What's the Minimum Wage for a 16-Year-Old in 2026?

What's the minimum wage for a 16-year-old in 2026?

If you're a 16-year-old worker or job seeker in the UK, you're probably wondering what's minimum wage for a 16 year old from April 2026. The answer is straightforward: the statutory National Minimum Wage for workers under 18 is £8.00 per hour. This rate applies to all 16- and 17-year-olds, whether you're working in a shop, a café, or an office. It's a 6% increase (45p) from the previous £7.55 rate, as confirmed by GOV.UK guidance and the Low Pay Commission's 2025 report.

How the rate is set

The Low Pay Commission (LPC) is the independent body that advises the government on minimum wage rates. For 2026, the LPC recommended a 6% increase for 16-17 year olds, balancing the weaker labour market for this age group with the need to keep the rate from becoming too detached from adult rates. The government accepted this recommendation in full, and the new rates take effect from 1 April 2026.

What about apprentices?

If you're a 16-year-old apprentice, you're entitled to the apprentice rate, which from April 2026 is also £8.00 per hour. This applies if you are under 19 or in your first year of apprenticeship. Once you turn 19 and have completed your first year, you become entitled to the 18-20 rate (£10.85) or, if you're 21 or over, the National Living Wage (£12.71). The apprentice rate is the same as the under-18 rate for 2026, but this may change in future years.

Hourly vs weekly vs annual pay

While the hourly rate is clear, your actual weekly or annual pay depends on how many hours you work. Many 16-year-olds work part-time, often after school or at weekends. Here are some examples:

• 10 hours per week: £80 gross per week, about £3,840 per year (if working all year).
• 15 hours per week: £120 gross per week, about £5,760 per year.
• 20 hours per week: £160 gross per week, about £7,680 per year.

These figures are gross earnings – before any deductions. Most 16-year-olds earn below the personal allowance for income tax (£12,570 per year) and the National Insurance threshold, so you may not pay any tax or NI. However, if you work more hours or have other income, you might be liable. Always check your payslip.

Take-home pay considerations

Your take-home pay will be your gross earnings minus any deductions. For a 16-year-old earning £8.00 per hour, working 10-20 hours per week, you're unlikely to pay income tax or National Insurance. But if you work full-time hours (say 35 hours per week), your gross weekly pay would be £280, and annual earnings would be around £14,560 – above the personal allowance, so you would pay some tax. The Low Pay Commission notes that NLW workers who pay tax but don't receive Universal Credit see a smaller increase in take-home pay due to frozen tax thresholds. For 16-year-olds, this is less common, but it's worth being aware of.

How does this compare to other age groups?

The under-18 rate (£8.00) is significantly lower than the 18-20 rate (£10.85) and the National Living Wage for 21+ (£12.71). This reflects the fact that younger workers often have less experience and may work fewer hours. The government has a long-term ambition to reduce and eventually eliminate the gap between the 18-20 rate and the NLW, but for now, 16-year-olds are in the lowest age band.

Where to find more information

For the most up-to-date rates and to check whether you're being paid correctly, visit the UK Minimum Wage homepage. You can also read our pay guides for detailed breakdowns of different age bands and job types. If you think you're not being paid the minimum wage, contact Acas for advice.

Key points to remember

• The statutory minimum for 16-year-olds from April 2026 is £8.00 per hour.
• Apprentices under 19 or in their first year also get £8.00 per hour.
• Your weekly and annual pay depends on hours worked.
• Most 16-year-olds won't pay tax or NI, but check your earnings.
• Always check your contract and current rates – the figures here are for orientation only.

For more data on average earnings and pay trends, see our pay data page. If you have specific questions about your situation, explore our topics section or read about how we compile this information.