Work-study remuneration follows precise rules set by law. It depends on your age, the year of execution of the contract, and the type of contract (apprenticeship or professionalisation). Here is how to read your future salary.
In summary: the salary is a percentage of the SMIC that increases with age and seniority. In apprenticeship, it ranges from 27 % of the SMIC (minor, 1st year) to 100 % (aged 26 and over). The gross monthly SMIC is 1 867,02 € on 1 June 2026. The apprentice's salary is exempt from income tax up to one annual SMIC.
A percentage of the SMIC
The legal minimum salary is expressed as a percentage of the SMIC (or of the minimum set by the applicable convention collective if more favourable). This percentage increases with age and with each new year of the contract.
2026 apprenticeship contract pay grid
| Apprentice's age | 1st year | 2nd year | 3rd year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 18 | 27 % | 39 % | 55 % |
| 18 to 20 | 43 % | 51 % | 67 % |
| 21 to 25 | 53 % | 61 % | 78 % |
| 26 and over | 100 % of the SMIC (or of the minimum conventionnel) | — | — |
Based on a gross SMIC of 1 867,02 €, an apprentice aged 18–20 in the first year therefore receives approximately 803 € gross per month (43 %), and an apprentice aged 21–25 in the first year approximately 990 € gross (53 %).
Professionalisation contract pay grid
The professionalisation contract applies slightly different minima, depending on age and qualification level:
- Under 21: at least 55 % of the SMIC.
- 21 to 25: at least 70 % of the SMIC.
- 26 and over: at least the SMIC, or 85 % of the minimum conventionnel if more favourable.
Apprenticeship or professionalisation: what impact on salary?
The apprenticeship contract is often more advantageous for younger workers, while professionalisation guarantees higher minima for adults and people changing careers. To understand all the differences, read our comparison apprenticeship or professionalisation.
Remember to check your convention collective: it may provide a minimum higher than the legal pay scale.
What actually ends up in your pocket
Good news: the apprentice's remuneration is exempt from income tax up to one annual SMIC. Regarding contributions, the exemption from employee social contributions applies up to 50 % of the SMIC (since 1 March 2025): for modest salaries, the net is therefore very close to the gross. Beyond that threshold, contributions apply only to the portion exceeding 50 % of the SMIC.
And supplementary benefits?
Beyond the salary, you can combine several benefits: housing allowances, the Mobili-Jeune allowance, driving licence assistance. Discover them in our articles on work-study and housing and financial assistance.
Simulating your net salary
The percentages above are legal minima: your employer may offer more. To estimate your net salary in a few seconds according to your age, your year of contract, and your exact situation, use our salary simulator.