Minimum Wage for 15 Year Olds: Age Bands and Eligibility Explained

Understanding the Minimum Wage for 15 Year Olds

If you are 15 and looking for work in the UK, you might wonder what pay you can expect. The short answer is that there is no statutory minimum wage for 15 year olds. The National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) only apply to workers who have reached school leaving age – which is 16. This means employers are not legally required to pay you a set hourly rate, but they must still follow other employment rules.

For workers aged 16 and over, the government sets clear hourly rates that change every April. From April 2026, the rates are:

• National Living Wage (21 and over): £12.71 per hour
• 18-20 Year Old Rate: £10.85 per hour
• 16-17 Year Old Rate: £8.00 per hour
• Apprentice Rate: £8.00 per hour (for apprentices under 19 or in their first year)

These figures come from GOV.UK guidance and the Low Pay Commission’s recommendations. As a 15 year old, you fall outside these bands, so your pay is not covered by the NMW.

Age Bands and Eligibility

The minimum wage system is based on age bands. The key point is that you must be at least 16 to qualify for any statutory rate. The government defines “school leaving age” as the last Friday in June of the school year you turn 16. Until then, you are not entitled to the NMW.

If you are 15 and working, your employer might still choose to pay you a fair wage – and many do – but there is no legal minimum. However, you are protected by other laws, such as restrictions on working hours and types of work. For example, during term time you can work a maximum of 12 hours per week, and during holidays up to 25 hours. You cannot work in jobs that involve hazardous machinery or night work.

For a full breakdown of age bands and how they affect your pay, visit our pay guides page.

What About Advertised Salaries?

Job adverts for 15 year olds often list an hourly rate or weekly salary. These are not regulated by the NMW, so they can vary widely. Some employers in retail, hospitality, or babysitting may offer rates similar to the under-18 minimum wage (£8.00), while others may offer less. It is important to check the terms of your contract and ask about pay before accepting a job.

Remember that even if you are paid below £8.00 per hour, your employer is not breaking the law because you are not entitled to the NMW. However, they must still pay you at least the National Minimum Wage once you turn 16. If you are 15 and working, you should keep a record of your hours and pay.

Take-Home Pay Considerations

Take-home pay for a 15 year old depends on hours worked and whether you earn enough to pay tax. The personal allowance for 2026/27 is £12,570 per year, so most 15 year olds working part-time will not pay income tax. You may still have National Insurance deducted if you earn above £242 per week, but this is unlikely for typical part-time hours.

If you are unsure about your pay, use our pay data section to compare typical rates for young workers in your area.

Key Takeaways

• There is no minimum wage for 15 year olds – the NMW starts at age 16.
• From April 2026, 16-17 year olds are entitled to £8.00 per hour.
• Employers of 15 year olds must follow working time rules but are not bound by minimum wage law.
• Always check your contract and current statutory rates – our UK Minimum Wage page has the latest figures.
• If you are 15 and working, you can still expect fair treatment, and you should speak to your employer if you feel underpaid.

For more information on age bands and eligibility, see our topics page.