The hourly rate for the minimum wage depends on your age and whether you’re an apprentice. You must be at least:
-of School leaving age to get the National Minimum Wage
-aged 23 to get the National Living Wage – the minimum wage will still apply for workers aged 22 and under
These rates are for the National Living Wage (for those aged 23 and over) and change on 1 April every year
Age 23 and over
£10.42 per hour
Age 21 – 22
£10.18
Age 18 – 20
£7.49
Under 18
£5.28
Apprentice
£5.28
Apprentices
Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they’re either:
aged under 19
aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship
Example: An apprentice aged 21 in the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £4.30.
Apprentices are entitled to the minimum wage for their age if they both:
are aged 19 or over
have completed the first year of their apprenticeship
Example: An apprentice aged 21 who has completed the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £8.36.
Apprentices receive the 18 to 20 hourly rate when they have their 19th birthday.
The exception would be if they were 19 or over or are within 12 months of their 19th birthday upon appointment; in this case the 18-20 rate is payable 12 months after the date of their appointment.
