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 21 to get the National Living Wage – the minimum wage will still apply for workers aged 20 and under.

Current rates

These rates are for the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage. The rates change every April.

Year 21 and over 21 to 22 18 to 20 16 to 17 Apprentice
April 2024 £11.44 N/A £8.60 £6.40 £6.40
April 2023 £10.42 (23 and over) £10.18 £7.49 £5.28 £5.28

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.