Understanding the Minimum Wage for Under 18 Workers in 2026

If you're a young worker, a parent, or an employer hiring teenagers, knowing the minimum wage for under 18 is essential. From April 2026, the UK government has increased the hourly rate for 16-17 year olds to £8.00 per hour, up from £7.55. This guide explains how that rate translates into annual and monthly salaries, how it compares to other minimum wage bands, and what to consider when calculating take-home pay.

Current Rates from April 2026

GOV.UK National Minimum Wage rates confirm the following hourly minimums:

• National Living Wage (21 and over): £12.71
• 18-20 year old rate: £10.85
• 16-17 year old rate (under 18): £8.00
• Apprentice rate: £8.00 (for apprentices under 19 or in their first year)

The under 18 rate increased by 6% (45p per hour), while the 18-20 rate rose by 8.5% (85p per hour). The Low Pay Commission recommended these rises to balance fair pay with protecting employment opportunities for young people.

Converting Hourly Pay to Annual Salary

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

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

For a worker on the minimum wage for under 18 (£8.00/hr), here are common scenarios:

• 15 hours per week (typical for a student job): £8.00 × 15 × 52 = £6,240 per year (about £520 per month)
• 20 hours per week (common for part-time work): £8.00 × 20 × 52 = £8,320 per year (about £693 per month)
• 30 hours per week (possible for school-leavers working full-time): £8.00 × 30 × 52 = £12,480 per year (about £1,040 per month)
• 40 hours per week (maximum legal for 16-17 year olds): £8.00 × 40 × 52 = £16,640 per year (about £1,387 per month)

Remember that these figures are gross (before tax and National Insurance). The Income Tax Personal Allowance is £12,570 per year, so many under 18 workers earning below this threshold will pay no income tax, though they may still owe National Insurance if earnings exceed £242 per week.

Part-Time vs Full-Time Considerations

Most under 18 workers are in education, so part-time hours are the norm. The law restricts working hours for 16-17 year olds: they cannot work more than 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week, and must have a 30-minute break after 4.5 hours. Night work (between 10pm and 6am) is also restricted. These limits mean that full-time annual salaries for under 18s are capped around £16,640.

If you're comparing job offers, use our Hourly to Salary tool to quickly convert any hourly rate to annual or monthly figures. For broader UK pay benchmarks, visit our salary articles covering median earnings and sector-specific guides.

Distinctions Between Minimum Wage Bands

The minimum wage for under 18 is distinct from the apprentice rate, even though both are £8.00 in 2026. Apprentices under 19 or in their first year of apprenticeship are entitled to the apprentice rate. Once an apprentice turns 19 and completes their first year, they must be paid the age-based minimum wage (e.g., £10.85 for 18-20 year olds).

Also note that the National Living Wage applies only to those aged 21 and over. The government has signalled its intention to lower the NLW age to 18, but no timeline has been set. The 18-20 rate of £10.85 is already 85% of the NLW, narrowing the gap.

What About London Weighting and Overtime?

The minimum wage is a floor; many employers in London or for certain roles pay more. London weighting is not mandated by law but is common in sectors like retail and hospitality. Overtime must be paid at least the minimum wage for each hour worked, but there is no statutory overtime multiplier (e.g., time-and-a-half) unless your contract says so. Always check your contract for overtime terms.

Take-Home Pay and Benefits

Your actual take-home pay will depend on tax codes, pension contributions, and any benefits like Universal Credit. GOV.UK analysis shows that for a single person working 35 hours per week on the NLW, take-home pay increases by about 3.3% after the 2026 uplift. For under 18 workers earning less, the impact of tax and benefits varies. If you receive Universal Credit, your overall income may rise more than the hourly increase due to benefit tapers.

Using Our Resources

To explore how different hourly rates translate into annual salaries, try our hourly calculator. For a deeper dive into UK pay scales, including NHS, teaching, and retail, see our salary data section. And if you're researching career options, our topics page covers everything from apprenticeships to graduate salaries.

Summary

The minimum wage for under 18 in 2026 is £8.00 per hour. Depending on your weekly hours, this equates to an annual gross salary between about £6,240 (15 hours) and £16,640 (40 hours). Always check your employment contract for exact terms, and remember that the minimum wage is reviewed annually each April. For the latest updates, refer to official GOV.UK guidance or visit our about page for more information on how we calculate salary conversions.