What is the minimum wage for a 16 year old?

If you are a 16-year-old starting your first job or looking for part-time work, knowing your legal minimum pay is essential. From April 2026, the National Minimum Wage for workers under 18 is £8.00 per hour. This rate applies to all 16 and 17 year olds, as well as apprentices in that age group (or older apprentices in their first year).

This article explains the hourly rate, how to convert it to an annual salary, and how it compares to other age bands. We also cover common questions about overtime, London weighting, and what to do if you think you are being underpaid.

Current rates for under-18s (from April 2026)

GOV.UK confirms that the National Minimum Wage rates change each April. For the year starting 1 April 2026:

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

The apprentice rate applies to anyone under 19, or aged 19+ in the first year of their apprenticeship. After the first year, apprentices move to the age-appropriate rate (which for a 16 year old is still £8.00).

Converting £8.00 per hour to an annual salary

To estimate your annual gross pay, multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work each week, then by 52 weeks. This assumes a steady weekly schedule with no unpaid overtime.

Example 1: Full-time (37.5 hours/week) £8.00 × 37.5 × 52 = £15,600 per year

Example 2: Part-time (20 hours/week, common for students) £8.00 × 20 × 52 = £8,320 per year

Remember that these are gross figures – before tax and National Insurance. If you earn below the Personal Allowance (£12,570 for 2026/27), you will not pay income tax. For a 16 year old working full-time at £15,600, only the amount above £12,570 is taxed at 20%.

Use our Hourly to Salary tool to try different hours and see your take-home pay.

How does the 16-year-old rate compare to other age bands?

The gap between the under-18 rate and the National Living Wage is significant – £4.71 per hour. This reflects the government’s policy of phasing in higher rates for older workers. The 18-20 rate (£10.85) is 85% of the NLW, and the under-18 rate is about 63% of the NLW.

For a 16 year old working 37.5 hours per week, the difference in annual pay compared to a 21-year-old doing the same job is:

• 16-year-old: £15,600
• 21-year-old (NLW): £24,784.50
• Difference: £9,184.50 per year

This is a substantial gap, but it is legal because the National Living Wage only applies from age 21.

Overtime and London weighting

Overtime: There is no statutory requirement to pay a premium rate for overtime hours. However, every hour worked must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage. If your normal hourly rate is £8.00, overtime hours must also be at least £8.00. Some employers offer time-and-a-half or double time, but this is contractual, not legal.

London weighting: The National Minimum Wage is a single UK-wide rate. There is no extra London allowance built into the minimum wage. If you work in London, your employer may offer a London weighting as a top-up, but it is not required by law. Check your contract or ask your HR department.

What if you are an apprentice?

Apprentices aged 16-18 are entitled to the apprentice rate of £8.00 per hour. If you are 19 or over and in the first year of your apprenticeship, you also get £8.00. After the first year, you move to the age-appropriate rate – for a 19-year-old that would be the 18-20 rate (£10.85), and for a 21-year-old the National Living Wage (£12.71).

Real-world context: what do 16-year-olds actually earn?

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) publishes the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), which provides median pay for different age groups. However, ASHE does not publish a separate median for 16-year-olds because the sample size is too small. Most 16-year-olds work part-time in retail, hospitality, or as apprentices, so actual earnings vary widely.

If you are comparing a job offer, remember that the minimum wage is a floor, not a target. Some employers pay above the minimum to attract young workers. Always check your contract and use the salary data on our site to see typical pay for your role.

What to do if you are paid less than £8.00

If you believe you are being paid below the National Minimum Wage, you can:

1. Check your pay using the GOV.UK minimum wage calculator.
2. Talk to your employer – it may be an honest mistake.
3. Report it to HMRC confidentially. They can investigate and order back-pay.

Employers who break the law can be fined and publicly named. Your age does not affect your right to the minimum wage – the law protects all workers from school leaving age.

Summary

• Minimum wage for 16 year olds from April 2026: £8.00 per hour.
• Annual salary at 37.5 hours/week: approximately £15,600.
• No London weighting – same rate across UK.
• Overtime must be at least minimum wage, but no statutory premium.
• Apprentices get £8.00 if under 19 or in first year.

For more detailed comparisons and to calculate your own salary, visit our salary articles and hourly calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum wage for a 16 year old in 2026?

From April 2026, the National Minimum Wage for a 16 year old (and all workers under 18) is £8.00 per hour. This rate is set by the government and applies across the UK. If you are an apprentice aged 16-18, you are also entitled to £8.00 per hour, unless you have completed the first year of your apprenticeship, in which case you move to the age-appropriate rate (still £8.00 for under 18s).

How does the minimum wage for 16 year olds compare to the National Living Wage?

The National Living Wage (for workers aged 21 and over) is £12.71 per hour from April 2026, which is significantly higher than the £8.00 rate for 16 year olds. The 18-20 rate sits in between at £10.85. These differences reflect the government’s policy of phasing in higher rates for older workers. As a 16 year old, you are not entitled to the National Living Wage until you turn 21.

Can a 16 year old be paid less than £8.00 per hour?

No, it is illegal to pay a 16 year old less than the National Minimum Wage of £8.00 per hour (from April 2026). There are very limited exceptions, such as some voluntary workers or those on certain government employment programmes. If you suspect you are being underpaid, you can check using the GOV.UK minimum wage calculator and report it to HMRC. Employers who break the law can face fines and back-pay orders.