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 21 to get the National Living Wage - the minimum wage will still apply for workers aged 20 and under
These rates are for the National Living Wage (for those aged 21 and over) and the National Minimum Wage (for those of at least school leaving age). The rates change on 1 April every year.
| 21 and over | 18 to 20 | under 18 | Apprentice | |
| April 2024 (current rate) | £11.44 | £8.60 | £6.40 | £6.40 |
| April 2025 | £12.21 | £10.00 | £7.55 | £7.55 |
For further information please select the following link: National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates - GOV.UK
Contact the ACAS helpline to get impartial and confidential advice on paying workers correctly.
Visit the 'Calculating the minimum wage' guidance page on GOV.UK for advice on how to perform the right calculations, because NMW is more than just a pay rate.
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