Minimum Wage for 15 Year Old: What You Need to Know

If you're a 15 year old looking for a part-time job in the UK, you might be wondering what you're entitled to earn. The short answer is that there is no specific "minimum wage for 15 year old" – instead, the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for under-18s applies to workers of school leaving age (16+). However, 15 year olds are still covered by the same rate if they are working legally. From April 2026, the under-18 NMW rate is £8.00 per hour, as confirmed by GOV.UK National Minimum Wage rates.

Understanding the Rates

The UK government sets different minimum wage rates depending on age and apprenticeship status. For 2026/27, the rates are:

• 21 and over (National Living Wage): £12.71 per hour
• 18 to 20: £10.85 per hour
• Under 18: £8.00 per hour
• Apprentice (under 19 or first year): £8.00 per hour

These rates take effect from 1 April each year. The under-18 rate applies to all workers of compulsory school leaving age (the end of the academic year in which they turn 16). For a 15 year old, you are still of compulsory school age, so you are not yet entitled to the NMW in the same way – but if you do work, your employer must pay you at least the under-18 rate. Always check the official GOV.UK guidance for the most up-to-date information.

Converting Hourly Pay to Annual Salary

To estimate an annual salary from an hourly rate, use the formula:

Annual salary ≈ hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks

For a 15 year old working part-time, the hours are often limited by law. During term time, you can work a maximum of 12 hours per week. During school holidays, you can work up to 25 hours per week (ages 15-16) or 35 hours (ages 16-17).

Using the under-18 rate of £8.00 per hour:

• 12 hours/week (term-time typical): £8.00 × 12 × 52 = £4,992 per year
• 25 hours/week (holiday maximum for 15-16): £8.00 × 25 × 52 = £10,400 per year

These figures are gross (before tax). If you earn below the Personal Allowance of £12,570, you won't pay Income Tax. National Insurance contributions start at a higher threshold.

Comparing with Other Wage Benchmarks

It's helpful to see how the minimum wage for a 15 year old compares to other pay levels in the UK. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) Low and High Pay bulletin shows that in April 2025, the median hourly pay for all employees was £17.96. The National Living Wage for 21+ was £12.21 (rising to £12.71 in 2026).

For context, the NHS pay scales for 2026/27 (published by NHS Employers) show entry-level Band 2 staff earn £15.89 per hour (including High Cost Area Supplement). That's nearly double the under-18 rate, reflecting the difference in skill and responsibility.

Low Pay and High Pay Trends

ONS data for 2025 shows that 2.5% of employee jobs were low-paid (below two-thirds of median hourly pay, £11.97). The proportion of high-paid jobs (above 1.5 times the median) rose to 23.2%. The lowest-earning employees are concentrated in elementary occupations and hospitality – sectors where many young workers start. The highest-earning employees are in managerial and professional roles, typically aged 40-54.

Practical Tips for 15 Year Old Job Seekers

• Know your rights: Your employer must pay at least the under-18 NMW. If you think you're being underpaid, contact Acas.
• Check your contract: Some employers pay above the minimum, especially for roles with tips or commission.
• Use our Hourly to Salary calculator to convert your hourly rate into annual or monthly figures.
• Explore salary data for different occupations to see typical pay ranges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum wage for a 15 year old in the UK? There is no separate rate for 15 year olds. The under-18 National Minimum Wage rate applies, which from April 2026 is £8.00 per hour. However, 15 year olds are still of compulsory school age, so check GOV.UK for specific rules.

How many hours can a 15 year old work, and what would their annual salary be? During term time, up to 12 hours per week. During holidays, up to 25 hours (ages 15-16) or 35 hours (ages 16-17). At £8.00 per hour, working 12 hours/week gives an annual salary of about £4,992; 25 hours/week gives about £10,400.

How does the minimum wage for a 15 year old compare to the National Living Wage? The National Living Wage for 21+ is £12.71 per hour (April 2026), significantly higher than the under-18 rate of £8.00. Many employers pay above the minimum, especially in sectors like retail and hospitality. The Living Wage Foundation recommends a 'real living wage' of £12.60 outside London (2025 rate).

Disclaimer

Hourly-to-salary figures assume a steady contracted week with no unpaid overtime, bonus, tips or salary sacrifice. Annual ≈ hourly × hours/week × 52. Actual pay depends on rota, holiday pay method, London weighting and overtime rules. Always check your contract and official GOV.UK guidance.