The hourly minimum wage depends on your age and whether you’re an apprentice.
To be entitled to the minimum wage, you must be at least:
- school leaving age to be entitled to the National Minimum Wage
- aged 25 to get the National Living Wage – if you’re aged 24 or under, you’re entitled to the minimum wage
2022 Minimum Wages Rates
The current rates for the National Minimum Wage and the National Living Wage. The National Minimum Wage rates change every year on April 1st.
| 23 and over | 21 to 22 | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2022 | £9.50 | £9.18 | £6.83 | £4.81 | £4.81 |
2021 Minimum Wage Rates
| 23 and over | 21 to 22 | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2021 to March 2022 | £8.91 | £8.36 | £6.56 | £4.62 | £4.30 |
Previous Minimum Wage Rates
| 25 and over | 21 to 24 | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2020 to March 2021 | £8.72 | £8.20 | £6.45 | £4.55 | £4.15 |
| 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 |
The current minimum wage for an apprentice is £3.90 per hour. Apprentice wages vary depending on your age. If either of the following apply, you’re entitled to the apprentice minimum wage rate.
- aged under 19
- aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship
Apprentice Wage Example
An apprentice aged 22 in the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £4.81.
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
Apprentice On National Minimum Example
An apprentice aged 22 who has completed the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £9.18.
Previous Minimum Wages Rates
| Year | 25 and over | 21 to 24 | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
National Minimum Wage Rates Before 2016
The National Minimum Wage rates from before 2016. The National Living Wage was introduced in 2016. The National Minimum Wage was usually changed in October during this period.