Apprenticeship £18,000/year After Tax 2025-26
Gross: £18,000/year
Your earnings exceed the £12,570 Personal Allowance — Income Tax and NI apply on the excess.
You pay 20% Income Tax and 8% NI on earnings above £12,570.
Tax breakdown — Apprenticeship £18,000/year 2025-26
| Item | Annual | Monthly | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross earnings | £18,000 | £1,500 | £346 |
| Personal Allowance (tax-free) | £12,570 | £1,048 | £242 |
| Income Tax | −£1,086 | −£91 | −£21 |
| National Insurance | −£434 | −£36 | −£8 |
| Net take-home | £16,480 | £1,373 | £317 |
Frequently asked questions
Do apprentices pay Income Tax?
Yes. At £18,000/year, your earnings exceed the £12,570 Personal Allowance. You pay Income Tax of £1,086 at 20% on earnings above £12,570. This is deducted through PAYE.
Do apprentices pay National Insurance?
Yes. On £18,000/year, National Insurance applies on earnings above £12,570 (£242/week). You pay £434 in employee NI at 8% on earnings between £12,570 and £50,270.
What is the apprentice NMW rate for 2025-26?
The apprentice rate is £7.55/hr for apprentices who are either under 19, or aged 19+ but in the first year of their apprenticeship. Once you are aged 19 or over AND in year two or beyond, you are entitled to the full National Minimum Wage — £12.21/hr for 2025-26. Employers who underpay face penalties from HMRC.
How much does an apprentice take home per month?
On £18,000/year (Apprenticeship £18,000/year), your monthly take-home is £1,373 after Income Tax of £1,086 and NI of £434. Your weekly take-home is £317. Effective tax rate: 8.44%.