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

If you're a 16 year old looking for a part-time job, or a parent helping your child understand their first payslip, the key question is: what's minimum wage for a 16 year old? From 1 April 2026, the legal minimum hourly rate for workers under 18 is £8.00 per hour. This rate is set by the UK government following recommendations from the Low Pay Commission and applies across the whole country, regardless of where you live.

National Minimum Wage Rates for Under-18s

The £8.00 rate is part of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) structure. It applies to all workers aged 16 and 17 (and also to apprentices under 19 or in their first year of apprenticeship). The rate increased by 45p (6.0%) from the previous year's £7.55. This is a significant boost for young workers, though it remains lower than the rates for older age groups:

• 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 are confirmed by GOV.UK National Minimum Wage rates and the government's publication on the National Minimum Wage in 2026.

How Much Does That Work Out to Per Year?

Because 16 year olds are usually in full-time education, they rarely work a full 37.5-hour week. Instead, most work part-time – perhaps a few evenings or weekends. To convert an hourly rate to an annual salary, use the formula:

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

Here are some common scenarios for a 16 year old earning £8.00 per hour:

Hours per week	Annual salary (approx)	Typical situation
10 hours	£4,160	A few evenings or a Saturday shift
12 hours	£4,992	Maximum term-time hours allowed by law
20 hours	£8,320	Possible in school holidays or for a college student with a flexible schedule
35 hours	£14,560	Full-time during summer holidays (maximum allowed for under-18s)

Remember that these figures assume you work every week of the year. If your job is term-time only (e.g., 39 weeks), the annual pay will be lower. Also, your employer must pay you for statutory holiday entitlement, which is usually included in your hourly rate or paid separately.

Legal Limits on Hours for 16 Year Olds

It's not just the wage that matters – there are strict rules about how many hours a 16 year old can work. These are designed to protect your education and wellbeing:

• During term time: Maximum 12 hours per week, with a maximum of 2 hours on a school day, 5 hours on Saturday, and 8 hours on Sunday. You cannot work before 7am or after 7pm on a school day.
• During school holidays: Maximum 35 hours per week, with a maximum of 8 hours per day. You can work between 7am and 10pm.
• No night work: 16 year olds cannot work between 10pm and 7am (with some exceptions for certain jobs).

These rules mean that a 16 year old's annual earnings are usually modest. Use our hourly calculator to see how different hours affect your take-home pay.

What About Apprentices?

If you are 16 and start an apprenticeship, you are entitled to the apprentice rate of £8.00 per hour for the first year. After the first year, you must be paid at least the minimum wage for your age – which for a 16 year old is still £8.00. So the rate stays the same until you turn 18, when you become eligible for the 18-20 rate (£10.85 in 2026).

Does London Weighting Apply?

The National Minimum Wage is a legal floor – it applies everywhere in the UK. However, some employers in London or other high-cost areas may choose to pay more than the minimum. There is no separate London weighting for the minimum wage itself, but many jobs (especially in retail and hospitality) offer a premium in London. The NHS pay scales, for example, include Higher Cost Area Supplements (HCAS) for staff in and around London, but these apply to NHS roles, not typical Saturday jobs for 16 year olds.

How Does This Compare to Other Age Groups?

The jump from £8.00 to £10.85 when you turn 18 is a 35.6% increase. Then at 21, the National Living Wage of £12.71 applies. This structure encourages young people to stay in education or training while still allowing part-time work. The government's aim is to ensure that minimum wage rates do not become detached from each other, so the under-18 rate has been increased by 6% this year, slightly above inflation.

Practical Tips for 16 Year Olds

• Check your payslip: Your employer must pay at least £8.00 per hour. If you think you're being underpaid, you can report it to HMRC.
• Know your rights: You are entitled to the National Minimum Wage, holiday pay, and a written statement of employment particulars if you work regularly.
• Use our salary data: For more context on typical earnings by age and region, visit our salary data page.
• Plan your hours: Remember the legal limits – don't let work interfere with your studies.

Summary

So, what's minimum wage for a 16 year old? In 2026, it's £8.00 per hour. This rate applies from 1 April and is the same for all workers under 18. While the hourly rate is straightforward, your actual annual earnings depend heavily on how many hours you work and whether you work all year round. For most 16 year olds in part-time jobs, annual pay will be between £4,000 and £8,000. Always check your contract and the official GOV.UK guidance to ensure you're being paid correctly.

For more help converting hourly rates to salary, try our hourly to salary calculator.