UK Minimum Wage Age Bands and Eligibility: How Rates Apply to You

Understanding UK Minimum Wage Age Bands

Knowing which minimum wage rate applies to you is essential for ensuring you are paid fairly. The UK government sets different hourly rates depending on your age and whether you are an apprentice. These rates are reviewed annually and typically increase in April.

From 1 April 2026, the following rates apply:

• National Living Wage (age 21 and over): £12.71 per hour
• National Minimum Wage (age 18 to 20): £10.85 per hour
• National Minimum Wage (under 18): £8.00 per hour
• Apprentice rate: £8.00 per hour (for apprentices under 19, or those aged 19+ in their first year)

These rates are set by the Low Pay Commission and enforced by HMRC. Employers who fail to pay the correct rate can be publicly named and fined.

Who qualifies for each rate?

The age band is based on your age at the start of the pay reference period (usually the pay month or week). If you turn 21 during a pay period, you become entitled to the National Living Wage from the beginning of the next pay period. The same applies when turning 18.

• 21 and over: National Living Wage applies to all workers, including part-time, casual, and zero-hours contract workers.
• 18 to 20: National Minimum Wage at the lower rate. Once you turn 21, you move to the higher rate.
• Under 18: The lowest rate applies. This includes workers aged 16 and 17 who are not apprentices.
• Apprentices: The apprentice rate applies to apprentices under 19, or those aged 19 and over in their first year of apprenticeship. After the first year, the apprentice must be paid the appropriate age band rate.

How these rates relate to average earnings

The minimum wage is a floor, not a target. According to the ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, median full-time hourly earnings (excluding overtime) were £19.67 in April 2025. That is well above the minimum wage, reflecting the fact that most workers earn more than the legal minimum. However, for young workers or those in entry-level roles, the minimum wage often represents their starting pay.

If you are unsure whether your pay is correct, check your contract and compare it to the statutory rates. You can also use our pay guides to understand typical salaries for different roles.

International perspective: UK minimum wage vs average salary in india

It can be useful to see how UK pay compares internationally, especially if you are considering work abroad or are curious about global labour markets. The average salary in india for regular salaried workers is around ₹21,000 to ₹24,000 per month, according to the government’s Periodic Labour Force Survey. That equates to roughly £2,000 to £2,300 per year at current exchange rates, but this is a national average that includes many low-paid rural workers.

For urban professionals in India, salaries are much higher. A mid-level software engineer in India might earn ₹8–₹14 lakh per year (roughly £8,000–£14,000), while the same role in the UK would pay around £55,000. The gap narrows when you adjust for cost of living, but the UK’s statutory minimum wage provides a strong floor that does not exist in India, where minimum wages vary by state and are often poorly enforced.

It is important to remember that the average salary in india is not directly comparable to UK minimum wage rates because of differences in purchasing power, taxation, and social security systems. However, it highlights the relative strength of UK labour protections.

What to do if you are being underpaid

If you believe you are being paid less than the minimum wage for your age band, you can:

• Speak to your employer and show them the current rates.
• Contact Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) for free advice.
• Report your employer to HMRC using their online form.

Employers who deliberately underpay can be fined up to £20,000 per worker and publicly named.

For more detailed information on specific topics, visit our topics page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over in 2026? From 1 April 2026, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour. This is an increase from £12.21 in 2025. The rate applies to all eligible workers regardless of whether they are full-time or part-time.

What are the minimum wage rates for workers aged 18 to 20? Workers aged 18 to 20 are entitled to the National Minimum Wage of £10.85 per hour from April 2026. This rate is lower than the National Living Wage because the government sets different bands based on age. Once you turn 21, you become eligible for the higher rate.

How does the UK minimum wage compare to the average salary in india? The UK minimum wage for adults is a statutory hourly rate, while the average salary in india is typically quoted as a monthly or annual figure. India has no single national minimum wage; rates are set by states. For a skilled professional in urban India, monthly earnings can range from ₹55,000 to ₹75,000, but the national average for regular salaried workers is around ₹21,000–₹24,000 per month. Direct comparisons are difficult due to differences in cost of living and purchasing power.

For more information on UK pay data, see our pay data page.