When someone starts an apprenticeship, he starts at half the journeyman's rate. If you live in my province, in Alberta, and you're a journeyman pipe fitter, your wage will be about $44 per hour, plus 10% for holiday pay, and there will be an $8 or $9 benefit package on top of that. You can make $150,000 per year without much difficulty. A first-year apprentice who is prepared to apply himself can make $75,000.
On March 13th, 2012. See this statement in context.