You’re thinking, “Okay, but how many hours do I work for that money?” Standard is 30 to 40 hours a week. That includes 20% “off-the-job” training. So you’re paid to sit in a classroom or do online courses. Weird but true.
Part-time apprenticeships exist too. They pay less, obviously, but give you flexibility if you’re juggling kids or a side hustle. It’s a trade-off, but a fair one.
Avoid any employer who tries to pay you in “exposure.” Exposure doesn’t pay your electric bill. If they offer less than minimum wage, run. That’s not an apprenticeship—that’s a scam.
The Best Industries For Apprentices In The UK: 2026 Stats
So, What’s the Real Number?
Let’s average it out. Across all industries in the UK, most apprentices earn between £15,000 and £25,000 per year. That’s after your first year, once you’re not on the “newbie” rate. Not bad for learning a trade, right?
In the US? It’s a bit different. Apprentices typically earn 50-60% of a full journey worker’s wage. That can be $20 to $30 per hour in fields like plumbing or electrical work. And those wages increase fast—like clockwork.
Here’s the cold truth: you won’t get rich overnight. But you also won’t be broke. And by year three? You’ll likely be earning more than your friend who went to university and now makes minimum wage at a coffee shop. No shade to baristas.
