How Much Is Minimum Wage for a 16 Year Old? Statutory Rates and Take-Home Pay Explained

How Much Is Minimum Wage for a 16 Year Old?

If you’re 16 and looking for a job – or you employ young workers – the first question is often: how much is minimum wage for a 16 year old? The answer depends on the legal minimum set by the government, which changes every April. From 1 April 2026, the National Minimum Wage for workers under 18 (including 16 year olds) is £8.00 per hour. This is a statutory floor – employers cannot pay less, though many choose to pay more.

Statutory Rates for Under-18s

GOV.UK guidance confirms that the National Minimum Wage for 16 and 17 year olds is £8.00 per hour from April 2026. This rate applies to all workers who are above school leaving age but under 18. The same rate also applies to apprentices who are under 19 or in their first year of an apprenticeship.

For comparison:

• National Living Wage (21+): £12.71/hr
• 18-20 Year Old Rate: £10.85/hr
• Under 18 Rate: £8.00/hr
• Apprentice Rate: £8.00/hr

These figures are set out in The National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Regulations 2026 and are also published by the Labour Relations Agency for Northern Ireland.

What About Advertised Salaries?

Many employers advertise jobs for 16 year olds at or slightly above the statutory minimum. For example, a part-time retail or hospitality role might offer £8.50–£9.00 per hour. However, the law only requires the £8.00 floor. Always check the job advert or contract to see the exact hourly rate.

It’s also worth noting that some sectors – like hairdressing, catering, or farming – may have their own industry agreements. The Agricultural Minimum Wage, for instance, can differ. But for most jobs, the statutory minimum is your baseline.

Take-Home Pay vs Advertised Salary

When you see a job offering £8.00 per hour, that’s the gross pay before any deductions. For a 16 year old working 15 hours a week, that’s £120 gross per week. But what do you actually take home?

• Income Tax: You only pay tax if you earn over £12,570 per year. A 16 year old working 15 hours a week at £8.00/hr earns about £6,240 annually – well under the threshold, so no income tax.
• National Insurance: You start paying NI if you earn more than £242 per week (2026/27 threshold). At 15 hours/week, you’re below that, so no NI either.
• Pension: If you’re automatically enrolled into a workplace pension, you may contribute a small percentage (typically 5% of earnings above a threshold). But many 16 year olds are not auto-enrolled if they earn below £10,000.

So for a typical part-time job, your take-home pay will be very close to your gross pay – just a few pence less if pension deductions apply.

Apprentices: Special Rules

If you’re a 16 year old apprentice, the minimum is also £8.00 per hour. But be aware: once you turn 19 and have completed your first year, you become entitled to the rate for your age (e.g., £10.85 if 18-20, or £12.71 if 21+). The apprentice rate is only for the first year or for those under 19.

Why the Rate Matters

The minimum wage for 16 year olds is lower than for older workers partly because younger workers often have less experience and may work fewer hours. But the government reviews the rate each year to ensure it stays fair. The 2026 increase from £7.55 to £8.00 is a 6% rise, designed to keep the rate from becoming detached from adult rates.

Where to Find More Information

For the most up-to-date rates, always check UK Minimum Wage – our site is updated whenever the government announces changes. You can also read our pay guides for detailed breakdowns of how minimum wage affects different age groups.

If you’re an employer, remember that paying below the minimum wage is illegal. Acas can help if you have disputes. And if you’re a young worker, know your rights – you are entitled to at least £8.00 per hour from April 2026.

Summary

So, how much is minimum wage for a 16 year old? The answer is £8.00 per hour from April 2026. That’s the legal minimum. Your actual take-home pay will be close to that figure if you work part-time, because you’re unlikely to pay tax or NI. Always check your contract and payslip, and remember that some employers pay more. For more details, explore our pay data section or browse topics related to young workers’ pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do 16 year olds pay tax on the minimum wage?

Most 16 year olds working part-time on the minimum wage will earn below the personal allowance (£12,570 per year), so they pay no income tax. However, if weekly earnings exceed £242, they may pay National Insurance contributions. Always check your payslip and speak to HMRC if unsure.

Is the apprentice rate different for 16 year olds?

Yes, but only if you are an apprentice. The apprentice rate is £8.00 per hour for apprentices under 19 or those aged 19+ in their first year. If you are a 16 year old apprentice who has completed the first year, you become entitled to the under-18 rate (£8.00) – the same amount in this case. Once you turn 18 and have completed the first year, you move to the 18-20 rate (£10.85).

Can an employer pay a 16 year old less than £8.00 per hour?

No. The National Minimum Wage is a legal minimum. Paying less than £8.00 per hour (from April 2026) is unlawful. If you think you are being underpaid, contact Acas for advice. Employers who break the law can be fined and ordered to pay back wages.

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Disclaimer: Figures are public reference values for orientation only. Actual pay depends on age band, role, region, hours, overtime, and contract terms. Always check your contract and current statutory rates.