What is the Minimum Wage for Under 18 in 2026? Rates Explained

What is the minimum wage for under 18? Eligible 16 and 17-year-olds must earn at least £8.00 per hour. This rate started on 1 April 2026. However, school-aged children under 16 do not receive the National Minimum Wage. Their age and school-leaving status affect their eligibility.

Workers aged 18 to 20 must earn at least £10.85 per hour. Meanwhile, workers aged 21 and over must earn at least £12.71 per hour. This guide explains apprentice rules, previous rates, payroll rules and pay rights. It also covers the latest UK minimum wage rates for 2026.

What is the Minimum Wage for Under 18 in the UK?

The legal minimum pay is £8.00 an hour. This rate starts on 1 April 2026. It applies to eligible workers aged 16 or 17. They must also reach the right school-leaving age. Before April 2026, the rate was £7.55 an hour. So, the pay went up by 45p an hour.

The new rate is 6.0% higher than the old rate. The £8.00 rate is the lowest legal pay. It is not the average pay. Employers cannot choose to pay less. Eligible young workers must get at least £8.00 for each hour they work.

Do All Under-18s Get the £8.00 Minimum Wage?

Not every under-18 worker gets the £8.00 National Minimum Wage. School-aged children under 16 do not qualify for this wage. However, eligible 16 and 17-year-olds can earn at least £8.00 per hour. They must first reach the relevant school-leaving age. Therefore, age alone does not decide every case.

Child employment rules can also limit when children can work. These rules may restrict their working hours and certain types of work. Local councils may also have extra child employment rules. So, check local requirements before a young worker starts a job.

How Does the Minimum Wage Change When You Turn 18?

When a worker turns 18, their minimum pay goes up. From April 2026, workers aged 18 to 20 must get at least £10.85 an hour. Before age 18, the rate is £8.00 an hour. So, the pay goes up by £2.85 an hour at age 18. At age 21, the minimum pay goes up again. Workers aged 21 and over must get at least £12.71 an hour.

• Under 18, the minimum wage is £8.00 per hour.
• For ages 18 to 20, the minimum wage is £10.85 per hour.
• At age 18, the rate increases by £2.85 per hour.
• At age 21 and over, the minimum wage is £12.71 per hour.
• The £12.71 rate is called the National Living Wage.
• Under-18 workers do not receive the £10.85 rate yet.

How Much is the Minimum Wage for Ages 16 and 17?

The under-18 minimum wage for eligible 16 and 17-year-olds is £8.00 per hour. This young worker rate applies from 1 April 2026. Employers must pay at least this amount for every hour worked.

The old rate was £7.55 an hour. Now, young workers get 45p more each hour. Their total pay depends on how many hours they work. Tips cannot count as part of the minimum wage. Employers must pay eligible workers at least £8.00 for every hour worked.

What are the 2026 National Minimum Wage Rates by Age?

The 2026 NMW rates depend on a worker’s age and employment status. The hourly minimum wage changes when workers enter a new age band. From April 2026, under-18 workers earn at least £8.00 per hour. People aged 18 to 20 must get at least £10.85 an hour.

Workers aged 21 and over receive at least £12.71 per hour. The government calls this rate the National Living Wage. Eligible apprentices can also receive a minimum rate of £8.00 per hour. However, apprentice rules depend on their age and training status.

The government changes these rates each April. Therefore, workers should check the latest rate for their age band. These NMW rates help employers understand the legal minimum hourly wage.

What is the Minimum Wage for Under 18 Apprentices?

An apprentice can get at least £8.00 an hour from April 2026. Apprentices under 19 can get this rate. People aged 19 or more can also get £8.00 in their first year.

After the first year, pay can go up. For example, a 21-year-old apprentice can get £12.71 an hour after the first year. So, age and apprentice status can change the pay. Employers must pay the right amount for the apprentice’s age and year.

How Has the Under-18 Minimum Wage Changed Since 2019?

The under-18 minimum wage has increased steadily since 2019. It rose from £4.35 per hour to £8.00 in April 2026. This represents a long-term increase of £3.65 per hour.

These changes show how the legal minimum has grown over time. The biggest recent increases came between 2023 and 2025.

How Much Could a 16 or 17-Year-Old Earn Each Week?

A 16 or 17-year-old can calculate weekly pay using their hourly rate. The current minimum wage is £8.00 per hour. Therefore, working more hours increases weekly earnings.

For example, 10 hours at £8.00 gives £80 a week. Working 15 hours gives £120 a week. Working 20 hours gives £160 a week. These are only simple examples. They do not promise a set weekly pay. Young workers may work different hours. Age and school rules can also limit work time.

The £96 weekly payroll figure has a different purpose. It relates to payroll rules, not the National Minimum Wage. Therefore, do not use £96 to calculate minimum weekly pay.

What Happens if an Employer Pays Less than £8?

Qualifying workers have legal protection under the National Minimum Wage rules. An employer cannot avoid these rules through a private agreement. Also, a contract cannot remove a worker’s legal wage rights.

First, check your payslip and confirm your recorded working hours. If your pay looks too low, speak with your employer and ask them to check it. You can also contact Acas for free workplace advice on 0300 123 1100.

Workers can also contact HMRC about possible minimum wage underpayments. If an employer fails to pay the correct amount, unpaid wages may support a legal claim. Keep your payslips and work records as evidence.

What Payroll Rules Apply to 16 and 17-Year-Old Workers?

Employers must record a young worker’s pay and report it through payroll. They may need to register for and operate PAYE when paying employees. The £96 per week figure can matter for payroll reporting. However, it does not set the minimum wage for young workers.

Workers under 16 may have different pay rules. They do not pay National Insurance yet. Workers can earn some money before they pay income tax. Employers must use the right pay rules for each worker. The 5 April date can affect some tax records. These payroll rules are separate from the National Minimum Wage.

Which Workers Do Not Get the National Minimum Wage?

Not everyone who works qualifies for the National Minimum Wage. Your worker status can affect your NMW eligibility. Some groups fall outside the standard minimum wage rules.

• Volunteers who work without regular pay.
• Voluntary workers who receive limited expenses or benefits.
• Self-employed workers who run their own business.
• Company directors who do not have worker status.

How Does the Living Wage Differ From the Minimum Wage?

The legal minimum wage comes from government National Minimum Wage rules. Employers must pay eligible workers at least the correct legal rate. In contrast, the real living wage comes from the Living Wage Foundation. For 2025, its rate was £13.45 outside London and £14.80 in London. These figures do not set the legal under-18 rate.

Eligible 16 and 17-year-olds must receive at least £8.00 per hour. Employers may choose to pay workers more than the legal minimum. The National Living Wage is different from the real living wage. It applies to eligible workers aged 21 and over. Therefore, do not confuse these two terms when checking pay.

What Should You Do if You are Paid Below the Minimum Wage?

First, check your age and NMW eligibility. Then, review your hourly pay and total working hours. Compare your pay with the £8.00 legal minimum wage for eligible 16 and 17-year-olds. If your pay falls below this rate, speak with your employer. Ask them to check your hours and correct any missing payments.

If the issue continues, contact Acas for employment advice. You can also contact HMRC if your employer breaks minimum wage rules. Eligible UNISON members may also get support with workplace issues. UNISON states that some claims have a deadline of three months less one day. Always check the current legal deadline before making a claim.

What are the Main Minimum Wage Rules for Under-18s?

If you are 16 or 17, you must get at least £8.00 an hour. This rate starts on 1 April 2026. Children under 16 do not get the National Minimum Wage. They must also reach the right school-leaving age.

At ages 18 to 20, the minimum pay is £10.85 an hour. At age 21 or more, it is £12.71 an hour. Some apprentices can get £8.00 an hour. The government checks these rates every April. Your boss must pay the right amount. If you get less, you can ask for help.

Final Thoughts

What is the minimum wage for under 18? From April 2026, 16 and 17-year-olds can get at least £8.00 an hour. Children under 16 do not get this pay. Your age can change how much you get. Apprentices may have different pay rules. Employers must pay the right amount. Before you start work, check the latest GOV.UK rules.

FAQs

1. How much do 17 year olds get paid?

• Eligible 17-year-olds must get at least £8.00 an hour from 1 April 2026.

2. Can I pay my 14 year old a salary?

• A 14-year-old can do some jobs, but child labour rules still apply.

3. How much do under-18s get paid per hour?

• Eligible under-18 workers must receive at least £8.00 per hour from April 2026.

4. Is minimum wage going up in 2026 for 19 year olds?

• Yes, the minimum wage for 19-year-olds increased to £10.85 per hour from 1 April 2026.

5. How much should a 16 year old get paid an hour in the UK?

• An eligible 16-year-old should receive at least £8.00 per hour from 1 April 2026.

6. What is going to be the minimum wage in April 2026?

• From April 2026, the rate is £8.00 for under-18s, £10.85 for ages 18–20 and £12.71 for ages 21+.