The minimum amount you must pay depends on the age of the apprentice, and how far along the apprentice is on the programme. Apprentices under 19 or on their first year of apprenticeship are entitled to the minimum apprentice rate of £4.81 per hour.
If the apprentice is over 19 and finishes the first year of the apprenticeship, pay must be in line with National Minimum Wage for their age group.
Remember, the apprentice rate of £4.81 is the minimum an apprentice can be paid, and many companies pay a higher wage in line with similar roles.
What is the apprentice minimum wage?
The apprentice rate is currently £4.81 per hour and is the minimum amount an apprentice can be paid. An apprentice must be paid at least this rate if they are under 19 or in the first year of their apprenticeship.
If over 19, following the first year of an apprenticeship the apprentice is entitled to the minimum wage for their age group.
This is a minimum amount, and many employers pay the National Minimum Wage or more to their apprentices.
National Minimum Wage*
| Apprentice Rate | 18 to 20 years | 21 to 22 years | 23 and over |
| £4.81 | £6.83 | £9.18 | £9.50 |
*Accurate as of June 2022
Find out more about how much an apprenticeship costs an employer here.
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