Common Myths About Hourly Pay and Overtime for Young Workers

When you start your first job, especially if you are under 18, it is easy to believe a few common myths about how pay works. Understanding the minimum wage under 16 and the rules for older teenagers can help you avoid being underpaid. Let us look at the facts based on official UK rates for 2026/27.

Myth 1: There is a separate minimum wage for under 16s

Many people think that because you can work part-time from age 13 or 14 in certain jobs, there is a special lower rate for under 16s. In reality, the National Minimum Wage (NMW) only applies from school leaving age – which is 16. For 16 and 17 year olds, the rate is £8.00 per hour from April 2026, as confirmed by GOV.UK. If you are under 16, your employer is not legally required to pay you the NMW, but they must still pay at least the agreed rate in your contract. Always check your payslip and ask your employer what rate you are being paid.

Myth 2: Apprentices always get less than the minimum wage

Apprentices have their own rate, but it is not always lower. The apprentice rate is also £8.00 per hour from April 2026, but only for apprentices under 19 or those in their first year of apprenticeship. If you are an apprentice aged 21 or over and past your first year, you are entitled to the National Living Wage of £12.71 per hour. So the idea that all apprentices are paid a pittance is not true – it depends on your age and stage.

Myth 3: Overtime must be paid at time-and-a-half

There is a widespread belief that any work beyond your contracted hours must be paid at a premium rate. In the UK, there is no statutory right to overtime pay above your normal hourly rate. The law only requires that you are paid at least the National Minimum Wage for every hour worked, including overtime. If your normal rate is £8.00 per hour, overtime can be paid at the same £8.00 per hour. Some employers offer higher rates, but it is not a legal requirement. Always read your employment contract to see what it says about overtime.

Myth 4: Annual salary is just hourly rate times 40 hours times 52

While that formula gives a rough estimate, many jobs do not work exactly 40 hours every week. For young workers, part-time hours are common. A 16-year-old working 30 hours per week at £8.00 per hour would earn about £12,480 per year (30 × 52 × £8.00). But if you have unpaid holidays or your hours vary, the actual annual pay could be different. Use our hourly calculator to see different scenarios. Also remember that the personal allowance for Income Tax is £12,570, so many under-18 workers may not pay tax if their earnings are below that.

Myth 5: London weighting always adds a lot to your pay

London weighting or higher cost area supplements (HCAS) can boost your pay, especially in NHS jobs. For example, NHS Band 2 entry rate in inner London is £15.89 per hour (including HCAS) compared to the national minimum of £12.92. However, not all employers in London pay a weighting, and for minimum wage jobs, the legal minimum is still the NMW. If you work in London, check your contract – you might be entitled to extra, but do not assume it.

Myth 6: You cannot be paid less than the minimum wage if you are under 18

Actually, the minimum wage for under 18s is £8.00 per hour, but there are exceptions. Apprentices under 19 or in their first year can be paid the apprentice rate of £8.00 per hour. Also, if you are under 16, there is no statutory minimum wage at all. So it is possible to be paid less than £8.00 if you are under 16, but your employer must still pay at least the agreed rate and follow other employment laws. If you think you are being underpaid, contact ACAS or HMRC.

Myth 7: All jobs pay at least the minimum wage

Unfortunately, some employers break the law. The ONS publishes data on jobs paid below the minimum wage, and while the numbers have fallen, some workers still receive less than they are entitled to. If you are under 18 and being paid less than £8.00 per hour (and you are not an apprentice in your first year), you should raise it with your employer or report it anonymously to HMRC. Knowing your rights is the first step.

How to convert your hourly rate to annual salary

To get a quick estimate of your annual gross pay, use this formula:

Annual salary ≈ hourly rate × hours per week × 52

For example, a 17-year-old working 35 hours per week at £8.00 per hour would earn about £14,560 per year. But remember, this assumes you work every week of the year with no unpaid time off. If you have unpaid holidays or your hours change, your actual pay will differ. Always check your contract for how holiday pay is calculated. For more detailed examples, see our salary data page.

Key takeaways for young workers

• The minimum wage under 16 does not exist as a separate rate; the NMW starts at 16.
• From April 2026, the under 18 rate is £8.00 per hour; the apprentice rate is also £8.00 for eligible apprentices.
• Overtime does not have to be paid at a higher rate, but must meet the minimum wage.
• Annual salary conversions are estimates; your actual pay depends on your contract and hours.
• If you are under 18 and paid less than £8.00 per hour (unless you are an apprentice in your first year), you may be being underpaid.

For more guidance on pay and employment rights, visit about page or read our topics on hourly pay.