GI Bill Apprenticeship Pay: Understanding the Monthly Benefits and Pay Scales

The GI Bill offers a powerful benefit for veterans pursuing apprenticeships and on-the-job training – covering books, supplies, and even housing costs. But how much does the GI Bill pay for apprenticeships?

In this comprehensive guide we’ll break down the monthly pay scales and salary benefits you can receive using the GI Bill for an apprenticeship or OJT program.

You’ll learn

• GI Bill programs that pay for apprenticeships
• Monthly allowance rates under the Post-9/11 and Montgomery Bills
• How long payments last for OJT programs
• The salary you earn separately from the GI Bill
• How to maximize benefits and get approved

Understanding the GI Bill apprenticeship pay scale allows you to take full advantage of this education route. Let’s dive into the details!

GI Bill Programs That Pay for Apprenticeships

The main GI Bill programs that offer benefits for apprenticeships are:

• Post-9/11 GI Bill – Pays a monthly housing allowance, plus money for books/supplies.

• Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty – Pays a monthly training stipend.

• Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve – Pays a reduced monthly training stipend.

Dependents and spouses receiving GI Bill benefits through the Fry Scholarship or DEA program can also use them for apprenticeship training.

The key benefit is that the GI Bill pays while you learn hands-on and earn a salary.

Post-9/11 GI Bill Apprenticeship Pay Rates

Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, apprenticeship training pay includes:

• Monthly Housing Allowance – This is based on the military’s Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents in your training area’s ZIP code. The rate decreases incrementally every 6 months as your salary increases.

• Annual Books & Supplies Stipend – $1,000 per year paid proportionately based on training time.

The Post-9/11 housing rates start at 100% of the BAH during the first 6 months. They decrease to 80% for months 7-12, 60% for months 13-18, 40% for months 19-24, and 20% for any remaining training period.

This sliding scale accounts for raises as you gain skills. The longer you train, the higher your salary and lower the BAH payment.

Montgomery GI Bill Apprenticeship Pay Rates

The Montgomery GI Bills pay a set monthly training stipend. Rates for fiscal year 2023 are:

• Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty – $1,768.50 for the first 6 months, $1,296.90 for the second 6 months, and $825.30 per month thereafter.

• Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve – $349.50 for the first 6 months, $256.30 for the second 6 months, and $163.10 per month after that.

The Montgomery Bills don’t pay a housing allowance – just the flat training stipend. But the stipend is yours to spend on living costs.

How Long Do GI Bill Payments Last?

GI Bill apprenticeship benefits extend for the entire length of your training program.

Benefits typically cover multi-year apprenticeships ranging from 2 years for shorter programs up to 5 years for extensive training.

The Post-9/11 housing allowance decreases every 6 months. But both GI Bills pay their training stipends for the full apprenticeship period.

The maximum is 48 months of benefits in total if you have multiple apprenticeships.

Apprenticeship Salary Separate From GI Bill Pay

In addition to GI Bill benefits, you earn a salary from the employer sponsoring your apprenticeship.

Apprenticeship salaries vary by industry and region. But pay typically starts around 50-60% of a full journeyman wage.

For example, average starting salaries range from:

• $15/hour for automotive technician apprentices
• $14/hour for plumbing apprentices
• $17/hour for electrician apprentices

Pay increases incrementally as you gain expertise. Once fully trained, you begin earning the full journeyman wage.

Combining your tax-free GI Bill benefits and salary, apprenticeship programs provide an attractive earnings and training package.

Maximize Your Benefits With These Tips

Follow these pointers to make the most of GI Bill apprenticeship benefits:

• Comparison shop programs on the GI Bill Comparison Tool to find VA-approved ones.

• Pursue high-demand trades like electrician, plumber, and machinist to boost earnings potential.

• Use the Post-9/11 GI Bill to also receive the housing allowance.

• Research local unions, associations, and companies offering strong training.

• Meet program entry requirements like physical exams or basic skills tests.

• Keepdeclarative calendar goals and income statements to stay organized.

Thinking strategically from the start helps you capitalize on this lucrative education option.

How to Get Approved for GI Bill Apprenticeship Benefits

To qualify for GI Bill apprenticeship benefits, you must:

• Have remaining GI Bill eligibility.

• Get accepted into a VA-approved OJT or apprenticeship program.

• Enter a training contract with an employer for the apprenticeship period.

• Have a job with required training of at least 6 months for certification.

• Be a new hire with less than 2 years experience in the field.

• Work a full-time role where training is at least 50% of job duties.

Once you land an eligible apprenticeship and meet VA guidelines, you can apply to start receiving your GI Bill benefits!

Put Your GI Bill to Work Through Apprenticeships

Whether becoming an electrician, carpenter, or machinist piques your interest, the GI Bill offers a lucrative way to learn trades through apprenticeships.

You can pocket thousands in tax-free benefits while earning a salary and industry certification.