An apprenticeship is an occupational training program that typically includes a combination of on-the-job training under the direct supervision of a skilled tradesperson and classroom or other formal instruction. Salaries for apprentices vary based on the trade involved, but typically start at 50 percent of a journey worker's salary. An apprentice's salary may increase as he gains the necessary skills and experience. Salaries for apprenticeships may also vary based on the geographic location of the job.

Lineman Apprenticeship

Electrical linemen are responsible for maintaining and repairing electrical power lines. Candidates for a lineman apprenticeship must typically hold a high school diploma, have a valid driver's license, be willing to work in emergency weather situations and have the physical ability to climb to heights of more than 500 feet. The Tennessee Valley Authority operates a lineman apprenticeship program with a progressive salary structure. As of June 2011, entry-level apprentices earn $36,450 per year during their 1st period A; 1st period B apprentice linemen earn $38,370 per year. Annual wages for 2nd period apprentices is $42,205; 3rd period apprentices earn $47,325 per year and 4th period apprentices earn $54,360. As of June 2011, candidates who complete their apprenticeship become journeyman linemen with annual wages of $63,950.

Steamfitter and Industrial Pipefitter Apprenticeship

Steamfitters and industrial pipefitters fabricate, assemble, test, maintain, install and rehabilitate piping for instrumentation, heating, cooling, and industrial and manufacturing purposes. The Los Angeles and Vicinity Steamfitter and Industrial Pipefitter Apprenticeship Committee offers a five-year apprenticeship program for candidates who hold a high school diploma and are at least 18 years old. Starting wages for an apprentice in this program was $17.06 per hour as of June 2011. Apprentices receive annual pay raises topping out at $34.12 once they complete the program and become journey workers.

Carpenter Apprenticeship

Carpenters build things out of wood and other types of materials. They may work in commercial or residential endeavors ranging from homes to high-rise office buildings. They may install cabinets in a house, or help build a bridge over a highway. The Northeast Ohio Carpenters’ Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee offers apprentice programs for carpenter's apprentices in commercial, residential, floor covering, cabinetmaking and other carpentry fields. Wages for carpenter apprentices in this program begin at 40 percent of the journey worker's wage level. The Indeed website placed the average annual salary for carpenter apprentices in Ohio at $32,000 as of June 2011.

Elevator Constructor's Apprenticeship

Elevator installers and repairers earn some of the highest wages of any construction occupation, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. The International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 19 offers a national elevator industry educational apprenticeship in Washington State. Apprentices are paid a progressive percentage of a journey worker's wages, based on the their level of attained skills. Entry-level apprentices earn 50 percent of a journey worker's pay. Upon completion of their probationary period, apprentices earn 55 percent. Second-year apprentices earn 65 percent of a journey worker's pay rate. The rate increases to 70 percent during the third year and 80 percent during the fourth year. The median annual income for elevator installers and repairers in Washington State was $87,390 as of May 2010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

2018 Salary Information for Elevator Installers and Repairers

Elevator installers and repairers earned a median annual salary of $79,780 in May 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On the low end, elevator installers and repairers earned a 10th percentile salary of $56,060, meaning 90 percent earned more than this amount. The 90th percentile salary is $97,670, meaning 10 percent earn more. In 2018, 27,000 people were employed in the U.S. as elevator installers and repairers.