Apprentice Wage Calculator (UK)
Updated November 2026 · Free · No sign-up
Calculate apprentice wages — the apprentice rate (£8.00/hour from April 2026) applies only to under-19s OR first-year apprentices; after that, your age-band rate takes over — the switch employers miss.
Quick answer: The apprentice rate (£8.00, April 2026) lawfully applies ONLY while: under 19, or 19+ in the FIRST year of the apprenticeship. After year one (19+), you jump to your age band: 18-20 £10.85, 21+ £12.71 — a 36-59% raise the payslip must show. Training time (min 6 hrs/week off-the-job) is PAID time.
Which Rate Applies (April 2026 Figures)
| Situation | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Under 19 (any year), or 19+ in year ONE | £8.00 (apprentice rate) |
| 19-20, year two onward | £10.85 (18-20 rate) |
| 21+, year two onward | £12.71 (NLW) |
The anniversary switch is the big enforcement theme: a 21-year-old finishing year one jumps from £8.00 to £12.71 — HMRC’s naming rounds are full of employers who didn’t. (Rates shown are April 2026; they move every April — verify.)
Paid Time Rules
All of it counts: working hours, the mandatory off-the-job training (6+ hours/week average), college days, and study time the apprenticeship requires — paid at your applicable rate. Unpaid college days are an NMW breach (checker).
Worked Example
20-year-old, year two, paid £8.00 for 37.5 hours: lawful rate is £10.85 → underpaid £106.88/week — recoverable via HMRC’s free complaint at current rates plus employer penalties. Year-one at £8.00: lawful, if every training hour is paid.
Beyond the Minimum
Median advertised apprentice pay runs well above the floor (many employers pay age rates from day one as a recruiting tool); apprentices get normal worker rights — 5.6 weeks’ holiday, sick pay, pension auto-enrolment (22+ earning £10k+). Degree apprentices: no tuition fees AND no student loan — the quiet financial argument for the route.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the apprentice minimum wage?
£8.00/hour from April 2026 — but only for under-19s or those 19+ in their first apprenticeship year; after that the age band applies (£10.85 or £12.71).
When does my rate go up?
The day you finish year one (if 19+) — to your age band; and every birthday that crosses a band; and every April when rates revise.
Is college/training time paid?
Yes — off-the-job training (minimum 6 hours/week average), college days, and required study count as paid working time at your rate.
What if I’m paid below the right rate?
HMRC’s free NMW complaint recovers arrears at current rates with employer penalties — the apprentice-anniversary miss is their most-found breach.
Do apprentices get holiday and pension?
Full worker rights: 5.6 weeks’ paid holiday, SSP, and auto-enrolment at 22+ earning £10,000+.
✓ Formula verified • Last updated: November 3, 2026