Apprentice Wage

What is the minimum wage for apprentices in 2023?

The minimum wage for an apprentice depends on a few factors. This includes how long you have been in your apprenticeship, but also your age.

Minimum wage for ages 16 to 18

The current National Minimum Wage rate for an apprentice is £5.28 per hour.

Aged 19 or over and in your first year

This is also £5.28 per hour. But only if you are in your first year of your apprenticeship.

Aged 19 or over and have completed your first year

If you are aged 19 or over and have been in your apprenticeship for more than a year, you’re entitled to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage rate for your age.

What hours are included in your pay?

You will be paid for:

• Your normal working hours.
• Training that’s part of your apprenticeship (at least six hours a week).
• Study towards English and maths qualifications, if they’re part of your apprenticeship.

There is a constant debate within in the sector over whether apprentices should be paid the national minimum wage for their age, rather than have a lower minimum wage solely for apprentices.