The hourly rate for the minimum wage depends on your age and whether you’re an apprentice.
You must be at least:
- school leaving age to get the National Minimum Wage
- aged 23 to get the National Living Wage - the minimum wage will still apply for workers aged 22 and under
Current rates
These rates are for the National Living Wage (for those aged 23 and over) and the National Minimum Wage (for those of at least school leaving age). The rates change on 1 April every year.
|
23 and over |
21 to 22 |
18 to 20 |
Under 18 |
Apprentice |
|
|
April 2023 (current rate) |
£10.42 |
£10.18 |
£7.49 |
£5.28 |
£5.28 |
From 1 April 2024, workers aged 21 and over will be entitled to the National Living Wage.
|
|
21 and over |
18 to 20 |
Under 18 |
Apprentice |
|
April 2024 |
£11.44 |
£8.60 |
£6.40 |
£6.40 |
For further information please select the following link: National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates - GOV.UK
The Welsh Government encourages all employers that can afford to do so to ensure their employees receive an hourly rate of pay that reflects the costs of living, not just the statutory minimum. The voluntary Real Living Wage is independently calculated based on what people need to get by and is higher than the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage.
Find out more at the following link: Living Wage Wales – For the real cost of living