What is the minimum wage for a 17 year old? Statutory rates, advertised pay and take-home pay explained

What is the minimum wage for a 17 year old?

If you are 17 and starting work in the UK, the first question you probably ask is: what is the minimum wage for a 17 year old? The answer depends on whether you are a standard employee or an apprentice, and the rates change every April. This guide explains the statutory hourly rates, how they compare to advertised salaries, and what your actual take-home pay might look like.

Statutory minimum wage rates from April 2026

From April 2026, the National Minimum Wage for workers under 18 is £8.00 per hour. This is a 45p increase (6%) from the previous year, recommended by the Low Pay Commission and accepted by the Government (GOV.UK guidance). The same £8.00 rate applies to apprentices who are either under 19 or in the first year of their apprenticeship. After completing the first year and turning 19, an apprentice becomes entitled to the 18–20 rate (£10.85) or, at 21+, the National Living Wage (£12.71).

For comparison, the National Living Wage for those aged 21 and over rises to £12.71 per hour, and the 18–20 rate is £10.85 (LPC summary of evidence 2025). The under-18 rate is deliberately lower to reflect the weaker labour market for younger workers, but the Government has committed to eventually removing the 18–20 age band.

Advertised salaries vs statutory minimum

Many employers – especially in retail, hospitality, and care – advertise jobs for 17 year olds at or just above the minimum wage. However, some larger organisations, such as supermarket chains or fast-food restaurants, may offer a higher starting rate (for example, £9–£10 per hour) to attract young workers. It is important to check the job advert carefully: the advertised salary might be quoted as an annual figure (e.g., “£16,640 per year” based on 40 hours per week at £8.00), but your actual hours and contract terms could differ.

When comparing job offers, remember that the statutory minimum is a legal floor – employers cannot pay less. If you see a job that offers less than £8.00 per hour for a 17 year old, that is illegal. Contact Acas or HMRC if you suspect underpayment.

Take-home pay: what you actually receive

The headline hourly rate is not the same as what lands in your bank account. Your take-home pay depends on:

• Hours worked: part-time vs full-time.
• Tax and National Insurance: you only pay income tax if your annual earnings exceed £12,570 (the personal allowance for 2026/27). For a 17 year old earning £8.00 per hour, you would need to work about 30 hours per week to reach that threshold. National Insurance contributions start at around £190 per week. Most 17 year olds working part-time will pay no tax or NI.
• Universal Credit: if your household income is low, you may be eligible for Universal Credit, which can top up your earnings. The exact amount depends on your circumstances (e.g., whether you live with parents, have children, or have housing costs).
• Pension contributions: if you are automatically enrolled into a workplace pension, a small percentage (usually 5% of your earnings above a threshold) will be deducted, though you can opt out.
• Other deductions: student loan repayments, salary sacrifice schemes (e.g., for a bike or childcare), or union subscriptions.

For example, a 17 year old working 20 hours per week at £8.00 per hour would earn £160 gross per week. After no tax or NI (assuming no other income), take-home pay would be £160. If they worked 35 hours per week, gross pay would be £280 per week, which might trigger a small amount of NI (around £5–£10) but still no income tax. Always check your payslip and use the pay guides on this site to estimate your net pay.

Apprentice pay: special rules

If you are 17 and starting an apprenticeship, your minimum wage is also £8.00 per hour – but only if you are under 19 or in your first year. Once you turn 19 and have completed the first year, your employer must pay you the rate for your age (18–20: £10.85, or 21+: £12.71). Some employers choose to pay more than the minimum, especially in sectors like engineering or IT. Always check your apprenticeship agreement.

Why the rates matter

Knowing what is the minimum wage for a 17 year old helps you understand your rights and negotiate better pay. The statutory rate is a safety net, but many employers offer more to attract and retain young talent. Use the UK Minimum Wage homepage to stay updated on current rates, and explore our topics section for advice on contracts, hours, and benefits.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum wage for a 17 year old in 2026? From April 2026, the National Minimum Wage for a 17 year old (under 18) is £8.00 per hour. If you are an apprentice under 19 or in your first year of apprenticeship, the same £8.00 rate applies. After completing the first year and turning 19, you would be entitled to the 18–20 rate (£10.85) or the National Living Wage (£12.71) if aged 21 or over. These rates are set by the Low Pay Commission and accepted by the Government (GOV.UK guidance).

Do 17 year olds pay tax on minimum wage earnings? It depends on how many hours you work. The personal allowance for income tax in 2026/27 is £12,570 per year, meaning you only pay tax on earnings above that. For a 17 year old earning £8.00 per hour, you would need to work more than about 30 hours per week to exceed the personal allowance. National Insurance contributions start when weekly earnings exceed around £190. Most 17 year olds working part-time will not pay income tax or NI, but you should check your payslip. Universal Credit may also affect your take-home pay if you are eligible (GOV.UC guidance).

Can an employer pay less than £8.00 per hour to a 17 year old apprentice? No. The apprentice rate of £8.00 per hour is the legal minimum for apprentices under 19 or in the first year of their apprenticeship. If you are 17 and an apprentice, your employer must pay at least £8.00 per hour. Paying less would be illegal. If you think you are being underpaid, contact Acas or HMRC. After your first year, if you are 19 or older, you become entitled to the higher age-based rate (GOV.UK guidance).