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 23 to get the National Living Wage (from April 2021 – previously aged 25) – the minimum wage will still apply for workers aged 22 and under.
Current rates
These rates are for the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage. The rates change every April.
| Year | 23 and over | 21 to 22 | 18 to 20 | 16 to 17 | Apprentice |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2021 | £8.91 | £8.36 | £6.56 | £4.62 | £4.30 |
| April 2020 | £8.72 (25 and over) | £8.20 (21 to 24) | £6.45 | £4.55 | £4.15 |
Apprentices
Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they’re either:
- aged under 19
- or aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship.