Apprentices must be paid a percentage of the journeyman rate based on their occupation and hours of experience. This guide walks you through calculating the correct wage and setting up tracking in Apprentix.
📥 Download Tool: Apprenticeship Wage Schedule Calculator
Step 1: Find the Journeyman Rate
Visit SAM.gov to locate the appropriate prevailing wage determination. Filter by:
Building type (commercial, residential, heavy)
County where the work is performed
Occupation of the apprentice
This journeyman rate is the baseline for calculating apprentice wages. You must also pay fringes.
Step 2: Locate the Correct Appendix A
Each occupation has a corresponding Appendix A, which includes the official Apprentice Wage Schedule.
Refer to Section 4: Apprentice Wage Schedule in Appendix A
This schedule shows the percentage of the journeyman rate apprentices can be paid at different experience levels
Step 3: Calculate the Apprentice Wage
The wage schedule applies a percentage to the journeyman rate.
Example:
Journeyman rate = $50/hour
First 1,000 hours = 72% of journeyman rate
Apprentice wage = $50 × 0.72 = $36/hour
Step 4: Set Up Wage Tracking in Apprentix
Enter the wage schedule into Apprentix for each apprentice
Apprentix will send notifications when an apprentice reaches the next wage tier based on hours worked
Step 5: Understand Wage Increase Requirements
Wage increases are required only if you are paying at the minimum outlined in the schedule
If you already pay above the minimum, no increase is required unless the new minimum exceeds your current rate
The schedule represents the minimum allowable wage — you may always choose to pay more
Additional Notes
Always confirm you’re using the correct Appendix A for the apprentice’s occupation
Journeyman rates may change — regularly check SAM.gov for updates
Apprentix helps ensure compliance by tracking hours and reminding you of wage increases
Important: The wage percentage discount applies only to the hourly base rate, not to fringe benefits
✅ By following these steps and using Apprentix’s tracking tools, you’ll stay compliant with DOL requirements while ensuring fair apprentice pay.