Apprenticeship Minimum Wage 2026: The Complete Guide
Navigating the financial landscape of an apprenticeship can be confusing. Whether you are just starting your career or looking to retrain, understanding your entitled pay is crucial. As of February 20, 2026, the rates set in April 2025 are the current standard for calculating your earnings.
Current Apprentice Wage Rates (2025/2026)
The UK government updated the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) in April 2025. These rates significantly impact apprenticeships.
- Apprentice Rate: £7.55 per hour.
- 18-20 Year Old Rate: £10.00 per hour.
- 21+ National Living Wage: £12.21 per hour.
The Apprentice Rate (£7.55) applies specifically to:
- Apprentices aged under 19.
- Apprentices aged 19 or over who are in the first year of their apprenticeship.
If you are aged 19 or older and have completed your first year, you are legally entitled to the minimum wage for your age group, not the apprentice rate. This is a common point of confusion that our calculator above automatically handles.
Understanding Your Pay Calculation
Apprentices are typically paid for a minimum of 30 hours per week, which includes both on-the-job work and off-the-job training. Even if your study day is at a college or university, you must be paid for those hours.
Tax and National Insurance
One of the benefits of the apprenticeship wage structure for many young learners is the tax efficiency. The Personal Allowance for the 2025/2026 tax year remains at £12,570.
This means if your annual gross salary is below £12,570, you will pay £0 in Income Tax. For many on the base apprentice rate working 30-35 hours, you will likely fall into this tax-free bracket.
National Insurance (NI): You begin paying National Insurance once you earn above the primary threshold (approx. £242 per week). Even then, the rates are generally lower for lower earners. Our calculator estimates this deduction to give you a true "in-your-pocket" figure.
Higher and Degree Apprenticeships (Level 6 & 7)
While the minimum rate is £7.55, many employers pay significantly more, especially for Higher and Degree Apprenticeships. These competitive roles often come with salaries ranging from £18,000 to over £25,000 per year. Unlike traditional university routes, you earn this salary while getting your tuition fees paid for by the employer and government.
If you are on a Degree Apprenticeship, simply enter your custom hourly rate or convert your annual salary to an hourly figure (Annual Salary / 52 weeks / Hours per week) into the "Custom Rate" field above for an accurate tax breakdown.
Employer Cost vs. Traditional Hire
For employers, hiring an apprentice is financially attractive beyond just the wage rates. Employers do not pay Class 1 National Insurance contributions for apprentices under the age of 25 who earn less than £50,270 a year. This saving incentivizes businesses to invest in training younger staff.
Full-Time vs. Part-Time Apprenticeships
Most apprenticeships are full-time (30+ hours). However, part-time apprenticeships exist (minimum 16 hours) usually for those with caring responsibilities. If you work fewer hours, your apprenticeship duration will be extended to ensure you cover the required training content.
Rights and Entitlements
Apprentices have the same employment rights as other employees. This includes:
- Paid Holidays: 5.6 weeks (28 days) minimum per year.
- Sick Pay: Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) eligibility.
- Maternity/Paternity Pay: Standard statutory entitlements.
- Pension Scheme: Auto-enrolment if eligible (aged 22+ and earning over £10,000).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Most apprentices do not pay income tax because their annual earnings often fall below the Personal Allowance threshold of £12,570. However, if your apprenticeship salary exceeds this amount—common in Degree or Higher Apprenticeships—you will pay 20% tax on the amount above £12,570.
Yes. Under UK law, apprentices must be paid for their normal working hours and any training that is part of the apprenticeship (usually at least 20% of your time). This includes time spent at college, university, or training providers.
If you are aged 19 or over and have completed the first year of your apprenticeship, you are entitled to the full National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage for your age group, rather than the apprentice rate. For those 21+, this is £12.21 per hour.
From April 2025, the National Minimum Wage for apprentices increased to £7.55 per hour. This rate applies to apprentices aged under 19, or those aged 19 and over in their first year of apprenticeship.
Apprentices are treated as full-time employees and are entitled to at least 5.6 weeks (28 days) of paid holiday per year if working 5 days a week. This often includes bank holidays.
Yes, it is possible to claim Universal Credit while on an apprenticeship if you are on a low income, have children, or have a disability. Your earnings will affect how much Universal Credit you receive.
Yes, Degree Apprenticeships (Level 6 and 7) typically offer much higher starting salaries than the minimum wage, often ranging from £18,000 to £25,000 or more per year, depending on the employer and industry.
Content Author: Mustafa Bilgic. Last Updated: February 20, 2026.
Disclaimer: This tool is for illustrative purposes. Tax codes and NI contributions can vary based on individual circumstances. Always check your payslip or consult HMRC.