Nursery apprentices are employees and must be paid for their working time and qualifying training time. Actual salaries vary by employer, age, location, working week and experience.
The apprentice minimum wage
From April 2026, the statutory apprentice rate is £8.00 per hour. It generally applies if you are under 19, or aged 19 or over and in the first year of your apprenticeship.
If you are aged 19 or over and have completed the first year, you are normally entitled to the National Minimum Wage rate for your age group. Rates change, so always check the current GOV.UK minimum wage page.
Employers can pay more
The statutory figure is a floor, not a recommended salary. Many nurseries advertise above the apprentice rate, particularly for adults, existing staff or candidates bringing relevant experience.
What should an advert include?
- Hourly rate or annual salary
- Contracted hours and working pattern
- The apprenticeship standard and level
- Training provider or arrangements
- Holiday entitlement and benefits
- Whether pay will be reviewed during the programme
Questions to ask before accepting
Ask how paid training time is organised, which wage rate applies after your first year, whether there are salary reviews after qualification and whether travel between settings is required.