SuperAlternantApril 15, 20261 min read
Pay is one of the great advantages of work-study: you are paid to train. But how much exactly? The amount depends on your age, your contract year and the type of contract. Let's break it down.
An apprentice's pay is calculated as a percentage of the minimum wage (or the sector minimum if it is more favourable). This percentage rises with age and progress through the programme.
These brackets change every year as the minimum wage is revalued: always check the scale in force when you sign.
Both contracts follow similar scales, but the apprenticeship contract offers a major advantage: the salary is in principle exempt from income tax up to an annual ceiling. A real boost for your purchasing power.
For an equal qualification, always compare the rhythm, pay and assignments on offer before committing.
Don't look only at the gross salary. Also think about:
A decent salary isn't everything: the assignments and support matter just as much. To find the right balance, browse the apprenticeship offers on SuperAlternant and read our comparison of apprenticeship vs internship.
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Votre salaire d'alternant dépend d'abord de votre âge. Grille officielle au 1er juin 2026, montants en euros à 18, 20, 22 et 26 ans, et les deux anniversaires qui font tout basculer : 21 ans et 26 ans.
Pourquoi le net d'un apprenti est presque égal à son brut, ce qu'est le montant net social, quelles retenues restent visibles, et comment vérifier en trois étapes que votre salaire respecte la grille légale.
Le salaire d'apprenti est exonéré d'impôt sur le revenu dans la limite du SMIC annuel. En contrat de professionnalisation, la règle change. Rattachement au foyer fiscal des parents, déclaration séparée, job d'été à déclarer : le point complet, sans chiffre inventé.