Minimum Wage for 18: What You Need to Know About the 18–20 Rate in 2026

Understanding the Minimum Wage for 18-Year-Olds

If you’re 18 and starting work in the UK, knowing the minimum wage for 18 is essential. The law sets different hourly rates depending on your age, and from April 2026 those rates have changed. This guide explains what you’re entitled to, how the 18–20 rate works, and what to expect in terms of take-home pay.

The 18–20 Rate: £10.85 per Hour

From 1 April 2026, the National Minimum Wage for workers aged 18, 19, and 20 is £10.85 per hour. This is an increase of 85p (8.5%) from the previous rate of £10.00. The Government accepted the Low Pay Commission’s recommendation to raise the youth rate faster than the adult rate, helping to close the gap between the 18–20 rate and the National Living Wage (which applies to those aged 21 and over).

If you are 18, your employer must pay you at least £10.85 for every hour you work. This applies to most types of work, including part-time, full-time, casual, and agency roles. There are a few exceptions, such as apprentices (see below) and certain work experience placements.

How the 18–20 Rate Compares to Other Age Bands

The UK’s minimum wage system has four main age bands:

• National Living Wage (21 and over): £12.71 per hour
• 18–20 Year Old Rate: £10.85 per hour
• 16–17 Year Old Rate: £8.00 per hour
• Apprentice Rate: £8.00 per hour (for apprentices under 19, or those aged 19+ in their first year)

The 18–20 rate is now 85% of the National Living Wage, a proportion similar to the early years of the National Minimum Wage. This means that as you approach 21, the gap between your pay and the adult rate is smaller than it was a few years ago.

What About Apprentices?

If you are an 18-year-old apprentice, your minimum wage depends on how long you’ve been in your apprenticeship. If you are in your first year, you are entitled to the apprentice rate of £8.00 per hour – not the 18–20 rate. Once you complete your first year, or if you are aged 19 or over and beyond the first year, you must be paid at least the rate for your age (so the 18–20 rate of £10.85).

Always check your apprenticeship agreement. Your employer should clearly state which rate applies.

Take-Home Pay: What You Actually Receive

The £10.85 rate is your gross pay before deductions. Your take-home pay will be lower because of:

• Income Tax: You only pay tax on earnings above the Personal Allowance (£12,570 per year in 2026/27). If you work part-time, you may not earn enough to pay tax.
• National Insurance: Contributions start once you earn above a certain threshold (around £242 per week in 2026/27).
• Pension contributions: If you are automatically enrolled into a workplace pension, a small percentage of your pay goes into your pension pot.

For example, if you work 35 hours per week at £10.85, your gross weekly pay is £379.75. After tax and National Insurance (assuming no other deductions), you might take home around £340–£350, depending on your tax code. If you receive Universal Credit, your take-home income could increase because of benefit top-ups.

Advertised Salaries vs. the Minimum

Many employers pay above the statutory minimum, especially in sectors facing labour shortages. For 18-year-olds in full-time roles, advertised salaries often range from £20,000 to £25,000 per year, which is well above the minimum wage. However, some jobs – particularly in retail, hospitality, and care – may only offer the legal minimum. Always compare job offers and consider the total package, including benefits and training opportunities.

For more detailed guidance on pay rates and what to expect, check our pay guides and topics pages.

Your Rights and How to Check You’re Being Paid Correctly

Your employer is legally required to pay you at least the minimum wage for your age. If you think you are being underpaid, you can:

• Use the government’s minimum wage calculator (available on GOV.UK)
• Contact Acas for free, impartial advice
• Report your employer to HMRC, who can investigate and recover unpaid wages

Keep a record of your hours and payslips. If your employer provides living accommodation, they can offset up to £11.10 per day against the minimum wage – but only if it’s a genuine arrangement.

Summary

The minimum wage for 18 in 2026 is £10.85 per hour, a significant increase from previous years. This rate applies until you turn 21, when you become eligible for the National Living Wage. Understanding your entitlement helps you make informed decisions about jobs and ensures you are paid fairly.

For more information, visit our UK Minimum Wage, pay data, or about pages.