All Minimum Wage Rates 2026/27
| Age | Rate | Annual (FT) | Take Home/Month |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 and Over | £12.71/hr | £24,784 | £1,780 |
| 18-20 | £10.85/hr | £21,158 | £1,563 |
| Under 18 | £8.00/hr | £15,600 | £1,229 |
| Apprentice | £8.00/hr | £15,600 | £1,229 |
Apprentice Minimum Wage Explained
The apprentice minimum wage is £8.00 per hour from April 2026, up from £7.55. This rate applies to apprentices under 19, or those aged 19+ in the first year of their apprenticeship. Once you are aged 19 or over and have completed the first year, you are entitled to the National Minimum Wage for your age. Full-time apprentices earn approximately £1,229/month take home at this rate, with little tax due because the income is close to the personal allowance.
The apprentice wage should be viewed as a training investment, not long-term pay. Qualified apprentices in construction, engineering, and technology can see their earnings rise substantially once they have completed their apprenticeship. Level 3 apprenticeships in trades like electrical installation or plumbing lead to qualifications with strong lifetime earning potential. Many employers pay above the minimum apprentice rate to attract the best candidates — always negotiate. See our apprenticeship level guides for pay at each qualification level.
Apprenticeship Levels and Minimum Pay
Apprenticeships range from Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) to Level 7 (master's degree equivalent). The legal minimum depends on your age and how far into the apprenticeship you are, not on the level.
| Level | Equivalent To |
|---|---|
| Level 2 (Intermediate) | GCSEs |
| Level 3 (Advanced) | A-Levels |
| Level 4/5 (Higher) | Foundation degree |
| Level 6/7 (Degree) | Bachelor's / Master's |
| Apprentice | Minimum From April 2026 | Annual (FT) | Take Home/Month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 19, or 19+ in the first year | £8.00/hr | £15,600 | £1,229 |
| 19-20, after the first year | £10.85/hr | £21,158 | £1,563 |
| 21 and over, after the first year | £12.71/hr | £24,784 | £1,780 |
Pay above these minimums varies by employer, sector and level. We have not found a current official source for typical apprentice pay at each level, so we do not quote ranges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the apprentice minimum wage 2026?
The UK apprentice minimum wage is £8.00 per hour from 1 April 2026, up from £7.55 in 2025/26. It applies to apprentices under 19, or aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship. Once you are 19 or over and have completed the first year, you move to the minimum wage for your age.
Do apprentices pay tax?
Most apprentices pay little income tax. At £8.00/hr full-time, you earn £15,600/year — £3,030 above the £12,570 personal allowance. That means £606/year (£50/month) in income tax, plus £242/year in National Insurance at 8% above the £12,570 Primary Threshold.
Can apprentices earn more than minimum wage?
Yes — £8.00/hr is the legal floor, and employers are free to pay more. Once you are 19 or over and have completed your first year, the minimum rises to the rate for your age: £10.85/hr at 18-20 and £12.71/hr at 21 and over. Always compare offers against these minimums.
What is the apprentice minimum wage in the UK 2026?
The UK apprentice minimum wage from April 2026 is £8.00/hr. Full-time (37.5 hours/week), that equals £15,600/year gross or approximately £1,229/month take home after tax and National Insurance deductions.
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