ou must be at least:
- school leaving age to get the National Minimum Wage
- aged 25 to get the National Living Wage – the minimum wage will still apply for workers aged 24 and under
Current rates
These rates are for the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage. The rates change every April.
| Year | 25 and over | 21 to 24 | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2017 (current) | £7.50 | £7.05 | £5.60 | £4.05 | £3.50 |
| April 2018 | £7.83 | £7.38 | £5.90 | £4.20 | £3.70 |
Apprentices
Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they’re either:
- aged under 19
- aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship
Example An apprentice aged 22 in the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £3.50
Apprentices are entitled to the minimum wage for their age if they both:
- are aged 19 or over
- have completed the first year of their apprenticeship
Example An apprentice aged 22 who has completed the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £7.05
Previous rates
The following rates were for the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage from April 2016.
| Year | 25 and over | 21 to 24 | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 2016 to March 2017 | £7.20 | £6.95 | £5.55 | £4.00 | £3.40 |
| April 2016 to September 2016 | £7.20 | £6.70 | £5.30 | £3.87 | £3.30 |