Understanding the Minimum Wage for Under 18 Workers in 2026

Understanding the Minimum Wage for Under 18 Workers in 2026

If you’re a worker under 18 in the UK, the minimum wage for under 18 is set at £8.00 per hour from April 2026. This is the statutory minimum that most employers must pay you. But what does that mean for your weekly or annual pay? And how does it compare to other age bands? This guide breaks down the hourly rate, how it translates into weekly and annual earnings, and what you can expect in take-home pay.

The Statutory Hourly Rate

The government sets different minimum wage rates depending on your age. For workers under 18 (but above school leaving age), the rate is £8.00 per hour. This applies to all hours worked, including overtime, unless you are an apprentice (see below). The rate is reviewed annually and usually increases each April. For 2026, the under 18 rate rose by 6% from £7.55 to £8.00.

For comparison:

• National Living Wage (21+): £12.71 per hour
• 18-20 rate: £10.85 per hour
• Apprentice rate: £8.00 per hour (for apprentices under 19 or in first year)

Hourly vs Weekly vs Annual Pay

While the minimum wage is set per hour, your actual weekly or annual pay depends on how many hours you work. Many under 18 workers are in part-time jobs or apprenticeships, so weekly earnings vary widely.

• Weekly pay: If you work 10 hours per week at £8.00, your gross weekly pay is £80. If you work 20 hours, it’s £160. Full-time (say 35 hours) would be £280 per week.
• Annual pay: For a full-time worker (35 hours per week, 52 weeks), the annual gross salary would be approximately £14,560. However, many under 18s work fewer hours, so annual earnings are often lower.

It’s important to note that advertised salaries for under 18 roles are usually quoted as hourly rates rather than annual figures. Always check the hourly rate and the guaranteed hours per week.

Take-Home Pay: What You Actually Receive

Your take-home pay is your gross pay minus deductions for tax and National Insurance. Under 18 workers typically earn below the personal allowance for income tax (£12,570 in 2026/27), so you likely won’t pay any income tax. However, National Insurance contributions (NICs) apply if your weekly earnings exceed £242 (the primary threshold for 2026/27). For example, if you earn £280 per week (35 hours at £8.00), you would pay around £3.80 per week in NICs. If you earn less than £242 per week, no NICs are deducted.

Other deductions may include pension contributions (if you opt in) or student loan repayments (unlikely for under 18s). Your employer must give you a payslip showing all deductions.

Apprentices and the Under 18 Rate

If you are an apprentice under 19, or aged 19 or over and in your first year of apprenticeship, you are entitled to the apprentice rate of £8.00 per hour – the same as the under 18 rate. After your first year (if you are 19 or over), you must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage for your age (18-20 rate or NLW). Note that the apprentice rate applies regardless of your age if you are in the first year.

How to Check You’re Being Paid Correctly

Your employer is legally required to pay you at least the minimum wage for your age. You can use the government’s minimum wage calculator to check. If you think you’re being underpaid, contact Acas for advice. Employers who fail to pay can be fined by HMRC.

For more details on all UK minimum wage rates, see our UK Minimum Wage page. For guidance on how pay is calculated, visit our pay guides section.

Common Questions About the Under 18 Minimum Wage

Can I be paid less if I’m on a trial shift or work experience? Generally, if you are a worker (not a volunteer or student on certain placements), you are entitled to the minimum wage. Trial shifts that are part of a job interview process may not count as work, but if you are required to perform tasks, you should be paid. Check with Acas if unsure.

Does the minimum wage apply to casual or zero-hours workers? Yes, the minimum wage applies to all workers, including those on zero-hours contracts. You must be paid at least the hourly rate for every hour worked.

What if my employer provides accommodation? If your employer provides accommodation, they can offset up to £11.10 per day from your pay (the accommodation offset). This means your minimum wage entitlement is reduced by that amount for each day you live in the accommodation. However, your total pay after the offset must still meet the minimum wage for the hours you work.

Final Thoughts

The minimum wage for under 18 is a crucial protection for young workers, ensuring a baseline level of pay. While £8.00 per hour may seem low compared to adult rates, it provides a foundation for fair pay. Always check your contract, understand your hours, and know your rights. For more data on UK pay, explore our pay data section.

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.