All Minimum Wage Rates 2026/27
| Age | Rate | Annual (FT) | Take Home/Month |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 and Over | £12.21/hr | £23,810 | £1,722 |
| 18-20 | £10.0/hr | £19,500 | £1,463 |
| Under 18 | £7.55/hr | £14,722 | £1,177 |
| Apprentice | £7.55/hr | £14,722 | £1,177 |
Minimum Wage for Under 18s
Workers under 18 who are past school leaving age are entitled to £7.55 per hour from April 2026. If working full-time (37.5 hours), this produces an annual salary of £14,722, which is entirely below the personal allowance of £12,570 for income tax purposes but a small amount is taxable. Your monthly take home is approximately £1,177. Most under-18 workers are part-time; at 16 hours per week, you would earn approximately £6,280/year — well within the tax-free allowance, meaning no income tax at all.
Under-18 workers are also exempt from National Insurance until they earn above the Primary Threshold. Working hours for under-18s are legally restricted: no more than 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week during school holidays, and term-time restrictions apply for those still in education. At age 18, you move to the 18-20 rate of £10.00/hr — a 32% increase. See our hourly rate calculator for take home at any hourly rate.
Minimum Wage History for Under 18s
The under-18 minimum wage has increased steadily over recent years, though the 2026 rate remains frozen at the 2025 level.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Annual (FT) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/25 | £6.40/hr | £12,480 | — |
| 2025/26 | £7.55/hr | £14,722 | +18.0% |
| 2026/27 | £7.55/hr | £14,722 | 0% (frozen) |
What Can You Earn at Under 18?
While the minimum wage sets the floor at £7.55/hr, many under-18 jobs pay more. Here are typical hourly rates for common under-18 roles:
| Job | Typical Pay | Weekly (16hrs) |
|---|---|---|
| Supermarket / retail | £7.55 – £9.00/hr | £121 – £144 |
| Fast food / hospitality | £7.55 – £8.50/hr | £121 – £136 |
| Tutoring / babysitting | £8.00 – £15.00/hr | £128 – £240 |
| Dog walking / pet care | £8.00 – £12.00/hr | £128 – £192 |
| Office / admin assistant | £7.55 – £10.00/hr | £121 – £160 |
At £7.50/hr working 16 hours per week, you'd earn roughly £6,240/year — well within the tax-free personal allowance. Even at the higher end, most part-time under-18 workers pay no income tax.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is minimum wage for under 18 in 2026?
The UK minimum wage for under 18s is £7.55 per hour from April 2026, unchanged from 2025. Working full-time at 37.5 hours per week, that equals £14,722 per year before tax.
How many hours can under 18s work?
Under 18s can work a maximum of 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week during school holidays. During term time, hours are more restricted — typically 12 hours per week for 15-16 year olds. Under 18s cannot work between 10pm and 6am.
Can under 18s earn more than minimum wage?
Yes — £7.55/hr is the legal minimum, but many employers pay above it. Supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl often pay £8-10/hr for under 18s. There is no upper cap on what employers can offer.
What is the minimum wage for under 18 in the UK 2026?
The National Minimum Wage for workers under 18 is £7.55/hr from April 2026. Full-time (37.5 hours/week), that's £14,722/year gross or approximately £1,177/month take home after tax and National Insurance.
Related Pages
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