Minimum Wage UK Per Hour: Age Bands and Eligibility Explained

Understanding the Minimum Wage UK Per Hour by Age Band

The minimum wage UK per hour is not a single figure – it varies depending on your age and whether you are an apprentice. From April 2026, the rates have increased to reflect the Government’s commitment to a higher living wage and to narrow the gap between age bands. This guide explains who gets what and how to check you are being paid correctly.

National Living Wage (21 and over)

Workers aged 21 and over are entitled to the National Living Wage (NLW), which is set at £12.71 per hour from April 2026. This is a rise of 50p (4.1%) from the previous rate of £12.21. The NLW applies to all employees and workers, including those on zero-hours contracts, as long as they are over 21. If you are 21 or over and not an apprentice in your first year, this is the minimum your employer must pay you.

National Minimum Wage for 18–20 year olds

If you are aged 18, 19, or 20, you are entitled to the 18–20 year old rate of £10.85 per hour. This is an 8.5% increase from £10.00, the largest percentage rise among the age bands. The Government aims to eventually eliminate the gap between this rate and the NLW, so it is likely to continue rising faster than other rates in future years.

National Minimum Wage for under 18s

Workers under 18 (but above the school leaving age) must be paid at least £8 per hour. This rate also applies to apprentices who are under 19 or in their first year of an apprenticeship. The £8 rate is a 6% increase from the previous £7.55.

Apprentice Rate

Apprentices have their own minimum wage rate of £8 per hour, but only if they are under 19 or in the first year of their apprenticeship. Once an apprentice turns 19 and has completed the first year, they must be paid the age-appropriate rate – for example, £12.71 if they are 21 or over. This means many apprentices will see a significant pay rise after their first year.

How to Check Your Pay

Your employer must pay you at least the minimum wage for your age band. You can use the official minimum wage calculator on GOV.UK to check if you are receiving the correct amount. If you think you are being underpaid, contact Acas for free, impartial advice. Your employment contract should clearly state your hourly rate, and your payslip should show your hours and gross pay.

Take-Home Pay and Deductions

The headline rates are gross pay before deductions. Your take-home pay will be lower after income tax, National Insurance, and any pension contributions. If you receive Universal Credit, the increase in the minimum wage may affect your benefit entitlement. For a full-time worker (35 hours per week) on the NLW, the weekly gross pay would be around £444.85, but take-home pay will be less. For more detailed pay data, see our pay data page.

Agricultural Minimum Wage

Workers in agriculture have separate, higher minimum rates set by the Agricultural Wages Board. For example, a Grade 2 agricultural worker must be paid at least £13.30 per hour, and a Grade 5 manager £14.44 per hour. These rates apply in England, Wales, and Scotland; Northern Ireland has its own agricultural order. If you work in farming, check your grade and entitlement.

Why Age Bands Matter

The age bands are designed to balance fair pay with the risk of pricing younger workers out of jobs. The Government and Low Pay Commission review the rates each year, considering economic conditions and the cost of living. The 2026 increases mean that the NLW is expected to stay ahead of inflation, providing a real-terms pay rise for the lowest-paid workers.

Staying Informed

Minimum wage rates change every April, so it is important to stay up to date. Bookmark our topics page for the latest guidance on employment rights, pay, and contracts. You can also sign up for alerts from GOV.UK to be notified when new rates are announced.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum wage UK per hour for a 20-year-old?

A 20-year-old worker is entitled to the 18-20 year old National Minimum Wage rate, which is £10.85 per hour from April 2026. This rate applies until the worker turns 21, at which point they become eligible for the National Living Wage of £12.71.

Do apprentices get the minimum wage?

Yes, apprentices are entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £8 if they are under 19 or in the first year of their apprenticeship. Once they are 19 or over and have completed the first year, they must be paid the age-appropriate rate (e.g., £12.71 for those aged 21+).

How often does the minimum wage change?

The National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates are reviewed annually by the Low Pay Commission and usually change on 1 April each year. Employers must pay the new rates from the first full pay period starting on or after that date.