Journeyman Wage Progression Calculator
Project trade career earnings from apprentice pay through journeyman wages with annual raises.
What does the undefined do?
It projects lifetime trade earnings from apprentice wages through journeyman pay with annual raises, so apprentices can see the payoff.
- Inputs: apprentice start wage, journeyman wage, apprentice years, journeyman years, paid hours and an annual raise.
- Output: career earnings in total, split between apprentice and journeyman phases.
- Method: apprentice pay rises evenly to the journeyman rate; journeyman pay compounds by the annual raise.
Quick answer
Starting at 16 and reaching 32 an hour, with four apprentice years and ten journeyman years at three percent raises, total career earnings are about 925,688 pre-tax.
What This Calculator Really Does
The trades reward patience: apprentice pay is low, but the jump to journeyman rate is substantial and then compounds with each annual raise. This tool models that path so an apprentice can see the long-run earnings before committing years. Apprentice pay is treated as rising evenly from the start wage to the full journeyman rate, so its average is the midpoint. Journeyman pay starts at the full rate and grows by the annual raise, compounded over the years. The result is pre-tax and excludes overtime, which is common in the trades and can lift real earnings well above the base. Licensing, specialization and union scale all affect the rate, and moving between regions can change it further. Treat the total as a floor for someone who stays in the trade and works full time.
The formula it uses
Apprentice earnings = ((start + journey) / 2) x hours x apprentice years. Journeyman earnings = journey x hours x ((1 + r)^n - 1) / r, where r is the raise and n the journeyman years. Total = apprentice plus journeyman.
Worked example with real numbers
Starting at 16 and reaching 32 an hour, the apprentice average is 24, so four years at 2,000 hours give 192,000. Ten journeyman years at 32 with three percent raises compound to about 733,688, for a career total of about 925,688.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Comparing only starting wages and missing the long journeyman tail.
- Forgetting that overtime, shift premiums and specialization can add heavily.
- Ignoring licensing exams, which gate the jump to the journeyman rate.
Assumptions and limitations
Full-time hours are assumed in every year, wages rise on schedule, and no gaps, layoffs, overtime or relocation are modelled. Figures are pre-tax and in nominal terms, ignoring inflation.
Disclaimer
This is an educational projection, not career or financial advice. Actual wages depend on region, union agreements, licensing and demand, so verify local rates before relying on these figures.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How is the undefined calculated?
Apprentice pay is averaged between the start and journeyman rate, journeyman pay is compounded by the annual raise, and the two totals are added. The steps panel shows each phase.
What do I need to use the undefined?
The apprentice start wage, the journeyman wage, both phases in years, paid hours a year and the expected annual raise.
What does the result from the undefined show?
Total career earnings split between the apprentice and journeyman phases, pre-tax.
How long does it take to become a journeyman?
Usually three to five years of apprenticeship plus licensing, depending on the trade and country. This tool lets you model any length.
Is overtime worth including?
It can add a large share of earnings. This tool excludes it, so if you regularly work overtime, your real total will be higher.
Is the undefined really free?
Yes — 100 percent free, no sign-up, and everything runs in your browser.
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