National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates 

The hourly rate for the minimum wage 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 23 to get the National Living Wage – the minimum wage will still apply for workers aged 22 and under 

Current rates 

These rates are for the National Living Wage (for those aged 23 and over) and the National Minimum Wage (for those of at least school leaving age). The rates change on 1 April every year. 

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 21 in the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £4.81.

https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates 1/2 

28/09/2022, 15:00 National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates – GOV.UK 

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 21 who has completed the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £9.18.