Minimum Wage for a 15 Year Old: What You Need to Know in 2026/27

Minimum Wage for a 15 Year Old: What You Need to Know

When searching for the minimum wage 15 year old, it is important to understand that the UK’s National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) only apply to workers who have reached school leaving age – which is 16. This means there is no statutory minimum hourly rate for 15 year olds. However, that does not mean 15 year olds cannot work; they can, but under specific rules.

Who is Entitled to the National Minimum Wage?

GOV.UK states: “You must be at least school leaving age to get the National Minimum Wage.” The school leaving age in England, Wales, and Scotland is 16 (though young people must stay in education or training until 18). Therefore, a 15 year old is not entitled to the NMW. The rates that do apply from April 2026 are:

• National Living Wage (21 and over): £12.71 per hour
• 18-20 year old rate: £10.85 per hour
• 16-17 year old rate: £8.00 per hour
• Apprentice rate: £8.00 per hour (for apprentices under 19 or in first year)

These rates were confirmed by the Low Pay Commission and accepted by the Government. The 16-17 rate increased by 6% from £7.55 to £8.00, as shown in the GOV.UK National Minimum Wage rates page.

What Does This Mean for a 15 Year Old?

If you are 15 and looking for work, you are not covered by the minimum wage legislation. Your pay is a matter of agreement with your employer. However, there are still legal protections:

• You cannot work during school hours (unless part of work experience).
• You cannot work before 7am or after 7pm.
• Maximum working hours are limited (e.g., 12 hours per week during term time, 35 hours per week during holidays for 15 year olds).
• You must have a work permit from the local council in some areas.

Employers may choose to pay you more than the minimum, but they are not obliged to pay a specific rate. For comparison, a 16 year old working 30 hours per week at £8.00 per hour would earn £240 gross per week. After tax and National Insurance (if any), take-home pay would be close to the gross amount because the Personal Allowance of £12,570 per year means no Income Tax is due on earnings below that threshold, and National Insurance only applies above £242 per week (2026/27 thresholds). So a 16-17 year old working part-time may have no deductions.

Regional and Seniority Differences

For under-18s, there are no regional variations in the minimum wage – the same rate applies across the UK. However, Scotland has different Income Tax bands for higher earners, but that is irrelevant for 15-17 year olds earning below the threshold. Seniority does not affect the minimum wage; it is age-based. Once a worker turns 18, the rate increases to £10.85, and at 21 they qualify for the NLW.

Take-Home Pay Context

For a 15 year old, there is no guaranteed take-home pay figure. If they work, they may earn anything from a few pounds per hour to the voluntary Living Wage (if the employer chooses). The After Tax Salary take-home calculator can help estimate net pay for any gross salary, but it is designed for workers aged 16 and over with standard deductions.

For those aged 16-17, the take-home pay from a minimum wage job is straightforward: at 30 hours per week, gross monthly pay would be about £1,040. With no Income Tax or National Insurance (assuming no other income), take-home pay is the same. This contrasts with the median full-time gross annual pay of around £39,039 for all workers, which after tax and NI yields about £2,636 per month.

Key Takeaways

• Minimum wage 15 year old: No statutory rate exists.
• 16-17 year olds: £8.00 per hour from April 2026.
• Take-home pay: Likely no deductions for part-time work.
• Legal protections: Working hours and conditions are regulated.

For more detailed salary comparisons, see our salary articles and salary data pages. Always check official guidance on for the latest rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum wage for a 15 year old in the UK?

There is no statutory minimum wage for a 15 year old because the National Minimum Wage only applies to workers who have reached school leaving age (16 years old). Employers are not legally required to pay a minimum hourly rate to 15 year olds, though they must still follow other employment laws such as working time limits and health and safety. If a 15 year old works, their pay is agreed between them and the employer, but it cannot be below the National Minimum Wage if they are of school leaving age.

Can a 15 year old work legally in the UK?

Yes, but with restrictions. Children aged 14 and 15 can work part-time during school holidays and outside school hours, subject to local authority bylaws. They cannot work before 7am or after 7pm, and there are limits on the number of hours per day and per week. The minimum wage does not apply to them, but they are entitled to other protections. For more details, see GOV.UK guidance on child employment.

What about apprenticeships for 15 year olds?

Apprenticeships are typically available to those aged 16 and over. A 15 year old cannot start a formal apprenticeship because they are below the minimum school leaving age. However, they may be able to participate in work experience or traineeships. If they were to become an apprentice at 16, the apprentice rate of £8.00 per hour (from April 2026) would apply if they are under 19 or in their first year.