Understanding the 17 Year Old Minimum Wage in 2026

If you are a 17-year-old employee or an employer hiring younger staff, knowing the correct minimum wage is essential. The UK government sets separate rates for different age groups, and from April 2026 the 17 year old minimum wage rises to £8.00 per hour. This page explains the current rate, how to convert it into an annual salary, and what it means for part-time and full-time work.

Current Rates for 17-Year-Olds

According to GOV.UK National Minimum Wage rates, from 1 April 2026 the hourly rate for workers under 18 (including 17-year-olds) is £8.00. This is a 6% increase from the previous rate of £7.55. The same £8.00 rate applies to apprentices who are under 19 or in their first year of an apprenticeship.

These rates are reviewed annually and take effect every April. The government’s aim is to keep the youth rate from drifting too far from the adult National Living Wage, while recognising that younger workers often have less experience and may work fewer hours.

Converting Hourly Pay to Annual Salary

To work out an approximate annual salary from an hourly rate, use the formula:

Annual salary ≈ hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks

For a 17-year-old on £8.00 per hour, here are common scenarios:

• Full-time (37.5 hours/week): £8.00 × 37.5 × 52 = £15,600 per year
• Part-time (30 hours/week): £8.00 × 30 × 52 = £12,480 per year
• Part-time (20 hours/week): £8.00 × 20 × 52 = £8,320 per year

These figures assume a steady contracted week with no unpaid overtime, and that the worker is paid for all 52 weeks including statutory holiday pay. Actual take-home pay will be lower after deductions for Income Tax and National Insurance, but most 17-year-olds earning below the Personal Allowance (£12,570 in 2026/27) will pay no Income Tax.

Part-Time vs Full-Time: What’s Typical for 17-Year-Olds?

Many 17-year-olds are still in full-time education or training, so they often work part-time hours. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings shows that the lowest-earning employees are concentrated in the 16–21 age group, and they are more likely to work in elementary occupations and hospitality. Part-time employees are also more likely to be in low pay than full-time employees.

If you are a 17-year-old working, say, 12 hours a week in a café, your annual earnings would be around £4,992 – well below the tax threshold. Always check your contract for the exact hours and whether you receive paid breaks.

How the 17 Year Old Minimum Wage Compares to Other Benchmarks

The £8.00 rate for under-18s is significantly lower than the National Living Wage for those aged 21 and over (£12.71 from April 2026). It is also below the lowest NHS pay band (Band 1, closed to new entrants) which starts at £12.92 per hour in 2026/27, according to NHS Employers pay scales.

However, the youth rate is designed to encourage employers to hire younger, less experienced workers without the cost burden of the adult wage. As workers turn 18, they move to the 18–20 rate (£10.85 from April 2026), and then to the full National Living Wage at 21.

Using Our Salary Conversion Tools

To quickly convert any hourly rate to an annual or monthly salary, try our Hourly to Salary calculator. You can also explore salary data for different age groups and occupations to see how the 17 year old minimum wage fits into the wider UK pay landscape.

Key Takeaways

• The 17 year old minimum wage from April 2026 is £8.00 per hour.
• Annual salary depends on hours worked; a full-time 37.5-hour week gives roughly £15,600.
• Most 17-year-olds work part-time, so actual earnings are often lower.
• The rate applies to all under-18s and apprentices under 19.
• Always check your employment contract and the official GOV.UK guidance to ensure you are being paid correctly.