Apprenticeship Pay and Minimum Wage in the UK

Apprentices are employees. This means you must be paid for the work you do, including time spent in training.

Apprenticeship pay depends on your age and how long you have been on your programme. The government sets minimum hourly rates. Some employers choose to pay more than the legal minimum.

This guide explains current apprenticeship wage rates, when higher pay applies and what this means in real annual earnings.

What Is the Apprenticeship Minimum Wage?

The apprenticeship minimum wage is a special hourly rate set for apprentices.

As of April 2025, the apprenticeship rate is:

£7.55 per hour

This rate applies if you are:

Aged under 19, or
Aged 19 or over and in the first year of your apprenticeship.

When Do Higher Minimum Wage Rates Apply?

If you are aged 19 or over and have completed the first year of your apprenticeship, you must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage for your age group.

As of April 2025, the National Minimum Wage rates are:

£7.55 per hour for ages 16 to 17
£10.00 per hour for ages 18 to 20
£12.21 per hour for ages 21 and over

These rates are reviewed annually by the government.

Worked Examples of Apprentice Pay

Example 1: 17 Year Old Apprentice

If you are 17 and working 40 hours per week at £7.55 per hour:

Weekly pay: £302
Annual pay (before tax): approximately £15,704

Example 2: 19 Year Old in First Year

If you are 19 and in your first year, you can still be paid the apprentice rate of £7.55 per hour.

Weekly pay: £302
Annual pay (before tax): approximately £15,704

Example 3: 19 Year Old After First Year

If you are 19 and have completed your first year, you must receive at least £10.00 per hour.

Weekly pay: £400
Annual pay (before tax): approximately £20,800

Example 4: 21 Year Old Apprentice

If you are 21 and beyond your first year, you must receive at least £12.21 per hour.

Weekly pay: £488.40
Annual pay (before tax): approximately £25,396

These figures assume a 40-hour working week and do not include overtime.

Are Apprentices Paid for Training Time?

Yes. Apprentices must be paid for both work and off-the-job training.

At least 20 percent of your working hours must be spent in structured training. This time is paid at your normal hourly rate.

Do Apprentices Receive Holiday Pay?

Apprentices are entitled to paid holiday.

Most employees are entitled to at least:

5.6 weeks of paid holiday per year

This may be included within your contract or paid separately depending on your employer.

Are Apprentices Paid Overtime?

Overtime arrangements depend on your contract.

If you work more hours than stated in your contract:

Your employer may pay overtime rates.
Or they may pay your normal hourly rate.

Your contract should explain how overtime is handled.

Do All Apprentices Earn the Minimum Rate?

No. Many employers pay more than the legal minimum.

Higher pay is common in sectors such as:

Engineering
Finance
Digital and technology
Degree apprenticeships

Some large employers offer starting salaries well above £20,000 per year.

Does Pay Increase During an Apprenticeship?

Pay may increase:

After completing your first year
After reaching a higher qualification level
Following strong performance reviews

Progression depends on your employer and industry.

How Often Do Wage Rates Change?

The government reviews minimum wage rates every year, usually in April.

Employers must update pay in line with new legal requirements.

Is Apprenticeship Pay Enough to Live On?

This depends on:

Your age
Your location
Your living costs
Your employer’s pay rate

Some apprentices live at home during training. Others budget carefully while gaining experience and progressing in their careers.

Key Points to Remember

The apprenticeship rate is £7.55 per hour (April 2025).
Higher rates apply after the first year if you are 19 or over.
You must be paid for training time.
You are entitled to holiday pay and employee rights.
Many employers pay more than the minimum.

Understanding apprenticeship pay helps you compare opportunities clearly. Always check the hourly rate and contract details before accepting an offer.