Minimum Wage Under 18: Your Guide to the Statutory Rate for Young Workers

Understanding the minimum wage under 18

If you are a young worker or job seeker in the UK, knowing your legal pay entitlement is essential. The minimum wage under 18 is a specific statutory rate set by the government each year, designed to protect workers who are still in education or training. From April 2026, the rate for workers under 18 rises to £8.00 per hour, a 6% increase from the previous £7.55. This change follows recommendations from the Low Pay Commission and was accepted in full by the government.

The under-18 rate is part of a broader structure of age-based minimum wages. For comparison, workers aged 18 to 20 are entitled to £10.85 per hour, and those aged 21 and over receive the National Living Wage of £12.71 per hour. The apprentice rate, which applies to apprentices under 19 or in their first year, is also £8.00 per hour. These rates are updated every April, so always check the current figures on UK Minimum Wage or the official GOV.UK guidance.

Who qualifies for the under-18 rate?

The minimum wage under 18 applies to any employee who is under 18 years old and is not an apprentice covered by the apprentice rate. This includes part-time workers, casual employees, and those on zero-hours contracts. The rate is a legal floor – your employer can offer more, but never less. If you are 16 or 17 and working in a shop, café, or office, your hourly pay must be at least £8.00 from April 2026.

There is an important exception: if you are under 19 and in the first year of an apprenticeship, you are entitled to the apprentice rate (also £8.00). After your first year, or once you turn 19, you must be paid the age-based rate that applies to you. For example, a 17-year-old in their second year of an apprenticeship would move to the under-18 rate, not the apprentice rate.

How the under-18 rate compares to other age bands

The gap between the under-18 rate and the rates for older workers reflects the fact that younger employees often have fewer responsibilities or are still gaining skills. However, the Low Pay Commission aims to keep the under-18 rate from becoming too detached from other rates. In 2026, the under-18 rate is about 63% of the National Living Wage for 21+ (£12.71) and 74% of the 18–20 rate (£10.85).

For employers, paying the correct rate is a legal obligation. If you are under 18 and working, you should check your payslip to ensure your hourly pay matches or exceeds the statutory minimum. You can use the government’s minimum wage calculator or refer to pay guides on this site for more details.

What this means for your take-home pay

Your actual take-home pay depends on how many hours you work and whether you pay tax or National Insurance. Most workers under 18 earn below the tax-free personal allowance (£12,570 per year in 2026/27), so you may not pay income tax. However, if you earn more than £242 per week (the National Insurance threshold), you will pay NI contributions. The minimum wage under 18 at £8.00 per hour means that working 20 hours per week would give you £160 gross pay – well below the NI threshold. Working 35 hours per week would give you £280 gross, which may trigger NI deductions.

If you receive Universal Credit, any earnings from work will affect your benefit entitlement. The government’s 2026 increase to the Universal Credit standard allowance (6.2%) may offset some of the impact, but it is wise to use a benefits calculator or speak to an adviser. For more on how pay interacts with benefits, see our pay data section.

Common questions about the under-18 minimum wage

What if my employer tries to pay me less?

Paying below the National Minimum Wage is illegal. If you suspect you are being underpaid, keep records of your hours and payslips, and contact Acas or report it to HMRC. They can investigate and recover unpaid wages.

Does the under-18 rate apply to unpaid work experience?

No. The National Minimum Wage does not apply to genuine work experience placements that are part of a school or college programme, or to voluntary work. However, if you are classed as a worker (e.g., an intern with set tasks and hours), you are entitled to the minimum wage.

Will the rate increase again next year?

Yes. The government reviews minimum wage rates annually, based on Low Pay Commission recommendations. The next change will take effect on 1 April 2027. Always check UK Minimum Wage for the latest rates.

Final thoughts

The minimum wage under 18 is a vital protection for young workers. At £8.00 per hour from April 2026, it ensures a baseline of fair pay while you gain experience. Remember that this is the legal minimum – many employers offer more, especially in sectors with labour shortages. Always read your employment contract carefully and ask if you are unsure about your rate. For further reading, explore our topics page on age bands and eligibility.