The National Minimum Wage rate per hour depends on your age and whether you’re an apprentice.

You must be at least:

School leaving age to get the National Minimum Wage
Aged 21 to get the National Living Wage - the minimum wage will still apply for workers aged 20 and under

Current rates

The rates change on April every year.

April 2025 (current rate)

21 and over - £12.21
18 to 20 - £10.00
Under 18 - £7.55
Apprentice - £7.55

April 2026

21 and over - £12.71
18 to 20 - £10.85
Under 18 - £8.00
Apprentice - £8.00

Apprentices

Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they’re either:

Aged under 19 or
Aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship

You can also find further information on the GOV.UK website, including previous years minimum wage rates.