Find the correct apprenticeship minimum wage rate based on your age and year
Rates shown are the statutory minimums from April 2025. Employers may pay above these rates. Rates are reviewed annually each April.
Apprenticeships offer an increasingly popular alternative to university education in the UK, allowing you to earn while you learn and gain recognised qualifications without accumulating student debt. Understanding the apprenticeship wage structure is essential for anyone considering this route, whether you are a school leaver, career changer, or parent helping a young person evaluate their options. The UK government sets minimum wage rates for apprentices through the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) framework. From April 2025, the apprentice rate is 7.55 per hour. This rate applies specifically to apprentices aged under 19, or those aged 19 and over who are still in the first year of their apprenticeship. Once an apprentice is aged 19 or over and has completed their first year, they become entitled to the full age-appropriate NMW or NLW rate. These rates are statutory minimums, and many employers pay significantly above them, particularly for higher-level and degree apprenticeships. Companies in sectors such as technology, engineering, finance, and professional services often offer apprenticeship salaries of 15,000 to 25,000 or more per year, well above the legal minimum. Apprenticeships in the UK range from Level 2 (Intermediate) through to Level 7 (equivalent to a master's degree). Higher and degree apprenticeships at Levels 4 to 7 typically command better pay, as apprentices contribute more directly to business operations while studying part-time for a higher education qualification. Our calculator shows you the statutory minimum hourly rate based on your age and apprenticeship year, and calculates your expected weekly, monthly, and annual pay. It also shows the 20% off-the-job training hours that your employer must provide as part of the apprenticeship programme.
To calculate your apprenticeship wage: 1. Enter your age. This is crucial because the minimum wage rate changes at age 18, 19, and 21. Younger apprentices and those in their first year receive the apprentice rate, while older apprentices beyond year 1 receive the full NMW or NLW for their age group. 2. Select your apprenticeship year. The apprentice rate of 7.55 per hour applies in year 1 regardless of age (for those aged 19 and over). From year 2 onwards, apprentices aged 19 or over receive the age-appropriate minimum wage rate. 3. Enter your contracted hours per week. Most full-time apprenticeships are 37.5 hours per week, but some may be 30 or 40 hours. Part-time apprenticeships must still total at least 30 hours per week including training. 4. Select your apprenticeship level for reference. While the level does not affect the statutory minimum rate, it provides context for the qualification you will achieve. 5. Review the results to see your hourly rate, weekly pay, monthly pay, and annual pay. The chart compares the apprentice rate against NMW and NLW rates for different age groups.
Apprenticeship wage calculations follow the government's NMW/NLW framework: Rate determination: If age is under 19, or age is 19 or over and in apprenticeship year 1, the apprentice rate of 7.55 per hour applies. Otherwise, the age-appropriate rate applies: 18-20 = 10.00 per hour; 21 and over = 12.21 per hour (National Living Wage). Weekly Pay = Hourly Rate x Hours Per Week. For example, at 7.55 per hour for 37.5 hours: 7.55 x 37.5 = 283.13 per week. Monthly Pay = Weekly Pay x 52 / 12. This gives an average monthly figure accounting for the fact that months have varying numbers of weeks. Annual Pay = Weekly Pay x 52. For the apprentice rate at 37.5 hours: 283.13 x 52 = 14,722.50 per year. Training Hours = Hours Per Week x 0.20. Apprentices are entitled to spend at least 20% of their working time on off-the-job training. This training must be directly relevant to the apprenticeship standard and can include classroom teaching, online learning, mentoring, and practical training. These are the legal minimums set by the Low Pay Commission and enacted through the National Minimum Wage Act. Rates are reviewed and typically updated each April.