What is the minimum wage for a 17 year old in 2026?

Understanding the National Minimum Wage for Young Workers

For many teenagers entering the workforce, the first question is often: what is the minimum wage for a 17 year old? The answer depends on the current tax year and government upratings. As of April 2026, the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for 16-17 year olds is £8.00 per hour, a 6% increase from the previous rate of £7.55. This rate is set by the Low Pay Commission and applies across the UK, including Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

How the minimum wage is structured by age

The UK has a tiered minimum wage system. The National Living Wage (NLW) applies to workers aged 21 and over, while younger workers have lower rates. From April 2026:

• 21 and over: £12.71 per hour (NLW)
• 18 to 20: £10.85 per hour
• 16 to 17: £8.00 per hour
• Apprentices (under 19 or in first year): £8.00 per hour

This means a 17 year old who is not an apprentice receives the same hourly rate as an apprentice of the same age. However, if a 17 year old is in the first year of an apprenticeship, they also get £8.00 – so there is no difference in this case. The rates change every April, so it's important to check the current year when looking at job offers.

What does £8.00 per hour mean in practice?

To put the minimum wage in context, consider a 17 year old working a typical full-time week of 37.5 hours. At £8.00 per hour, gross weekly pay would be £300, and annual gross pay around £15,600. This is significantly below the UK median full-time annual earnings of about £39,039 (ONS ASHE, April 2025). Most 17 year olds are in part-time jobs, often combining work with education, so actual earnings are usually lower.

Take-home pay depends on tax and National Insurance. For the 2026/27 tax year, the personal allowance is £12,570. A 17 year old earning £15,600 would pay income tax on the excess (£3,030) at 20%, plus National Insurance contributions above the primary threshold. However, many young workers earn below the tax threshold and take home their full gross pay. Scotland has different income tax bands, but the National Minimum Wage rates are the same across the UK.

How the minimum wage compares to advertised salaries

Public statistics like the ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) measure actual earnings of employees, not advertised vacancies. Advertised salaries for 17 year olds can be higher than the minimum, especially in sectors facing labour shortages such as hospitality, retail and care. For example, some supermarkets and fast-food chains offer starting rates above the NMW to attract young workers. However, the legal minimum is the floor, and employers cannot pay less.

The Low Pay Commission's remit includes ensuring the minimum wage does not damage employment prospects for young people. The 2026 increase of 6% for 16-17 year olds is intended to keep pace with cost of living while maintaining a differential with older workers. The Commission projects that two-thirds of median hourly earnings for those aged 21 and over will be around £13.18 by October 2027, so the gap between the youth rate and the NLW is likely to persist.

What about apprentices?

If a 17 year old starts an apprenticeship, they are entitled to the apprentice rate of £8.00 per hour if they are under 19 or in their first year. After the first year, they must be paid at least the minimum wage for their age. Apprenticeships often combine work with training, and the hourly rate may be lower than a standard job, but many apprentices progress to higher pay after completion.

Key considerations for job seekers

When looking at job adverts, remember that the minimum wage is a legal minimum, not a target. Many employers pay more, especially in London or other high-cost areas. The UK Average Salary page provides broader context on median and mean earnings across occupations. For detailed pay data by age and region, see our salary data section.

It's also worth noting that the National Minimum Wage applies to all workers, including casual and zero-hours contract employees. Tips and gratuities do not count towards the minimum wage – employers must pay at least the NMW before tips. If you believe you are being underpaid, you can check using the GOV.UK minimum wage calculator or contact Acas.

Summary

To answer the question directly: what is the minimum wage for a 17 year old? From April 2026, it is £8.00 per hour. This is the same as the apprentice rate and the rate for 16 year olds. While it is a significant increase from previous years, it remains well below median earnings for older workers. Understanding the difference between legal minimums, median averages, and advertised pay helps job seekers make informed decisions.

For more on how salaries vary by industry and location, explore our salary index and topics pages. Always check official sources like GOV.UK and ONS for the most up-to-date figures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum wage for a 17 year old in 2026?

From 1 April 2026, the National Minimum Wage for 16-17 year olds is £8.00 per hour. This rate applies to all workers aged 16 and 17 who are not apprentices in their first year. It increased from £7.55 in 2025/26.

Does the minimum wage for 17 year olds apply to apprentices?

Apprentices under 19 or in their first year of apprenticeship are entitled to the apprentice rate, which is also £8.00 per hour from April 2026. So a 17 year old apprentice would receive the same rate as the 16-17 minimum wage.

How does the minimum wage for a 17 year old compare to average earnings?

The median full-time weekly earnings for all employees in April 2025 were £766.60, according to ONS ASHE. A 17 year old working full-time at £8.00 per hour would earn about £300 per week, well below the median. However, many young workers are in part-time or entry-level roles, and advertised pay can vary by sector and location.