Hourly Pay Rates in the United Kingdom
As a rule, the lowest hourly pay rate (e.g. minimum wage) that employers must pay their workers increases every year.
The main aim of increasing the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates is to provide an annual boost to the standard of living.
Even so, the actual hourly rate that you may get depends on your age and whether you are working as an apprentice.
Note: The rates for the National Minimum Wage 2022/23 are also available in Welsh language (Cyfraddau’r Isafswm Cyflog Cenedlaethol a’r Cyflog Byw Cenedlaethol).
To qualify for the most current increase in hourly pay you must be at least:
- The minimum age for leaving school (usually 16 years) to get the National Minimum Wage.
- Twenty three (23) years or older to get the National Living Wage.
- *The minimum wage still applies for workers aged twenty two (22) and under.
NMW Rates 2022/23
You must be at least 23 years old to qualify for the National Living Wage. From the age of sixteen (16) you will have entitlement to the National Minimum Wage.
| YEAR | AGE 23 (and over) | AGE 21 -22 | AGE 18 – 20 | UNDER 18 | APPRENTICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2022 | £9.50 | £9.18 | £6.83 | £4.81 | £4.81 |
Note: A change in the law means seafarers will start receiving pay protection equal to every other sector from the 1st of October 2020.
Rates for Apprentices
National Minimum Wage rates and pay scales did not exist for apprentices before 2010. They calculated the age groups using a different system back then.
Apprentices are now entitled to the apprentice wage rate for their age unless they are:
- Under the age of nineteen (19).
- Nineteen (19) or older but in the first year of an apprenticeship.
Note: An apprentice would get the minimum wage for their age if they are 19 or older and have completed the first year of their apprenticeship. The apprenticeships guide has further details on the rights for apprentices.
Previous NMW Rates
| Year | Age 25 (and over) | Age 21 -24 | Age 18 – 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2021 to March 2022 | £8.91 | £8.36 | £6.56 | £4.62 | £4.30 |
| April 2020 to March 2021 | £8.72 | £8.20 | £6.45 | £4.55 | £4.15 |
| April 2019 to March 2020 | £8.21 | £7.70 | £6.15 | £4.35 | £3.90 |
| April 2018 to March 2019 | £7.83 | £7.38 | £5.90 | £4.20 | £3.70 |
Note: The online minimum wage calculator allows workers and employers to check wage payments. You can also contact the Acas helpline if your NMW or National Living Wage is not getting paid correctly.