Precision Utility
Apprentice Wage
Calculator
Tax Year
2025/26
Apprentice Rate
£7.55/hr
Check whether your apprenticeship pay meets the legal minimum for 2025/26. Select your age group, enter your weekly hours and current hourly rate — the calculator instantly shows the minimum you should be earning and flags any shortfall. All rates reflect the latest HMRC thresholds.
Apprenticeship Details
Minimum Hourly Rate
£7.55
Weekly Minimum
£226.50
Annual Minimum
£11,778.00
Compliance
Meets minimum
Your Hourly Rate
£7.55
Your Weekly Pay
£226.50
Your Annual Pay
£11,778.00
Difference
£0.00/hr
How the apprentice wage calculator works
Start by selecting your age group from the dropdown. If you are under 19 or in the first year of your apprenticeship at any age, the apprentice rate of £7.55 per hour applies. Once you have completed your first year and are aged 19 or over, you are entitled to the full National Minimum Wage for your age band.
Use the slider or type directly to set your weekly hours — this should include all working time plus any off-the-job training hours. Then enter the hourly rate your employer currently pays you. The calculator instantly compares your rate against the legal minimum and shows the result in the main card.
If your current rate falls below the minimum, the calculator highlights the shortfall per hour and shows how much you should be earning weekly and annually. This makes it straightforward to check whether your employer is meeting their legal obligations.
Apprentice pay rates for 2025/26
The UK government sets minimum pay rates that all employers must follow. For apprentices, the rate depends on your age and how far through your apprenticeship you are. Here are the key rates for 2025/26:
- Apprentice rate: £7.55/hr — applies to all apprentices under 19, or those aged 19+ in the first year of their apprenticeship
- 18–20 rate: £10.00/hr — applies to apprentices aged 18–20 who have completed their first year
- 21–22 rate: £11.44/hr — applies to apprentices aged 21–22 who have completed their first year
- 23+ rate (National Living Wage): £12.21/hr — applies to apprentices aged 23 and over who have completed their first year
These rates are reviewed annually and typically increase each April. Your employer must pay at least the applicable minimum for every hour worked, including time spent on off-the-job training. For the latest official rates, visit the GOV.UK minimum wage rates page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the apprentice minimum wage rate for 2025/26?
The apprentice minimum wage for 2025/26 is £7.55 per hour. This rate applies to apprentices aged under 19, or those aged 19 and over who are in the first year of their apprenticeship. After the first year, apprentices are entitled to the age-appropriate National Minimum Wage rate.
When does the National Minimum Wage apply to apprentices?
The full National Minimum Wage applies to apprentices once they have completed the first year of their apprenticeship and are aged 19 or over. For 2025/26, this means £10.00 per hour for ages 18–20, £11.44 for ages 21–22, and £12.21 for ages 23 and above.
Do training hours count as working hours for apprentice pay?
Yes. All time spent training as part of your apprenticeship — whether on the job or at a college or training provider — counts as working time. Your employer must pay you at least the minimum wage for every hour of training, including any time spent studying or completing coursework during working hours.
What is the National Insurance threshold for apprentices?
Apprentices under 25 benefit from a higher employer NI threshold. Employers do not pay National Insurance on earnings up to £50,270 for apprentices under 25. However, the employee NI threshold is the same as for all workers — you start paying NI on earnings above £12,570 per year (£242 per week) for 2025/26.
What rights do apprentices have regarding pay?
Apprentices have the legal right to be paid at least the apprentice minimum wage for all hours worked, including training time. They are also entitled to at least 20 days of paid holiday plus bank holidays, rest breaks, and the same health and safety protections as other employees. Employers cannot make deductions that reduce pay below the minimum wage.
How do I report being underpaid as an apprentice?
If you believe your employer is paying you less than the legal minimum, you can report them to HMRC's Pay and Work Rights Helpline on 0300 123 1100 or submit a complaint online at gov.uk. HMRC can investigate your employer, order back pay, and issue penalties. You can also contact ACAS for free advice on 0300 123 1100.