Understanding the Minimum Wage Under 18 in 2026

For young workers in the UK, the minimum wage under 18 is a key benchmark. From April 2026, the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for employees aged 16 and 17 (above school leaving age) is £8.00 per hour, as confirmed by GOV.UK National Minimum Wage rates. This rate also applies to apprentices who are under 19 or in their first year of apprenticeship. The rate represents a 6% increase from the previous year’s £7.55.

It’s important to note that the under-18 rate is the lowest of the age-based minimum wage bands. For comparison, the 18–20 rate rises to £10.85 per hour (up 8.5%), and the National Living Wage for those aged 21 and over increases to £12.71 per hour (up 4.1%). The government’s stated aim is to eventually eliminate the gap between the 18–20 rate and the National Living Wage, but the under-18 rate remains distinct, reflecting the fact that many in this age group are still in education or training.

Converting Hourly to Annual Salary

To understand what £8.00 per hour means in annual terms, you need to consider your typical weekly hours. The standard conversion used by Hourly to Salary is: annual salary ≈ hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks. However, for under-18 workers, full-time hours are less common due to school or college commitments and legal restrictions on working hours (e.g., no more than 40 hours per week for 16–17 year olds, and with rest breaks).

Here are some examples using common weekly hours:

• 37.5 hours/week (typical full-time for many sectors): £8.00 × 37.5 × 52 = £15,600 per year.
• 20 hours/week (common for students combining work with education): £8.00 × 20 × 52 = £8,320 per year.
• 15 hours/week (part-time evening or weekend work): £8.00 × 15 × 52 = £6,240 per year.

These figures are gross earnings before tax and National Insurance. Because the Personal Allowance for income tax is £12,570 (2026/27), many under-18 workers earning below this threshold will pay no income tax, though they may still pay National Insurance if earnings exceed £242 per week.

Regional and Sector Variations

While the minimum wage under 18 is a national floor, actual pay can vary by region and sector. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) shows that median hourly pay for all employees is significantly higher than the minimum, but it does not publish a separate median for under-18s. However, sectors such as retail, hospitality, and care often employ young workers at or near the minimum wage, while others like the NHS pay well above.

For example, the NHS pay scales for 2026/27 start at Band 1 (£25,272 annual, £12.92/hr) and Band 2 (£31,066 annual, £15.89/hr) – both far above the under-18 minimum. Even the lowest NHS band is closed to new entrants, and most roles require qualifications or experience. In London, NHS staff receive a Higher Cost Area Supplement (HCAS), which can add 20% of basic salary (minimum £5,794, maximum £8,746). This means a young worker in a London NHS role could earn considerably more than the statutory minimum.

Regional differences also appear in other sectors. For instance, the Living Wage Foundation sets a voluntary real Living Wage (currently £12.60 outside London, £13.85 in London) which many employers adopt. However, under-18 workers are not automatically entitled to these higher rates unless their employer chooses to pay them.

Seniority and Age Progression

One of the most important aspects of the minimum wage structure is how it changes with age. As a young worker turns 18, their minimum wage jumps to £10.85 per hour – a 35.6% increase. At 21, it rises again to the National Living Wage of £12.71. This progression means that staying in the same job can lead to significant pay rises simply due to age. Employers must legally increase pay to the new minimum when the worker reaches the relevant birthday.

For those in apprenticeships, the apprentice rate (£8.00) applies only during the first year or until the apprentice turns 19 (whichever is later). After that, they must be paid the appropriate age-based minimum wage. This can create a steep pay increase for apprentices who complete their first year or turn 19.

Practical Tips for Young Workers

• Check your contract: Your employer must pay at least the minimum wage for your age. If you are under 18, ensure you are receiving £8.00 per hour or more.
• Use the GOV.UK calculator: The government provides a minimum wage calculator to check if you are being paid correctly.
• Know your hours: Your annual earnings depend on your contracted hours. If you work irregular shifts, keep a record to ensure you are not underpaid.
• Look ahead: As you approach 18 or 21, your pay should automatically increase. Discuss this with your employer in advance.

For more detailed salary comparisons and conversion tools, visit our salary data page or use the hourly calculator to estimate your annual earnings based on your actual hours.

Summary

The minimum wage under 18 in 2026 is £8.00 per hour, a 6% increase from the previous year. While this is the legal minimum, many young workers earn more depending on their sector, region, or employer. Converting hourly pay to an annual salary requires knowing your weekly hours, and the progression to higher age bands means pay can increase significantly as you get older. Always check official guidance from GOV.UK and your employment contract to ensure you are receiving the correct rate.