Apprenticeship Salary in 2025: What Are the Amounts?
19 June 2025 · 2 min reading time
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See job offersWondering how much an apprentice earns in 2025? Whether you're a future apprentice, under a professionalization contract, or a recruiter, the topic of alternance salary is key. With wages calculated as a percentage of the minimum wage (SMIC), specific social contribution exemptions, and new changes introduced by the 2025 reform, it can be hard to navigate.
This article walks you through how alternance pay is determined according to age, contract type (apprenticeship or professionalization), and year of training. Salary grids, real-world examples, net vs. gross explanations, legislative changes—everything you need to understand clearly.
How Is an Apprentice's Salary Calculated?
An apprentice's salary is calculated as a percentage of the gross SMIC or, in some cases, based on the minimum wage set by the company's collective agreement. This percentage varies based on three main factors:
- The apprentice’s age
- The year of the contract (1st, 2nd, or 3rd year)
- The type of contract (apprenticeship or professionalization)
The older and more advanced in training the apprentice is, the higher their salary. For example, a 21-year-old apprentice in their second year earns more than an 18-year-old in their first year. These rates are governed by law, but companies can always offer higher pay, especially if a branch agreement allows it.
Alternance Salary Grid in 2025
Salary by Age and Year of Contract
| Apprentice's Age | 1st Year | 2nd Year | 3rd Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 18 | 27% of SMIC | 39% of SMIC | 55% of SMIC |
| 18 to 20 | 43% of SMIC | 51% of SMIC | 67% of SMIC |
| 21 to 25 | 53% of SMIC | 61% of SMIC | 78% of SMIC |
| 26 and over | 100% of SMIC | 100% of SMIC | 100% of SMIC |
Bonuses, Sequences, and Special Cases
Some situations can lead to an automatic salary increase. For example, if an apprentice signs a new contract to pursue a diploma at the same or lower level, the pay must be at least equal to the previous contract’s.
If an apprentice changes companies but continues the same training cycle, they retain their former pay level.
Apprentices with disabilities, top-level athletes, or those under more favorable collective agreements may also receive special compensation.
When Is Alternance Salary Increased?
1. New Contract for Same or Lower-Level Diploma
If an apprentice signs a new contract for a diploma at the same or lower level, their pay cannot be lower than that of their previous contract.
2. Employer Change Without Training Interruption
If the apprentice changes employer but continues the same training cycle, their contractual seniority continues. The salary grid follows their actual year of training.
3. Downgrade in Training Level
Even if the apprentice switches to a lower-level diploma (e.g. from Bac+2 to CAP), their pay must not decrease.
4. These Increases Are Mandatory
These increases require no contract amendment: they are automatic and mandatory once conditions are met.
Apprentice Pay Based on Diploma Level
In addition to age and year, some apprentices qualify for a salary bonus based on the diploma level:
- +10% of gross salary when preparing a Level IV diploma (e.g., Bac Pro, BTS)
- +20% for a Level III diploma (e.g., Bachelor's, Master’s)
These increases are allowed under Article D6222-30-1 of the French Labor Code and may be enforced through branch agreements.
⚠️ These bonuses are not automatic. They must be included in the contract or provided for by collective agreement.
Example:
A 21–25-year-old apprentice in year 2, normally earning 61% of SMIC (€1,099 gross), could earn up to €1,209 (+10%) for a Bac+2 or €1,319 (+20%) for a Bac+3 or higher.
Gross vs. Net Salary in Alternance
Apprenticeship contracts benefit from social contribution exemptions, which means the net salary is almost equal to gross.
Professionalization contracts include regular contributions. Net pay is usually 90–95% of gross.
Estimated Salary for a Professionalization Contract (2025)
| Profile | Gross (€) | Estimated Net (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Under 21 - Level < Bac | €990.99 | €941.44 |
| Under 21 - Level ≥ Bac | €1,171.17 | €1,112.61 |
| 21–25 - Level < Bac | €1,261.26 | €1,198.20 |
| 21–25 - Level ≥ Bac | €1,441.44 | €1,369.37 |
| 26 and over | €1,801.80 | €1,711.71 |
2025 Reform: What Changes for Apprentice Salary?
As of March 1, 2025, the contribution exemption for apprenticeship contracts is capped at 50% of SMIC (down from 79%).
Who’s Affected?
- Apprenticeship contracts signed after March 1, 2025
- Companies with more than 10 employees
- Older contracts are not affected
What’s the Impact?
- Apprentices earning 100% of SMIC may lose around €143 net/month
- This is part of the 2025 French Social Security Financing Law (PLFSS)
Summary
- Salary depends on age, year, contract type, and diploma level
- Net ≈ Gross in apprenticeship, but lower for professionalization
- 2025 reform reduces net pay in some cases
- Mandatory raises apply when switching contracts or diplomas
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