Landscaping Apprentice Wages in Australia

Landscaping apprentice wages in Australia generally increase as you progress through your apprenticeship.

How much you earn depends on things such as:

• Your apprenticeship year
• Whether you completed Year 12
• Whether you're an adult apprentice
• The award or agreement covering your job
• Overtime and penalty rates

For many landscape construction apprentices, the Gardening and Landscaping Services Award is relevant.

As of 1 July 2026, minimum apprentice rates under that award range from around:

$14.73 per hour

for some first-year junior apprentices through to:

$27.98 per hour

for fourth-year apprentices.

Adult apprentices start substantially higher.

Landscaping Apprentice Wages in Australia

For apprentices who commenced on or after 1 January 2014, the current minimum ordinary hourly rates under the Gardening and Landscaping Services Award are:

Apprentices Who Have Not Completed Year 12

First year: $14.73 per hour

Second year: $17.67 per hour

Third year: $22.09 per hour

Fourth year: $27.98 per hour

These are minimum ordinary rates from 1 July 2026.

Apprentices Who Have Completed Year 12

If you've completed Year 12, the rates are higher during the earlier apprenticeship years.

First year: $16.20 per hour

Second year: $19.14 per hour

Third year: $22.09 per hour

Fourth year: $27.98 per hour

By third year, the Year 12 and non-Year 12 rates become the same under this award.

Landscaping Apprentice Wage Table

A simple comparison looks like this:

First year

Not completed Year 12: $14.73 per hour

Completed Year 12: $16.20 per hour

Second year

Not completed Year 12: $17.67 per hour

Completed Year 12: $19.14 per hour

Third year

Both: $22.09 per hour

Fourth year

Both: $27.98 per hour

Why Does Completing Year 12 Affect Apprentice Pay?

The award provides higher percentages during the earlier stages for apprentices who completed Year 12.

That means two first-year landscaping apprentices doing similar work could have different minimum rates depending on their education.

By third year, that difference disappears.

How Much Does a First-Year Landscaping Apprentice Earn?

A first-year apprentice who has not completed Year 12 currently has a minimum ordinary rate of:

$14.73 per hour.

If they've completed Year 12:

$16.20 per hour.

At 38 ordinary hours per week, that works out to roughly:

$559.74 per week

for the lower rate, and:

$615.60 per week

for the Year 12 rate.

Actual payroll rounding can differ slightly from a simple hourly calculation.

Is First-Year Apprentice Pay Low?

Compared with qualified landscaping wages:

Yes.

This is probably the biggest financial downside of starting an apprenticeship young.

You may see a landscape labourer working beside you earning considerably more per hour.

That can be frustrating.

But you're being paid while gaining:

• Formal training
• Practical experience
• A recognised qualification

The idea is that your earning potential improves significantly after you become qualified.

How Much Does a Second-Year Landscaping Apprentice Earn?

Current minimum ordinary hourly rates are:

$17.67 per hour

if you haven't completed Year 12.

$19.14 per hour

if you have.

That's a noticeable increase from first year.

How Much Does a Third-Year Landscaping Apprentice Earn?

Third-year apprentices are currently on:

$22.09 per hour

under the relevant award provisions.

At this stage, your pay is no longer different based on whether you completed Year 12.

How Much Does a Fourth-Year Landscaping Apprentice Earn?

Fourth-year apprentices currently receive a minimum ordinary rate of:

$27.98 per hour.

At 38 ordinary hours per week, that's approximately:

$1,063 per week.

By fourth year, the minimum rate is actually above the current National Minimum Wage hourly rate.

How Much Do Adult Landscaping Apprentices Earn?

Adult apprentices have a different wage structure.

Under the Gardening and Landscaping Services Award, current adult apprentice minimums from 1 July 2026 are approximately:

First year: $23.56 per hour

Second and third year: $25.74 per hour

Fourth year: $27.98 per hour

This is substantially higher than junior apprentice rates in the early stages.

Adult Landscaping Apprentice Weekly Wages

The current minimum weekly rates are:

First year: $895.28 per week

Second and third year: $978.10 per week

Fourth year: $1,063.15 per week

These figures are based on ordinary full-time hours.

Who Counts as an Adult Apprentice?

Adult apprentice rules depend on the relevant award provisions.

If you're starting a landscaping apprenticeship later than the traditional school-leaver age, check your exact classification through Fair Work or your apprenticeship provider.

Don't simply assume the junior apprentice table applies to you.

Why Do Adult Apprentices Earn More?

Someone starting an apprenticeship as an adult usually has:

• Higher living expenses
• Previous workforce experience

The award provides separate minimum protections for adult apprentices.

This helps make career changes more financially achievable.

Can You Start a Landscaping Apprenticeship at 21 or Older?

Yes.

There's nothing unusual about beginning an apprenticeship as an adult.

People move into landscaping after working in:

• Hospitality
• Warehousing
• Construction
• Offices
• Retail

Adult apprenticeships are a normal pathway.

Adult Apprentice vs Junior Apprentice Pay

The difference can be considerable.

For example:

A junior first-year apprentice who hasn't completed Year 12 may receive a minimum of:

$14.73 per hour.

An adult first-year apprentice under the relevant adult apprentice provisions may receive:

$23.56 per hour.

That's a difference of:

$8.83 per hour.

Across a full-time week, that adds up quickly.

Do Landscaping Apprentice Wages Increase Every Year?

Generally, yes.

There are two reasons your pay can increase.

First:

You move through apprenticeship stages.

Second:

Award rates themselves may increase following annual wage reviews.

So someone progressing from first to second year can receive an apprenticeship progression increase while minimum award rates may also change over time.

When Does Your Apprentice Rate Change?

Your apprenticeship progression can depend on the structure of your training arrangement.

The exact transition between stages should be confirmed with:

• Employer
• Training provider
• Apprenticeship support organisation

Don't rely purely on the calendar without checking your actual apprenticeship agreement.

Are These Rates Before Tax?

Yes.

Award wage rates are gross wages before:

• Income tax

Your take-home pay will be lower.

Do Landscaping Apprentices Get Super?

Eligible apprentices generally receive superannuation like other employees.

Super is separate from the advertised base wage where applicable.

That means your overall employment package is worth more than just the amount arriving in your bank account each week.

Do Apprentices Get Annual Leave?

Full-time apprentices generally receive employee entitlements such as:

• Annual leave
• Personal leave

under the normal employment framework.

This is one advantage apprentices have compared with some casual labourers.

Landscaping Apprentice vs Casual Labourer

This is an important comparison.

A casual landscape labourer may earn significantly more per hour.

That's because casual employees generally receive:

• Casual loading

instead of certain permanent entitlements.

Meanwhile, an apprentice is being paid under a training arrangement while working toward a qualification.

Why Would You Take Less Money as an Apprentice?

Because you're investing in your future skill level.

Think of it like:

Landscape labourer

Good short-term pay.

versus:

Landscape apprentice

Lower initial pay but formal training and a qualification.

Neither option is automatically better.

But if becoming a qualified landscape construction worker is your goal, the apprenticeship has much stronger long-term value.

Don't Get Trapped by Labouring Money

This happens in construction.

You start labouring and earn:

More than an apprentice.

So you think:

"I'll do this for another year."

Then another.

Then another.

Suddenly you're still doing general labouring five years later.

Meanwhile, the apprentice you started beside is now qualified.

Short-term pay isn't everything.

Compare Where You'll Be in Five Years

Imagine two people start landscaping at the same time.

Worker A

Starts as a landscape labourer.

Worker B

Starts an apprenticeship.

Initially, Worker A may earn considerably more.

Four years later, Worker B has:

• Qualification
• Formal training
• Several years of experience

Worker A may still be earning well.

But Worker B now potentially has stronger pathways into:

• Skilled landscape construction
• Leading hand roles
• Supervision
• Business ownership

That's the trade-off.

Can Landscaping Apprentices Earn Overtime?

Yes.

Apprentices can receive overtime where applicable.

Under the current award, apprentices other than adult apprentices can receive:

150% for the first two overtime hours

and:

200% after the first two hours.

That can make a significant difference to weekly pay.

First-Year Apprentice Overtime Rates

For an apprentice who hasn't completed Year 12:

First two hours: $22.10 per hour

After two hours: $29.46 per hour

For an apprentice who has completed Year 12:

First two hours: $24.30 per hour

After two hours: $32.40 per hour

Second-Year Apprentice Overtime Rates

If Year 12 wasn't completed:

First two hours: $26.51 per hour

After two hours: $35.34 per hour

If Year 12 was completed:

First two hours: $28.71 per hour

After two hours: $38.28 per hour

Third-Year Apprentice Overtime Rates

Current third-year rates are:

First two hours: $33.14 per hour

After two hours: $44.18 per hour

Fourth-Year Apprentice Overtime Rates

Current fourth-year rates are:

First two hours: $41.97 per hour

After two hours: $55.96 per hour

That's considerably stronger than the ordinary hourly rate.

Adult Landscaping Apprentice Overtime Rates

Adult apprentice overtime rates are also higher.

First-Year Adult Apprentice

First two overtime hours: $35.34 per hour

After two hours: $47.12 per hour

Second and Third-Year Adult Apprentice

First two overtime hours: $38.61 per hour

After two hours: $51.48 per hour

Fourth-Year Adult Apprentice

First two overtime hours: $41.97 per hour

After two hours: $55.96 per hour

Can Overtime Make Apprentice Pay Decent?

Definitely.

An apprentice regularly working:

• Longer days
• Saturdays

can end up earning considerably more than their base weekly wage.

But don't build your entire budget around guaranteed overtime.

Projects change.

Weather changes.

Workloads change.

Your normal wage should be the number you use for essential expenses.

What About Public Holidays?

Public holiday work attracts much higher rates under the award.

For apprentices other than adult apprentices, current public holiday rates are:

First year, no Year 12: $36.83 per hour

First year, Year 12 completed: $40.50 per hour

Second year, no Year 12: $44.18 per hour

Second year, Year 12 completed: $47.85 per hour

Third year: $55.23 per hour

Fourth year: $69.95 per hour

Adult Apprentice Public Holiday Rates

Current minimum public holiday rates are:

First year: $58.90 per hour

Second and third year: $64.35 per hour

Fourth year: $69.95 per hour

You probably won't be spending every public holiday laying pavers.

But if you do, the rate is substantially stronger.

Are Landscaping Apprentices Paid for TAFE?

Apprentices generally have specific protections around required training.

How training time, fees and associated costs are handled depends on the relevant award, apprenticeship arrangement and circumstances.

Always check:

• Employment contract
• Award
• Training agreement

rather than assuming you need to complete required training unpaid.

Do Employers Pay TAFE Fees?

Apprenticeship arrangements can include employer obligations relating to:

• Training costs
• Course fees
• Textbooks

depending on the applicable rules.

Check the current requirements for your circumstances.

Do Landscaping Apprentices Get Tool Allowances?

The Gardening and Landscaping Services Award contains allowances that can apply in certain circumstances.

Whether you receive one depends on:

• Classification
• Tools required
• Employment arrangement

Don't assume your base hourly rate is automatically the entire amount you're entitled to.

Other Landscaping Allowances

Depending on your work, there may be allowances associated with areas such as:

• Travel
• Meals
• Tools
• Particular working conditions

The relevant award should be checked for your circumstances.

Do Apprentices Have to Buy Their Own Tools?

It depends.

Some employers provide almost everything.

Others expect apprentices to gradually purchase basic tools.

Before spending hundreds of dollars, ask:

"What tools do you actually want me to bring?"

Buying an entire hardware store before your first shift isn't necessary.

Does the Employer Provide PPE?

Employers have workplace safety obligations.

The exact equipment provided depends on:

• Work
• Workplace
• Safety requirements

Some personal items may be handled differently from specialist PPE.

Confirm with your employer.

Can Landscaping Apprentices Be Paid Above Award?

Absolutely.

The award is a minimum.

An employer can pay:

• $1 above award
• $5 above award
• Much more

provided the employee still receives at least their legal entitlements.

Do Some Landscaping Employers Pay Above Award?

Yes.

Companies may offer above-award rates to attract and retain good apprentices.

This can be more common when:

• Labour is difficult to find
• Work is physically demanding
• Apprentice is performing well

Don't assume every apprenticeship will pay exactly the award minimum.

Can You Negotiate Apprentice Pay?

Potentially.

You're more likely to have negotiating power if you bring:

• Previous landscaping experience
• Construction experience
• Plant skills
• Strong work history

A complete beginner usually has less leverage.

Should You Choose the Highest-Paying Apprenticeship?

Not necessarily.

Imagine two offers.

Employer A

Pays slightly above award.

But you spend most of your time:

• Moving materials
• Cleaning

Employer B

Pays award.

But teaches you:

• Paving
• Drainage
• Irrigation
• Retaining walls
• Machinery
• Plans

Employer B may be far more valuable over four years.

Training Quality Matters

A good apprenticeship should turn you into a competent landscaper.

That's the point.

You're not trying to maximise only:

First-year earnings.

You're trying to maximise:

Lifetime career value.

Can You Get Pay Rises for Performing Well?

Yes.

Nothing stops an employer paying more than the minimum.

A strong apprentice who becomes increasingly useful may receive above-award increases.

But this is up to the employment arrangement.

What Makes an Apprentice Worth More?

Things such as:

• Reliability
• Tool skills
• Speed
• Quality
• Safety

The more supervision you require, the more expensive you are to employ.

As you become capable of working independently, your value increases.

Can Landscaping Apprentices Earn $1,000 a Week?

Yes.

Fourth-year apprentices on current minimum rates earn slightly above:

$1,060 per week

before tax for ordinary full-time hours.

Adult apprentices in fourth year are on the same minimum.

Earlier-year apprentices may also exceed $1,000 in a week through:

• Overtime
• Higher employer rates

Can a First-Year Landscaping Apprentice Earn $1,000 a Week?

Potentially, but not on ordinary award minimum hours for most apprentices.

An adult first-year apprentice currently has a minimum weekly rate of:

$895.28.

Overtime could push that above $1,000.

An employer could also pay above award.

Can Landscaping Apprentices Earn $50,000 a Year?

Yes.

Depending on:

• Apprenticeship stage
• Age
• Overtime
• Above-award rates

Later-year and adult apprentices can reach or exceed that level.

Fourth-Year Apprentice Annual Pay

At:

$27.98 per hour

for 38 ordinary hours per week, the simple annualised figure is approximately:

$55,300 per year

before overtime.

That's before any applicable:

• Penalties
• Allowances

Adult First-Year Annual Pay

At the minimum weekly rate of:

$895.28

a simple 52-week annualisation is around:

$46,500.

Again, actual annual earnings can differ because of:

• Leave
• Overtime
• Pay changes

Is Landscaping Apprentice Pay Better Than Other Apprenticeships?

Not necessarily.

Apprentice wages vary between awards and industries.

Some apprenticeships in:

• Mining
• Major construction
• Enterprise agreement workplaces

can pay considerably more.

But starting salary shouldn't be your only reason for choosing a trade.

Landscaping Apprentice vs Carpentry Apprentice

Pay arrangements are covered by different awards depending on the employer and work.

One may pay more than the other in a particular situation.

Career choice should also consider:

• Work you enjoy
• Qualification
• Long-term opportunities

Landscaping Apprentice vs Electrical Apprentice

Electrical apprenticeship wages can differ because electricians are covered by different industrial instruments.

Electrical also has a different:

• Licensing pathway
• Qualification
• Career structure

Don't compare only first-year hourly pay.

Landscaping Apprentice vs General Construction Labourer

A general construction labourer may earn substantially more initially.

That's because they're being employed to perform productive labour rather than completing a formal apprenticeship.

Long term, a landscape construction qualification can provide stronger specialist opportunities.

Landscaping Apprentice vs Garden Labourer

A garden labourer may have:

• Higher immediate wages
• No formal apprenticeship progression

An apprentice receives:

• Structured training
• Qualification pathway

Your goals determine which is better.

Are Adult Landscaping Apprenticeships Financially Worth It?

They can be.

The adult apprentice wage structure makes a career change more achievable.

A first-year adult minimum of around:

$895 per week

is still a pay cut for many people leaving established careers.

But it may be manageable if landscaping is something you genuinely want to pursue.

Budget Before Starting

If you're switching from a higher-paying job, calculate:

• Rent
• Food
• Transport
• Debt
• Bills

against your apprentice wage before accepting the role.

Don't discover two weeks into the apprenticeship that your basic expenses are higher than your take-home pay.

Build an Emergency Fund if You Can

If you're planning an adult career change, saving some money beforehand can make the lower early wages much easier.

It gives you breathing room while your earnings increase.

Apprentice Wages Get Better

The financial picture improves significantly through the apprenticeship.

A simplified progression for someone who completed Year 12 is:

$16.20

→ $19.14

→ $22.09

→ $27.98

per hour.

The jump from first year to fourth year is substantial.

Qualified Landscaper Pay

Once you're qualified and experienced, your earning potential can improve further.

Depending on your skills and role, experienced landscape construction workers may earn roughly:

$65,000–$90,000+

and supervisory positions can go higher.

The Apprenticeship Is the Beginning

Qualification isn't where progression ends.

After becoming qualified you can move toward:

• Leading hand
• Supervisor
• Commercial landscaping
• Project coordination
• Business ownership

That's where the longer-term financial upside becomes more interesting.

Business Ownership Changes the Ceiling

A qualified landscaper who eventually starts a business isn't limited to an employee hourly rate.

They can potentially build:

• Crews
• Larger projects
• Recurring maintenance contracts

Business ownership comes with much more risk.

But it also has a higher potential ceiling.

Don't Start an Apprenticeship Only for the Money

There are probably easier ways to earn:

$15–$20 an hour

than spending your day moving pavers in Australian summer.

Choose landscaping because you actually want the career.

The better money generally comes after you've built the skill.

What If Your Employer Is Underpaying You?

Start by checking:

• Your apprenticeship stage
• Your award
• Your payslip

Then compare your pay with current Fair Work minimums.

If something doesn't look right, raise it with the employer or seek advice from Fair Work.

Keep Your Payslips

This is simple but important.

Keep records showing:

• Hours
• Rates
• Overtime

It's much easier to resolve a pay issue when you actually have documentation.

Check Your Apprenticeship Stage

If your pay is supposed to increase when you progress, make sure your employer has correctly updated payroll.

Mistakes happen.

Don't assume payroll automatically knows everything happening with your training.

Are Cash-in-Hand Apprentice Jobs a Good Idea?

Be cautious.

A legitimate apprenticeship should be:

• Properly registered
• Properly paid

Getting handed cash every Friday with no formal training arrangement isn't the same as completing a recognised apprenticeship.

Make Sure You're Actually Registered as an Apprentice

This sounds obvious.

But don't work for someone for a year believing you're:

"Basically an apprentice"

without an actual apprenticeship arrangement.

Labouring experience is still useful.

But it doesn't automatically become an apprenticeship because your boss occasionally teaches you something.

Pay Attention to Your Training

Your long-term earnings depend on becoming genuinely skilled.

During the apprenticeship, learn:

• Paving
• Levels
• Drainage
• Irrigation
• Machinery
• Construction methods

The more capable you are at completion, the better your negotiating position.

Learn More Than the Minimum

A strong apprentice pays attention to:

• How jobs are quoted
• Material costs
• Scheduling
• Customers

Those skills can eventually lead into:

• Supervision
• Estimating
• Business ownership

Make the Low-Wage Years Count

If you're temporarily accepting lower wages, get as much value from the apprenticeship as possible.

Don't just:

• Turn up
• Carry things
• Go home

Learn everything.

You're essentially being paid while building a career asset.

Is a Landscaping Apprenticeship Worth the Lower Wages?

For someone who wants a long-term landscaping career:

It can absolutely be worth it.

The early wages can be challenging.

But in return you're working toward:

• Qualification
• Experience
• Higher future pay

That's a very different proposition from simply staying in an entry-level job indefinitely.

How to Increase Your Earnings After Qualification

Once qualified, focus on useful skills such as:

• Paving
• Retaining walls
• Drainage
• Machinery
• Irrigation
• Supervising workers

Then you can move toward higher-paying positions.

Overall

Landscaping apprentice wages start relatively low but improve considerably as you progress.

As of 1 July 2026, minimum ordinary rates under the Gardening and Landscaping Services Award for apprentices who started from 1 January 2014 are:

Not completed Year 12

First year: $14.73

Second year: $17.67

Third year: $22.09

Fourth year: $27.98

Completed Year 12

First year: $16.20

Second year: $19.14

Third year: $22.09

Fourth year: $27.98

Adult apprentice minimums are:

First year: $23.56

Second and third year: $25.74

Fourth year: $27.98

Those are minimum rates.

Your employer may pay more.

Overtime, penalty rates and applicable allowances can also increase your total earnings.

The important thing is to look beyond the first-year figure.

An apprenticeship is a multi-year investment in your skills.

Yes, you may initially watch a labourer earn more money than you.

But if you finish with:

• A qualification
• Four years of experience
• Strong landscaping skills

you're in a much better position to progress into:

• Higher-paid landscaping
• Supervision
• Specialist work
• Your own business

For most people serious about making landscaping a career, that's the bigger financial picture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a first-year landscaping apprentice earn?

Under the Gardening and Landscaping Services Award from 1 July 2026, first-year apprentices commencing under the relevant modern arrangements earn at least $14.73 per hour if they haven't completed Year 12 or $16.20 if they have.

How much does a second-year landscaping apprentice earn?

The current minimum is $17.67 per hour without Year 12 or $19.14 per hour if Year 12 was completed.

How much does a third-year landscaping apprentice earn?

Third-year apprentices currently have a minimum ordinary rate of $22.09 per hour.

How much does a fourth-year landscaping apprentice earn?

Fourth-year apprentices currently have a minimum ordinary rate of $27.98 per hour.

How much does an adult landscaping apprentice earn?

Current adult apprentice minimums are $23.56 per hour in first year, $25.74 in second and third year, and $27.98 in fourth year.

Do landscaping apprentice wages increase each year?

Generally, yes. Apprentice rates increase as you progress through the apprenticeship, and award rates may also change following wage reviews.

Do Year 12 graduates get paid more as landscaping apprentices?

Under the current award, apprentices who completed Year 12 receive higher first and second-year minimum rates. Third and fourth-year rates are the same.

Do landscaping apprentices get overtime?

Yes, overtime rates can apply. Current award overtime generally pays 150% for the first two overtime hours and 200% after that.

Do landscaping apprentices get superannuation?

Eligible apprentices generally receive superannuation in addition to their wages under normal employment rules.

Do landscaping apprentices get annual leave?

Full-time apprentices generally receive paid annual leave and other employee entitlements.

Can an employer pay a landscaping apprentice above award?

Yes. Award rates are legal minimums. Employers can offer above-award wages.

Can a landscaping apprentice earn $1,000 a week?

Yes. Fourth-year apprentices currently earn more than $1,000 per week on ordinary full-time minimum rates, while earlier apprentices may exceed that amount through overtime or above-award pay.

Is a landscaping apprenticeship financially worth it?

It can be if you want a long-term landscaping career. Early wages are lower, but you're gaining a qualification and experience that can lead to higher-paid skilled, supervisory and business opportunities.

Is landscape labouring better paid than an apprenticeship?

It often pays more initially. However, an apprenticeship provides formal training and a qualification that can improve your long-term earning potential.

Where should I check my current landscaping apprentice wage?

Check the latest Gardening and Landscaping Services Award and Fair Work pay information, as minimum rates can change and your exact entitlement depends on your circumstances.