Payroll and pensions
National Minimum Wage rates
Published 23 October 2015
Archived article from 2015. Rates, thresholds and rules may have changed since then. Ask us for the current position before you act on it.
National Minimum Wage rates
The National Minimum Wage rate per hour depends on your age and whether you’re an apprentice - you must be at least school leaving age to get it.
| Year | 21 and over | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 (current rate) | £6.70 | £5.30 | £3.87 | £3.30 |
| 2014 | £6.50 | £5.13 | £3.79 | £2.73 |
| 2013 | £6.31 | £5.03 | £3.72 | £2.68 |
| 2012 | £6.19 | £4.98 | £3.68 | £2.65 |
| 2011 | £6.08 | £4.98 | £3.68 | £2.60 |
| 2010 | £5.93 | £4.92 | £3.64 | £2.50 |
The rates are usually updated every October - the current rates apply from October 2015.
National living wage
From April 2016, the national living wage will be £7.20 an hour for workers aged 25 and older. The minimum wage will still apply for workers aged 24 and under.Previous years
The age groups were different before 2010 and there were no National Minimum Wage rates for apprentices.| Year | 22 and over | 18 to 21 | Under 18 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | £5.80 | £4.83 | £3.57 |
| 2008 | £5.73 | £4.77 | £3.53 |
| 2007 | £5.52 | £4.60 | £3.40 |
| 2006 | £5.35 | £4.45 | £3.30 |
| 2005 | £5.05 | £4.25 | £3.00 |