The National Minimum Wage in 2024
The hourly rate for the minimum wage depends on your age and whether you’re an apprentice.
This page is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).
You must be at least:
- school leaving age to get the National Minimum Wage
- aged 21 to get the National Living Wage - the minimum wage will still apply for workers aged 20 and under
Current rates
These rates are for the National Living Wage (for those aged 21 and over) and the National Minimum Wage (for those of at least school leaving age). The rates change on 1 April every year.
| 21 and over | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2024 | £11.44 | £8.60 | £6.40 | £6.40 |
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 £6.40.
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 £11.44.
Previous rates
The following rates were for the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage from April 2017.
Rates from 1 April 2021
Before 1 April 2024 the National Living Wage was for those aged 23 and over.
| 23 and over | 21 to 22 | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2023 to Mar 2024 | £10.42 | £10.18 | £7.49 | £5.28 | £5.28 |
| Apr 2022 to Mar 2023 | £9.50 | £9.18 | £6.83 | £4.81 | £4.81 |
| Apr 2021 to Mar 2022 | £8.91 | £8.36 | £6.56 | £4.62 | £4.30 |
Rates before 1 April 2021
Before 1 April 2021 the National Living Wage was for those aged 25 and over.
| 25 and over | 21 to 24 | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2020 to Mar 2021 | £8.72 | £8.20 | £6.45 | £4.55 | £4.15 |
| Apr 2019 to Mar 2020 | £8.21 | £7.70 | £6.15 | £4.35 | £3.90 |
| Apr 2018 to Mar 2019 | £7.83 | £7.38 | £5.90 | £4.20 | £3.70 |
Who gets the minimum wage
Read the information on who is entitled to the minimum wage.
You can use the minimum wage calculator to check whether the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage is being paid.
Contact Acas if you’re not getting the National Minimum Wage and think you should be.
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