The hourly rate for the minimum wage depends on your age and whether you’re an apprentice.
You must be at least:
These rates are for the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage. The rates change every April.
Year | 25 and over | 21 to 24 | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
October 2016 (current rate) | £7.20 | £6.95 | £5.55 | £4.00 | £3.40 |
April 2017 | £7.50 | £7.05 | £5.60 | £4.05 | £3.50 |
Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they’re either:
ExampleAn apprentice aged 22 in the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £3.40
Apprentices are entitled to the minimum wage for their age if they both:
ExampleAn apprentice aged 22 who has completed the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £6.95
The following rates were for the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage from April to October 2016.
Year | 25 and over | 21 to 24 | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
April 2016 | £7.20 | £6.70 | £5.30 | £3.87 | £3.30 |
The following rates were for the National Minimum Wage before the National Living Wage was introduced. The rates were usually updated every October.
Year | 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 |
2011 | £6.08 | £4.98 | £3.68 | £2.60 |
2010 | £5.93 | £4.92 | £3.64 | £2.50 |
The age groups were different before 2010 and there were no National Minimum Wage rates for apprentices.
Year | 22 and over | 18 to 21 | Under 18 |
---|---|---|---|
2009 | £5.80 | £4.83 | £3.57 |
2008 | £5.73 | £4.77 | £3.53 |
2007 | £5.52 | £4.60 | £3.40 |
2006 | £5.35 | £4.45 | £3.30 |
2005 | £5.05 | £4.25 | £3.00 |
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.