What is the minimum wage for an 18 year old in the UK?

From 1 April 2026 the UK minimum wage for 18 to 20 year olds is £10.85 an hour. If you are an apprentice in your first year the apprentice rate of £8.00 an hour can apply instead, and after that first year you must be paid your age rate.

How many hours can an 18 year old work?

At 18 the young worker limits end. You are covered by the adult Working Time Regulations, so you cannot be required to work more than 48 hours a week averaged over 17 weeks unless you opt out in writing, and you are entitled to a 20-minute break in a shift over 6 hours.

Can an 18 year old work night shifts?

Yes. The night work restrictions that apply to 16 and 17 year olds stop at 18, so night warehouse, late hospitality, security and early delivery shifts all become available. Night work often pays a shift premium.

What jobs pay the most at 18 with no experience?

Night and weekend shifts in warehousing and logistics, care work with unsocial hours, security once you hold an SIA licence, and construction labouring generally pay above the minimum. Long term, an apprenticeship in engineering, energy or digital out-earns all of them.

Do you need a CV to get a job at 18?

For most entry-level roles a short one-page CV is enough, and many chains use an online form instead. Apprenticeships usually ask for an application form rather than a CV. What matters most is availability, reliability and any evidence of turning up consistently.

Turning 18

Jobs for 18 year olds

Eighteen is the biggest single jump in what you're allowed to do at work. Full hours, night shifts, serving alcohol, security work — and a legal minimum of £10.85 an hour from April 2026, up from £8.00 the day before your birthday.

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What jobs can you get at 18 in the UK?

At 18 in the UK the young worker rules end, so you can work full adult hours and night shifts, and you must be paid at least £10.85 an hour from 1 April 2026. That opens up bar and late-night hospitality, warehouse and delivery shifts, care, security with a licence, driving roles and most apprenticeships, including degree apprenticeships.

Last reviewed 9 September 2026 by the Shine careers team.

What changes the day you turn 18

You can work full adult hours — the 8 hour day and 40 hour week cap on 16 and 17 year olds no longer applies.
You can work nights, so late bars, night warehouse shifts and early delivery rounds open up.
Your legal minimum pay rises to £10.85 an hour from 1 April 2026, up from £8.00 under 18.
You can serve alcohol without supervision, which unlocks most bar and pub work.
You can apply for an SIA licence and work in door supervision and security.
You can drive a van for many employers, though insurance often pushes the real age higher.

Pay and hours rules from GOV.UK and Acas — see the sourced facts page.

Who hires 18 year olds with no experience

Hospitality

Bar staff, waiting, barista, kitchen porter, hotel front desk

Hires constantly, trains on the job, and 18 removes the alcohol restriction.

Retail

Sales assistant, stockroom, supervisor track

Big chains run structured progression; many promote to supervisor within a year.

Warehouse and logistics

Picker packer, goods in, delivery driver's mate

Night and weekend shifts pay more, and agencies place quickly.

Care

Care assistant, support worker

Chronic shortage, paid training, and a clear route to Level 3 and beyond.

Construction and trades

Labourer, apprentice electrician, plumber, groundworker

A CSCS card gets you on site; apprenticeships lead to strong long-term pay.

Apprenticeships

Level 2 to degree level, every sector

You are employed and paid while you train, with no tuition to repay.

Common questions

What is the minimum wage for an 18 year old in the UK?: From 1 April 2026 the UK minimum wage for 18 to 20 year olds is £10.85 an hour. If you are an apprentice in your first year the apprentice rate of £8.00 an hour can apply instead, and after that first year you must be paid your age rate.
How many hours can an 18 year old work?: At 18 the young worker limits end. You are covered by the adult Working Time Regulations, so you cannot be required to work more than 48 hours a week averaged over 17 weeks unless you opt out in writing, and you are entitled to a 20-minute break in a shift over 6 hours.
Can an 18 year old work night shifts?: Yes. The night work restrictions that apply to 16 and 17 year olds stop at 18, so night warehouse, late hospitality, security and early delivery shifts all become available. Night work often pays a shift premium.
What jobs pay the most at 18 with no experience?: Night and weekend shifts in warehousing and logistics, care work with unsocial hours, security once you hold an SIA licence, and construction labouring generally pay above the minimum. Long term, an apprenticeship in engineering, energy or digital out-earns all of them.
Do you need a CV to get a job at 18?: For most entry-level roles a short one-page CV is enough, and many chains use an online form instead. Apprenticeships usually ask for an application form rather than a CV. What matters most is availability, reliability and any evidence of turning up consistently.

Part of Shine's apprenticeship guide series, plain-English answers, updated regularly.