Fitter and Turner Apprentice Wages
Starting a fitter and turner apprenticeship means accepting one fairly obvious trade-off.
You're probably not going to earn huge money immediately.
But your wage increases as you progress through the apprenticeship, and once you're qualified, fitting and turning can lead to some seriously strong earning opportunities across:
- Manufacturing
- Industrial maintenance
- Mining
- FIFO
- Shutdowns
- Heavy industry
How much you earn as an apprentice depends on several things, including your age, apprenticeship stage, education and the award or enterprise agreement covering your workplace.
So there isn't one single fitter and turner apprentice wage that applies to everyone.
How Much Does a Fitter and Turner Apprentice Earn?
Many fitting and turning apprentices are employed under the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award.
Under that award, apprentice minimum rates increase as you progress through the apprenticeship.
For apprentices who started their apprenticeship from 1 January 2014 onwards, current minimum rates can vary depending on whether you completed Year 12.
As a broad guide, current minimum ordinary rates under the Manufacturing Award range from roughly:
$14.73 per hour for some first-year apprentices
through to:
$27.08 per hour for some fourth-year apprentices.
Adult apprentices start considerably higher.
These are minimum award rates rather than what every employer actually pays.
Plenty of employers pay above award.
Fitter and Turner Apprentice Wages by Year
For a fitter and turner apprentice covered by the Manufacturing Award who has not completed Year 12, current minimum ordinary rates are approximately:
First year: $14.73 per hour
Second year: $17.67 per hour
Third year: $22.09 per hour
Fourth year: $25.92 per hour
For apprentices who have completed Year 12, the minimum rates are higher in the earlier years:
First year: $16.20 per hour
Second year: $19.14 per hour
Third year: $22.09 per hour
Fourth year: $27.08 per hour
These figures are useful benchmarks, but your exact entitlement can differ depending on the award, agreement and apprenticeship arrangement covering your job.
Weekly Fitter and Turner Apprentice Wages
For a standard 38-hour week under the same Manufacturing Award, that roughly translates to the following.
For apprentices who haven't completed Year 12:
First year: about $559.55 per week
Second year: about $671.46 per week
Third year: about $839.33 per week
Fourth year: about $984.81 per week
For apprentices who have completed Year 12:
First year: about $615.51 per week
Second year: about $727.42 per week
Third year: about $839.33 per week
Fourth year: about $1,029.10 per week
These are minimum ordinary-time amounts before tax and before additional overtime, penalties or allowances that may apply.
Why Does Completing Year 12 Affect Apprentice Pay?
Some apprentice wage structures take your educational background into account when determining the minimum rate.
Under the Manufacturing Award, apprentices who completed Year 12 receive higher minimum rates during the early stages of their apprenticeship.
By third year, the rates become the same.
This is one reason you shouldn't simply ask another apprentice:
"What are you getting paid?"
They might be covered by the same award and still legally have a different minimum rate.
What Is an Adult Apprentice?
Under Fair Work rules, an adult apprentice is generally someone who is 21 or older when they start their apprenticeship.
Adult apprentice wage rules are different because it's obviously much harder for someone in their twenties, thirties or forties to survive on the same wage as a school-leaver apprentice.
Under the Manufacturing Award, adult apprentices receive higher minimum rates from the beginning.
Adult Fitter and Turner Apprentice Wages
Under the current Manufacturing Award, an adult apprentice who commenced from 1 January 2014 onwards has minimum ordinary rates of approximately:
First year: $23.56 per hour
Second year: $25.74 per hour
Third year: $26.44 per hour
Fourth year: $27.08 per hour
For a 38-hour week, that's approximately:
First year: $895.28
Second year: $978.10
Third year: $1,004.90
Fourth year: $1,029.10
Again, these are minimum award rates.
An employer can absolutely pay more.
Can an Adult Apprentice Take a Pay Cut?
There are protections for some existing employees who become adult apprentices with the same employer.
Under the Manufacturing Award, someone already working for the employer before entering an adult apprenticeship may be protected against having their minimum rate reduced simply because they've become an apprentice.
This can make internal apprenticeships particularly attractive.
For example, someone already working as a:
- Trades assistant
- Machine operator
- Factory worker
may be able to move into an apprenticeship without dropping all the way to the normal first-year adult apprentice minimum.
The exact situation depends on the applicable award or agreement.
Do All Fitter Apprentices Get These Rates?
No.
This is important.
The Manufacturing Award is a common award for fitting and turning work, but it isn't the only possible arrangement.
You could instead be covered by:
- Another modern award
- An enterprise agreement
- An individual employment contract paying above minimums
Large industrial and mining employers commonly operate under enterprise agreements.
Those agreements can provide considerably better wages than the award minimum.
Enterprise Agreement Apprentice Wages
An enterprise agreement is a workplace-specific agreement covering wages and employment conditions.
Large employers may have negotiated rates covering:
- Apprentice wages
- Shift penalties
- Overtime
- Allowances
- Annual increases
- Bonuses
This is why two first-year fitter apprentices could both be doing similar training but earning completely different amounts.
One might be receiving the award minimum.
Another might be working at a major industrial plant under an enterprise agreement and earning significantly more.
Mining Fitter Apprentice Wages
Mining apprenticeships are often some of the most sought-after fitter apprenticeships in Australia.
Part of the reason is pay.
Mining apprentices can potentially receive:
- Above-award wages
- Site allowances
- Shift penalties
- Overtime
- Bonuses
- Remote benefits
depending on the employer and agreement.
The exact amount varies enormously.
A mining apprentice's total annual earnings can therefore be significantly higher than those of an apprentice working ordinary weekday hours in a metropolitan workshop.
FIFO Apprentice Fitter Pay
Some mining apprenticeships involve FIFO work.
That can mean working rosters such as:
- 8/6
- 7/7
- 2/1
- Other site rosters
You may also work 12-hour shifts.
The combination of longer shifts and site conditions can increase total earnings substantially.
But remember:
More money may mean more hours.
Don't compare a FIFO apprentice's annual income directly with someone working a standard 38-hour week without comparing the roster.
Can Apprentice Fitters Earn $1,000 a Week?
Yes.
Later-stage apprentices can reach or exceed $1,000 per week in ordinary wages depending on their classification.
Adult apprentices can also reach this level before completing the apprenticeship.
Once you add overtime, penalties and allowances, some apprentices can earn considerably more.
Can Apprentice Fitters Earn More Than Qualified Workers in Other Jobs?
Absolutely.
A later-year fitter apprentice working:
- Mining
- Shift work
- Weekends
- Overtime
could potentially earn more than someone working full-time in plenty of non-trade occupations.
That doesn't mean every fitter apprenticeship pays brilliantly.
The workplace makes a huge difference.
Does Apprentice Pay Increase Every Year?
Generally, yes.
Apprentice wage structures increase as you progress through stages of your apprenticeship.
However, modern apprenticeships can be competency based rather than purely time based.
Progression can depend on completing the required training and workplace competencies.
Your employer and training provider should explain how your apprenticeship progression works.
What Happens When You Become Qualified?
Once you complete your apprenticeship, you move from apprentice rates onto qualified trade rates applicable to your role.
This is usually where the major income jump occurs.
Qualified fitters can earn strong salaries across:
- Manufacturing
- Maintenance
- Mining
- Shutdowns
- FIFO
Your first qualified pay packet can look very different from your first-year apprentice wage.
That's the financial payoff for completing the trade.
Can Employers Pay Apprentices Above Award?
Yes.
Award rates are minimums.
Employers can pay whatever they like above those minimums.
Some employers deliberately pay more to:
- Attract better applicants
- Retain apprentices
- Compete for workers
- Reward performance
Large employers often have structured apprenticeship wage scales above award.
Does a Fitter Apprentice Get Overtime?
Potentially, yes.
Apprentices can be entitled to overtime depending on:
- Hours worked
- Award
- Enterprise agreement
- Employment conditions
Fitting and turning apprentices working in industrial environments may sometimes work additional hours alongside qualified tradespeople.
That can noticeably increase weekly pay.
Does an Apprentice Get Penalty Rates?
Depending on the applicable award or agreement, apprentices may receive additional rates for things such as:
- Shift work
- Weekends
- Public holidays
This becomes particularly relevant in factories and processing facilities operating 24 hours a day.
Afternoon Shift Apprentice Pay
A fitter apprentice working afternoon shift may receive a shift loading.
That means your actual hourly earnings can be higher than the standard apprentice base rate.
For apprentices trying to maximise income, shift work can make a significant difference.
The downside is working while most other people are finishing for the day.
Night Shift Apprentice Pay
Night shift can pay even more depending on the applicable workplace conditions.
Industrial maintenance teams are often required around the clock.
Night shift apprentices can therefore gain experience alongside maintenance crews while receiving additional penalties.
Whether the extra money compensates for destroying your relationship with daylight is up to you.
Weekend Apprentice Pay
Weekend work can also attract additional payments.
Apprentices working maintenance shutdowns or continuous operations may occasionally work:
- Saturdays
- Sundays
This can make individual pay packets significantly larger.
Again, the exact entitlement depends on your employment arrangement.
Public Holiday Pay
If you're required to work a public holiday, higher rates may apply.
Industrial plants don't necessarily shut down because it's Easter Monday.
Maintenance workers may still be needed.
For apprentices, these shifts can provide some very attractive pay packets.
Do Apprentices Get Super?
Yes.
Apprentices are employees.
Eligible apprentices receive superannuation just like other workers.
Your employer contributes super based on the relevant legal requirements.
Don't compare apprenticeship offers purely on the cash hitting your bank account.
Super is part of your total compensation too.
Do Apprentices Get Annual Leave?
Full-time apprentices generally receive paid annual leave under Australia's National Employment Standards.
Typically, this includes four weeks of annual leave each year, with some shiftworkers potentially entitled to additional leave depending on their circumstances.
You also generally have access to other employee entitlements such as personal leave.
Do Apprentices Get Paid While at TAFE?
Apprentices generally need to be paid for required training associated with their apprenticeship in accordance with the applicable workplace rules.
There can also be obligations around training costs and travel expenses depending on the award.
If you're unsure what your employer should be paying while you're attending required training, check the current Fair Work information applying to your situation.
Who Pays for TAFE?
Training costs vary depending on:
- State
- Funding programs
- Employer
- Apprenticeship
- Training provider
Government subsidies can reduce or eliminate some training fees for eligible apprentices.
There can still be costs associated with:
- Tools
- Textbooks
- Equipment
Before starting, ask the employer exactly what they cover.
Tool Allowances
Some apprentices may be entitled to tool-related allowances or reimbursement depending on their award or agreement.
Others may have tools supplied directly by the employer.
This is worth checking because building a decent tool kit can become expensive.
A fitter's toolbox has an impressive ability to convert every spare dollar you have into chrome-plated objects.
Travel Allowances
Depending on the workplace and job, you may also receive allowances relating to:
- Travel
- Remote work
- Site work
A workshop apprentice working at one permanent location may receive very different benefits from someone travelling to industrial sites.
Site Allowances
Industrial construction and maintenance work can involve site-specific allowances.
These are additional payments designed to compensate workers for particular workplace conditions.
An apprentice working on major industrial projects may therefore earn above their basic hourly rate.
Meal Allowances
In some circumstances, overtime can trigger meal allowances or meal provisions.
Again, this depends on your award or agreement.
Small extras can add up over a year if you're regularly working long hours.
How Much Does a First-Year Fitter Apprentice Earn?
Under the current Manufacturing Award, a junior apprentice starting from 2014 onwards could have a minimum ordinary rate of approximately:
$14.73 per hour if they haven't completed Year 12
or
$16.20 per hour if they have completed Year 12.
Adult apprentices start considerably higher at around:
$23.56 per hour.
Your employer may pay above these amounts.
How Much Does a Second-Year Fitter Apprentice Earn?
Under the same award, minimum rates are approximately:
$17.67 per hour without Year 12
or
$19.14 per hour with Year 12.
Adult apprentices are around:
$25.74 per hour.
How Much Does a Third-Year Fitter Apprentice Earn?
The junior minimum rate under the Manufacturing Award is approximately:
$22.09 per hour
regardless of whether Year 12 was completed.
The adult apprentice minimum is around:
$26.44 per hour.
At this point, the wage gap between junior and adult apprentices has become much smaller.
How Much Does a Fourth-Year Fitter Apprentice Earn?
Fourth-year apprentice rates are much closer to qualified trade wages.
Under the Manufacturing Award, minimum rates are approximately:
$25.92 per hour without Year 12
and
$27.08 per hour with Year 12.
Adult apprentices are also around:
$27.08 per hour.
Then you finish the apprenticeship and move onto the relevant qualified trade rate.
Why Are First-Year Apprentice Wages So Low?
Because an apprentice is simultaneously:
- Working
- Training
- Developing skills
- Completing a nationally recognised qualification
During the early stages, employers spend substantial time training you.
You're also considerably less productive than a qualified tradesperson.
As you become more skilled and independent, your wage increases.
Does a First-Year Apprentice Actually Earn Only the Base Rate?
Not necessarily.
Your weekly pay could be higher if you receive:
- Overtime
- Shift penalties
- Allowances
- Above-award wages
This is why online salary comparisons between apprentices can become confusing.
Someone might say:
"I'm first year and earning $900 a week."
That doesn't necessarily mean the award minimum is $900.
They could be:
- An adult apprentice
- Working overtime
- On shift
- Under an enterprise agreement
- Paid above award
Always compare like with like.
Apprentice Wages in Manufacturing
Manufacturing is one of the traditional industries for fitting and turning apprenticeships.
You might work at a:
- Factory
- Engineering workshop
- Food-processing plant
- Machinery manufacturer
Pay can range from award minimums to substantially higher wages under large enterprise agreements.
Continuous-production plants can be particularly attractive because of shift work opportunities.
Apprentice Wages in Mining
Mining apprenticeships can provide some of the strongest apprentice packages.
But they're also highly competitive.
Mining employers may receive huge numbers of applications because candidates are attracted by:
- Higher wages
- FIFO opportunities
- Strong post-trade earnings
- Major equipment
- Career progression
Don't wait forever for a mining apprenticeship if you can secure a quality fitting apprenticeship elsewhere.
Get qualified first.
Mining can come later.
Local Apprenticeship vs Mining Apprenticeship
Imagine you're offered two hypothetical apprenticeships.
Local Workshop
Lower wage
Monday to Friday
Home every night
Broad machining experience
Mining Apprenticeship
Higher earnings
Rostered shifts
Remote location
Mining maintenance experience
Neither is automatically better.
The local apprenticeship may provide exceptional technical training.
The mining apprenticeship may give you an easier pathway into high-paying resources work.
Training quality matters more than squeezing every possible dollar from your first year.
Don't Choose an Apprenticeship Only Because of Pay
This is important.
Your apprenticeship determines what you're actually going to learn.
A slightly lower-paying employer that teaches you:
- Machining
- Maintenance
- Fault finding
- Hydraulics
- Pneumatics
- Precision measurement
could be a far better long-term choice than an employer paying more but giving you repetitive work.
You're building a career.
Your first-year hourly rate is only one piece of it.
Compare the Qualified Career
The bigger question is:
What can I earn once I'm qualified?
Fitters can move into industries such as:
- Industrial maintenance
- Mining
- FIFO
- Manufacturing
- Energy
- Resources
- Shutdowns
Experienced fitters can earn well into six figures.
That makes the relatively low early apprentice wage much easier to understand as a temporary stage.
Ways to Earn More During Your Apprenticeship
You may be able to increase your income through:
- Overtime
- Shift work
- Weekend work
- Mining apprenticeships
- Large industrial employers
- Enterprise agreements
But don't sacrifice your training simply to chase overtime.
The highest-value thing you can leave your apprenticeship with is strong trade capability.
Should You Become an Adult Apprentice?
If you're changing careers later in life, the lower temporary income can still be a challenge.
But adult apprentice minimum rates make the transition significantly more manageable than junior apprentice wages.
You also need to consider the long-term opportunity.
Taking a temporary reduction in income may make sense if qualifying as a fitter substantially increases your future earning potential.
Budget Before Starting
If you're currently working full-time in another industry, work out what your apprenticeship wage would actually mean for your budget.
Consider:
- Rent
- Transport
- Food
- Debt
- Bills
Don't simply assume you'll figure it out.
Four years is a long time to be permanently stressed about money.
Adult apprenticeship wages, overtime or finding a higher-paying industrial employer can make the transition easier.
Apprentice Wage Rates Change
Minimum wages can change following annual wage reviews.
Awards and enterprise agreements can also be updated.
So if you're reading this while comparing an actual apprenticeship offer, always check the current rate applying to your specific employment arrangement.
Your payslip doesn't care what an old internet article said three years ago.
How to Check Your Correct Apprentice Wage
You need to know:
- Your age when the apprenticeship started
- Your apprenticeship stage
- Whether you completed Year 12
- Which award covers you
- Whether an enterprise agreement applies
Then compare your actual rate with the current Fair Work minimum.
If you're unsure, Fair Work's pay tools can help determine the appropriate minimum.
Is a Fitter and Turner Apprenticeship Worth It Financially?
The first year can be rough financially, particularly for younger apprentices on minimum rates.
But look at the entire career.
You spend several years learning.
Then you become a qualified mechanical tradesperson capable of working across industries where skilled maintenance workers are highly valued.
You can eventually choose between:
- Regular workshop hours
- Industrial maintenance
- Shift work
- Shutdowns
- Mining
- FIFO
If maximising income is your goal, there are plenty of pathways after qualification.
The apprenticeship wage is temporary.
The trade qualification can stay useful for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a first-year fitter and turner apprentice earn?
Under the Manufacturing Award, current minimum ordinary rates for apprentices commencing from 2014 onwards are around $14.73 per hour without Year 12 or $16.20 per hour if Year 12 was completed. Other awards and agreements can provide different rates.
How much does an adult fitter apprentice earn?
Under the Manufacturing Award, a first-year adult apprentice commencing from 2014 onwards has a minimum ordinary rate of around $23.56 per hour. Rates increase as the apprenticeship progresses.
What age is an adult apprentice?
For Fair Work apprentice wage purposes, an adult apprentice is generally someone aged 21 or older when they start their apprenticeship.
Do fitter apprentices get pay rises each year?
Apprentice wages generally increase as workers progress through their apprenticeship stages and complete required competencies.
Do fitter apprentices get overtime?
They can. Overtime entitlements depend on the award, enterprise agreement and hours worked.
Do mining fitter apprentices earn more?
They can. Mining employers may offer above-award wages, allowances, penalties and rostered overtime, although packages vary significantly.
Do apprentice fitters get paid while at TAFE?
Required apprenticeship training is generally treated as part of the apprenticeship employment arrangements. Exact entitlements should be checked against the relevant award or agreement.
Do fitter apprentices receive superannuation?
Yes. Eligible apprentices are employees and receive employer superannuation contributions.