Aldi UK Minimum Wage 2026: A Benchmark for Hourly Pay

When comparing hourly jobs with salaried offers, the Aldi UK minimum wage often sets a high standard in the retail sector. From April 2026, Aldi will pay store assistants £13.50 per hour nationally and £14.88 inside the M25, rising further with service. These rates are significantly above the government's National Living Wage (NLW) of £12.71 for workers aged 21 and over, making Aldi the highest-paying supermarket in the UK.

Understanding the National Living Wage and Minimum Wage

The UK government sets minimum hourly rates that most workers must receive. For 2026, the rates are:

• £12.71 for employees aged 21 and over (National Living Wage)
• £10.85 for those aged 18–20
• £8.00 for those aged 16–17 and apprentices

These rates apply from 1 April 2026, as confirmed by GOV.UK. The NLW is designed to keep pace with median earnings, and the Low Pay Commission projects that two-thirds of median hourly earnings for those aged 21 and over will be around £13.18 by October 2027.

Aldi's Pay: Above the Minimum

Aldi's announcement of a second pay rise in two months reflects ongoing competition for retail staff. The discounter now offers:

• £13.50 per hour nationally (starting rate)
• £14.88 per hour inside the M25 (London weighting)
• £14.47 per hour nationally with length of service
• £15.20 per hour in London with length of service

These rates are well above the NLW. For example, a full-time Aldi employee working 37.5 hours per week at the national starting rate would earn approximately £26,325 per year before deductions. In London, the annual equivalent at the starting rate would be about £29,016. Aldi also provides paid breaks to all colleagues, worth roughly £1,500 annually, which is a benefit not offered by most other supermarkets.

Converting Hourly Pay to Annual Salary

To compare hourly jobs with salaried offers, use the formula:

Annual salary ≈ hourly rate × weekly hours × 52 weeks

This assumes a steady contracted week with no unpaid overtime, bonuses, or salary sacrifice. For example:

• £13.50/hr × 37.5 hrs × 52 = £26,325
• £14.88/hr × 37.5 hrs × 52 = £29,016

If you work different hours, adjust accordingly. Part-time workers should use their actual contracted hours. Remember that actual take-home pay depends on tax, National Insurance, and any pension contributions.

How Aldi Compares to UK Median Earnings

According to the ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) for 2025, median gross annual earnings for full-time employees were £39,039, and median hourly pay (excluding overtime) was £19.67. Aldi's starting rate of £13.50 is below this median, but it is important to note that ASHE includes all occupations, not just retail. Among low-paid sectors, Aldi's rates are competitive and often exceed the NLW by a clear margin.

London Weighting and Regional Differences

Aldi's London weighting adds £1.38 per hour to the starting rate. This reflects higher living costs in the capital. Other employers, such as the NHS and teaching professions, also apply London weighting, but rates vary. For example, NHS Agenda for Change bands include a High Cost Area Supplement of 20% of basic salary (capped) for inner London. When comparing hourly jobs, always check whether a London weighting or location allowance applies.

Paid Breaks: A Hidden Benefit

Aldi is the only major supermarket to offer paid breaks to all colleagues. This benefit is worth approximately £1,500 per year to the average store colleague. When evaluating a job offer, consider the total compensation package, not just the hourly rate. Paid breaks effectively increase your hourly earnings if you calculate based on time actually worked.

Using Our Tools to Compare

To see how any hourly rate converts to annual or monthly salary, use our Hourly to Salary calculator. You can also explore salary articles for more insights on UK wage benchmarks, including NHS pay scales and teacher salaries.

Key Takeaways for Job Seekers

• Aldi UK minimum wage for 2026 is £13.50 nationally, well above the NLW of £12.71.
• London workers earn an extra £1.38 per hour at Aldi.
• Annual salary estimates help compare hourly jobs with salaried positions.
• Always consider benefits like paid breaks, pension contributions, and overtime rates.
• The ONS ASHE data provides a useful benchmark: median full-time annual pay is around £39,039.