Minimum Wage for 17 Year Old in 2026/27: Gross Pay, Take-Home & What to Expect

Minimum Wage for a 17 Year Old in 2026/27: What You Need to Know

If you are 17 and looking for a job, or are already working, understanding the minimum wage for a 17 year old is essential. From April 2026, the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for workers under 18 is £8.00 per hour. This is a legal minimum that most employers must pay. It applies across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

This article explains the gross salary, take-home pay after tax and National Insurance, and how to compare job offers. Whether you are negotiating your first job or considering an apprenticeship, knowing your net pay helps you make informed decisions.

What Is the Minimum Wage for a 17 Year Old?

The government sets different minimum wage rates by age. For 16 and 17 year olds, the rate is £8.00 per hour from April 2026. This is a 6% increase from the previous rate of £7.55. The same rate applies to apprentices under 19 or in their first year of an apprenticeship.

Once you turn 18, you are entitled to the 18-20 rate (£10.85 per hour from April 2026). At 21 and over, the National Living Wage of £12.71 per hour applies. So the minimum wage for a 17 year old is the lowest statutory rate, but it still provides a foundation for earnings.

Gross Salary vs Take-Home Pay

Your gross salary is the amount you earn before any deductions. Your take-home pay (net pay) is what actually reaches your bank account after Income Tax, National Insurance, and any other deductions like pension or student loan.

For a 17-year-old working full-time (say 37.5 hours per week, 52 weeks a year):

• Hourly rate: £8.00
• Weekly gross: £300.00
• Monthly gross: £1,300.00
• Annual gross: £15,600.00

Income Tax

Everyone has a Personal Allowance of £12,570 in 2026/27. You pay 20% Income Tax on earnings above that. On £15,600, taxable income is £3,030, so Income Tax is £606 per year (£50.50 per month).

National Insurance

Employee National Insurance is 8% on earnings above the primary threshold of £12,570. On £15,600, NI is 8% of £3,030 = £242.40 per year (£20.20 per month).

Take-Home Pay

After both deductions, your annual take-home pay is £14,751.60, which is £1,229.30 per month or about £283.70 per week.

If you work fewer hours so that your annual gross is below £12,570, you pay no Income Tax and no National Insurance. For example, 15 hours per week at £8.00 gives £6,240 gross – all of it is take-home.

Comparing Job Offers as a 17-Year-Old

When negotiating or comparing job offers, look beyond the hourly rate. Consider:

• Guaranteed hours per week – a job offering 40 hours at £8.00 gives £16,640 gross, but take-home is higher than 30 hours.
• Overtime rates – some employers pay time-and-a-half for extra hours.
• Pension contributions – if you are 22 or over, auto-enrolment applies, but at 17 you are not yet required to join a workplace pension (though you can opt in).
• Student loan repayments – if you have a student loan, repayments start when your income exceeds the threshold (e.g., Plan 5 threshold is £25,000, so unlikely at this wage).

Remember that the minimum wage for a 17 year old is a floor, not a ceiling. Many employers pay more, especially in sectors like retail, hospitality, or if you have skills or experience.

Scotland: Different Income Tax

If you live in Scotland, Income Tax bands are different. The starter rate is 19% on the first £3,967 of taxable income, then 20% on the next band. At £15,600 gross, your Scottish Income Tax would be slightly lower than rUK – about £39 less per year. Your take-home would be about £14,791 annually instead of £14,752. The difference is small but worth noting.

Apprenticeships and the Minimum Wage

If you are 17 and starting an apprenticeship, the apprentice rate of £8.00 per hour applies for the first year. After 12 months, you must be paid the rate for your age (still under 18 rate until you turn 18). Some apprenticeships pay more than the minimum, especially in higher-level or technical roles.

Key Takeaways

• The minimum wage for a 17 year old is £8.00 per hour from April 2026.
• Full-time (37.5 hrs/week) take-home is about £1,229 per month after tax and NI.
• If you earn below £12,570 per year, you pay no tax or NI.
• Always check your payslip and compare total hours, not just the hourly rate.
• For more detailed calculations, use our take-home calculator or read our salary articles for tips on negotiating pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum wage for a 17-year-old in 2026? From April 2026, the National Minimum Wage for workers under 18 (including 17-year-olds) is £8.00 per hour. This rate also applies to apprentices under 19 or in their first year. The rate increased from £7.55 in 2025/26.

How much take-home pay does a 17-year-old get working 37.5 hours per week at minimum wage? At 37.5 hours per week, annual gross pay is £15,600. After deducting income tax (£606) and National Insurance (£242.40), take-home pay is £14,751.60 per year, or about £1,229 per month. If you work fewer hours so that annual earnings are below £12,570, you pay no tax or NI.

Can a 17-year-old be paid less than £8.00 per hour? No. The law requires employers to pay at least the National Minimum Wage for your age. For 17-year-olds, that is £8.00 per hour. Some exceptions apply to apprentices in their first year, but they also receive £8.00 per hour. If you think you are being underpaid, you can report it to HMRC.

For more information on UK salary and tax, visit After Tax Salary or explore our salary data for average earnings by age and region.