is also swimming in money.

Unfortunately, that's not how it works.

Do Heavy Vehicle Apprentices Earn More?

They can.

Heavy vehicle apprenticeships may be covered by different awards or enterprise agreements depending on the employer and industry.

Businesses operating in transport, mining, manufacturing or other sectors can have different employment arrangements.

That means a heavy vehicle apprentice shouldn't automatically assume the light vehicle workshop rates in this article apply to them.

Always check the award or enterprise agreement covering your actual employment.

What About Mobile Plant Apprentices?

The same principle applies.

A mobile plant apprentice working for an equipment dealer could have different pay arrangements from someone working directly for a mining company.

Industry matters.

Employer matters.

The relevant industrial instrument matters.

This is particularly important once you start looking at apprenticeships in mining and resources.

Can Apprentice Mechanics Earn More Through Overtime?

Yes.

Overtime can make a noticeable difference to apprentice earnings.

Under the current Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award, junior apprentice overtime rates for Monday to Saturday are generally:

  • 150% for the first three hours
  • 200% after three hours

Sunday overtime is generally paid at 200%.

Public holiday rates are generally 250%.

The actual dollar amount depends on your normal apprentice rate.

First-Year Apprentice Overtime Example

Take a first-year junior apprentice who completed Year 12.

Their ordinary minimum rate is $16.20 per hour.

Under the current award, their overtime rates include:

  • First three hours Monday to Saturday: $24.30 per hour
  • After three hours: $32.40 per hour
  • Sunday overtime: $32.40 per hour
  • Public holiday: $40.50 per hour

Suddenly staying back for a few hours looks slightly more interesting.

Fourth-Year Apprentice Overtime

A fourth-year junior apprentice has an ordinary minimum rate of $25.92 per hour.

Current applicable rates include:

  • Saturday ordinary penalty rate: $38.88
  • Sunday: $51.84
  • Public holiday: $64.80

For overtime Monday to Saturday, the first three hours are $38.88 per hour and subsequent hours are $51.84.

So a fourth-year apprentice doing regular overtime can earn considerably more than their base weekly wage.

Adult Apprentice Overtime

Adult apprentices also receive higher overtime rates because their base rates are higher.

For example, a first-year adult apprentice currently earns a minimum ordinary rate of $23.56 per hour.

Applicable overtime rates include:

  • First three hours Monday to Saturday: $35.34
  • After three hours: $47.12
  • Sunday overtime: $47.12
  • Public holiday: $58.90

By fourth year, those rates rise further.

Do Automotive Apprentices Get Weekend Penalty Rates?

Under the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award, weekend penalty rates can apply.

For junior and adult apprentices covered by these provisions, Saturday ordinary hours are generally paid at 150% and Sunday ordinary hours at 200%.

Public holiday rates are generally 250%.

This can be particularly relevant for apprentices working at dealerships and workshops that operate on Saturdays.

Can Apprentices Work Night Shifts?

Some automotive industries operate outside normal daytime workshop hours.

Heavy vehicle maintenance, fleet servicing and other operations may involve shift work.

The award contains separate shiftwork penalty rates.

There are also additional restrictions for younger employees.

For example, employees under 16 can't work afternoon or night shifts under these provisions, while restrictions also apply to unsupervised work and overnight hours for employees under 18.

How Does Apprentice Pay Progression Work?

Automotive apprentices don't necessarily progress only because another calendar year has passed.

Under the award, progression can be:

  • Time-based
  • Competency-based

Competency-based progression means you may advance when you've completed the required stage of skills and training under your agreed training plan.

This can potentially allow an apprentice to move to the next pay level before completing a full 12 months at the previous stage.

Your training plan and apprenticeship arrangements matter.

Why Does Competency-Based Progression Matter?

Imagine you've completed all the competencies required for your current apprenticeship stage earlier than expected.

Under competency-based progression arrangements, you may be able to move to the next stage rather than waiting for the anniversary of your start date.

The next stage means a higher minimum wage.

So it's worth understanding how progression works rather than simply assuming your pay rises once every year.

Do Apprentices Get Superannuation?

Generally, yes.

Apprentices are employees.

That means normal employment entitlements can apply, including superannuation where required.

Your super is separate from the headline hourly rate in most employment arrangements.

It might not feel particularly exciting when you're 18.

Future you will probably appreciate it.

Do Apprentices Get Annual Leave?

Full-time apprentices generally receive normal employee entitlements such as paid annual leave.

They may also be entitled to:

  • Personal leave
  • Public holiday entitlements
  • Superannuation
  • Other award entitlements

Your exact entitlements depend on your employment arrangement.

Being an apprentice doesn't mean you're somehow not a real employee.

Do Apprentices Get Paid While at TAFE?

Apprentices are generally entitled to payment for required training time in accordance with the applicable award and apprenticeship arrangements.

Your formal training is part of your apprenticeship.

It's not simply a hobby you're doing separately from work.

The specific rules around training costs, travel and payment should be checked against the award and your apprenticeship arrangements.

Are Tools Included?

Mechanics need tools.

Lots of them.

Exactly who provides what can depend on your workplace and award entitlements.

Some employers provide workshop equipment while apprentices gradually build their own personal tool collection.

Before starting, ask your employer what you're expected to buy.

Do not immediately walk into a tool shop and finance $10,000 worth of equipment because someone on TikTok told you every first-year apprentice needs it.

You have four years to develop your collection.

Your bank account will thank you.

Are Apprentice Wages Enough to Live On?

Early junior apprentice wages can be difficult to live on independently.

A first-year junior apprentice earning award minimums may need to manage expenses carefully, particularly in expensive Australian cities.

Living at home, sharing accommodation or keeping expenses low can make the apprenticeship years considerably easier.

The good news is that your wage increases substantially as you progress.

For adult apprentices, the higher minimum rates make changing careers somewhat easier financially.

Is Taking an Automotive Apprenticeship Worth the Lower Pay?

Think about apprentice wages in context.

You're being paid while completing the training required to become qualified.

At the same time, you're accumulating years of practical experience.

Once qualified, your earning opportunities can expand considerably.

You can also move into areas such as:

  • Diagnostics
  • Automotive electrical
  • Heavy vehicles
  • Diesel
  • Mobile plant
  • Field service
  • Mining
  • Workshop management

The apprenticeship is the entry point rather than the earning ceiling.

Can You Earn More by Choosing a Different Automotive Trade?

Potentially.

If income is one of your biggest priorities, look beyond standard light vehicle mechanical work.

Automotive and mechanical apprenticeships can lead into:

  • Heavy vehicle mechanics
  • Diesel mechanics
  • Mobile plant technicians
  • Automotive electricians

Some of these trades provide access to industries where qualified workers can earn significantly more through shift work, overtime, field service, mining or FIFO.

Your apprentice wage matters.

But your earning potential after qualification matters much more.

What Happens to Your Pay When You Qualify?

Once you've completed your apprenticeship, you move onto the applicable qualified tradesperson rate rather than continuing on apprentice wages.

Under the current Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award, a Level R6 tradesperson has a minimum ordinary rate of:

$29.45 per hour

or

$1,119.10 per week

for a full-time employee.

A Level R7 tradesperson has a higher minimum of:

$32.22 per hour

or

$1,224.40 per week.

Again, these are minimum award rates.

Many qualified mechanics earn above award.

Should You Choose an Apprenticeship Based on Pay?

Pay matters.

Especially when you're choosing between several apprenticeship offers.

But don't make it your only consideration.

A workshop paying slightly more isn't necessarily the better apprenticeship.

Think about:

  • Quality of training
  • Variety of work
  • Workshop culture
  • Qualified technicians
  • Diagnostic exposure
  • Career progression
  • Travel time
  • Working hours
  • Employer reputation

An employer that actually turns you into an excellent mechanic could be worth considerably more over your career than an extra dollar an hour during first year.

Check Your Own Apprentice Pay

Award rates change.

The figures in this article reflect the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award rates effective from 1 July 2026.

Your actual pay could also be affected by an enterprise agreement or another award.

If you're currently an apprentice and want to know exactly what you should be earning, use Fair Work's current Pay and Conditions information and check the industrial instrument covering your employment.

Don't rely on what your mate reckons apprentices get paid.

And definitely don't rely on a screenshot of an apprentice wage table from six years ago.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a first-year mechanic apprentice earn in Australia?

Under the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award from 1 July 2026, a junior first-year apprentice receives a minimum of $14.73 per hour without Year 12 or $16.20 per hour if they completed Year 12.

How much does a fourth-year mechanic apprentice earn?

A fourth-year junior automotive apprentice covered by the award currently has a minimum ordinary rate of $25.92 per hour or $984.81 per week.

How much does an adult mechanic apprentice earn?

An adult apprentice covered by the award currently starts at a minimum of $23.56 per hour or $895.28 per week in first year, increasing as they progress.

What age is a mature-age automotive apprentice?

Under this award, an adult apprentice is someone who is over 21 years old when they commence their apprenticeship.

Do apprentice mechanics get overtime?

Yes. Overtime and penalty rates can apply depending on when and how many hours you work.

Does apprentice pay increase every year?

Apprentices can progress through wage stages based on time served or competency progression, depending on the apprenticeship and training arrangements.

Do employers have to pay exactly the award rate?

No. The award establishes minimum wages. Employers can pay apprentices above the minimum.

What does a mechanic earn after completing an apprenticeship?

Under the current award, qualified tradesperson minimum rates include $29.45 per hour at Level R6 and $32.22 at Level R7. Actual market salaries can be higher depending on experience and role.

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