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 25 to get the National Living Wage – the minimum wage will still apply for workers aged 24 and under
From 1 April 2021 the National Living Wage will apply if you’re aged 23 and over.
Current rates
These rates are for the National Living Wage (for those aged 25 and over) and the National Minimum Wage (for those of at least school leaving age). The rates change every April.
| 25 and over | 21 to 24 | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2020 | £8.72 | £8.20 | £6.45 | £4.55 | £4.15 |
Apprentices
Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they’re either:
- aged under 19
- aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship
ExampleAn apprentice aged 22 in the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £4.15.
Apprentices are entitled to the minimum wage for their age if they both:
- are aged 19 or over
- have completed the first year of their apprenticeship
ExampleAn apprentice aged 22 who has completed the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £8.20.
Rates from 1 April 2021
These rates are for the National Living Wage (for those aged 23 and over) and the National Minimum Wage (for those of at least school leaving age) from 1 April 2021.
| 23 and over | 21 to 22 | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2021 (new rate) | £8.91 | £8.36 | £6.56 | £4.62 | £4.30 |
Previous rates
The following rates were for the National Living Wage (for those aged 25 and over) and the National Minimum Wage (for those of at least school leaving age) from April 2016.
| 25 and over | 21 to 24 | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2019 to March 2020 | £8.21 | £7.70 | £6.15 | £4.35 | £3.90 |
| April 2018 to March 2019 | £7.83 | £7.38 | £5.90 | £4.20 | £3.70 |
| April 2017 to March 2018 | £7.50 | £7.05 | £5.60 | £4.05 | £3.50 |
| October 2016 to March 2017 | £7.20 | £6.95 | £5.55 | £4.00 | £3.40 |
| April 2016 to September 2016 | £7.20 | £6.70 | £5.30 | £3.87 | £3.30 |
Rates before April 2016
The following rates were for the National Minimum Wage before the National Living Wage was introduced. The rates were usually updated every October.
| 21 and over | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | £6.70 | £5.30 | £3.87 | £3.30 |
| 2014 | £6.50 | £5.13 | £3.79 | £2.73 |
| 2013 | £6.31 | £5.03 | £3.72 | £2.68 |
| 2012 | £6.19 | £4.98 | £3.68 | £2.65 |
Who gets the minimum wage
Read the information on who is entitled to the minimum wage.
You can use the minimum wage calculator to check whether the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage is being paid.
Contact Acas if you’re not getting the National Minimum Wage and think you should be.
Information from Barry Greene, NMW team