The hourly rate for the minimum wage depends on your age and whether you’re an apprentice.
You must be at least:
school leaving age to get the National Minimum Wage
aged 25 to get the National Living Wage – the minimum wage will still apply for workers aged 24 and under
Current rates:
These rates are for the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage. The rates change every April.
| Year | 25 and over | 21 to 24 | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2017 (current) | £7.50 | £7.05 | £5.60 | £4.05 | £3.50 |
| April 2018 | £7.83 | £7.38 | £5.90 | £4.20 | £3.70 |
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 22 in the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £3.50
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 22 who has completed the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £7.05
Previous rates:
The following rates were for the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage from April 2016.
| Year | 25 and over | 21 to 24 | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 2016 to March 2017 | £7.20 | £6.95 | £5.55 | £4.00 | £3.40 |
| April 2016 to September 2016 | £7.20 | £6.70 | £5.30 | £3.87 | £3.30 |
Rates before April 2016
The following rates were for the National Minimum Wage before the National Living Wage was introduced. The rates were usually updated every October.
| Year | 21 and over | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | £6.70 | £5.30 | £3.87 | £3.30 |
| 2014 | £6.50 | £5.13 | £3.79 | £2.73 |
| 2013 | £6.31 | £5.03 | £3.72 | £2.68 |
| 2012 | £6.19 | £4.98 | £3.68 | £2.65 |
| 2011 | £6.08 | £4.98 | £3.68 | £2.60 |
| 2010 | £5.93 | £4.92 | £3.64 | £2.50 |
Rates before 2010
The age groups were different before 2010 and there were no National Minimum Wage rates for apprentices.
| Year | 22 and over | 18 to 21 | Under 18 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | £5.80 | £4.83 | £3.57 |
| 2008 | £5.73 | £4.77 | £3.53 |
| 2007 | £5.52 | £4.60 | £3.40 |
| 2006 | £5.35 | £4.45 | £3.30 |
| 2005 | £5.05 | £4.25 | £3.00 |
Who gets the minimum wage?
Read the information on who is entitled to the minimum wage.
You can use the minimum wage calculator to check whether the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage is being paid.
Contact Acas if you’re not getting the National Minimum Wage and think you should be.
This information is subject to change and is not professional advice. Refer to our disclaimer for more details.
