M&S knows you’re a teenager with a social life (and maybe A-levels to ignore). They offer flexible contracts—some start at 8 hours a week, others at 20. You can say, “I’m free Wednesdays and Saturdays” and boom, they’ll work around your school timetable. Pro tip: Mention that you’re okay with evening shifts; night owls often get more hours and a higher rate. Plus, you can avoid the lunchtime rush of grumpy customers who can’t find the salt-baked flowers. (Yes, that’s a real M&S product. Don’t ask.)
One 16-year-old I know—let’s call her Chloe—works 12 hours a week at her local M&S. She earns £7.20 per hour (lucky her!), which means about £86 per week. That’s enough for a monthly Spotify subscription, a new hoodie, and still have £50 left for pizza nights. “I feel like a proper adult,” she told me, “except I still can’t buy wine.” Relatable.
How to Nail the Job and Get the Best Pay
To snag the higher rate, you need to shine in the interview. M&S loves “can-do” attitudes and chatty personalities. If you can talk about how you organized a bake sale or helped a granny find the right Christmas pudding, you’re golden. Don’t be shy about asking for the specific wage for your age group; they’ll respect your boldness. And always—always—mention that you’re flexible. The word “flexible” is like a magic spell that makes hiring managers smile.
Also, check the M&S careers website or pop into your local store. Some branches have slightly different pay structures depending on region. London, for example, often adds a “weighting bonus” because, you know, rent costs a bajillion pounds. If you live in a big city, you might walk away with £8.50 to £9.00 per hour as a 16-year-old. That’s almost double the minimum wage—who’s laughing now?
16 Year Old Salary in Kentucky: Hourly Rate (Aug, 2026)
