Current Minimum Wage Rates for 2026/27

The UK government sets the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) each year, effective from 1 April. For the 2026/27 year, the rates are:

• National Living Wage (21 and over): £12.71 per hour (up from £12.21 in 2025/26)
• 18-20 rate: £10.85 per hour
• Under 18 rate: £8.00 per hour
• Apprentice rate: £8.00 per hour

These rates apply to most workers. The NLW for those aged 21 and over represents a 4.1% increase, while the 18-20 rate rose by 8.5%, reflecting the government's aim to narrow age-related pay gaps. The Accommodation Offset – the maximum daily amount an employer can deduct for accommodation – also rises to £11.10.

According to GOV.UK, a full-time NLW worker on a 35-hour week would see a 3.3% increase in weekly take-home pay after tax and National Insurance. However, the exact impact depends on individual circumstances.

Converting Hourly to Annual Salary

To convert an hourly rate to an annual salary, multiply by your weekly contracted hours and then by 52 weeks. For example:

• NLW at 37.5 hours/week: £12.71 × 37.5 × 52 = £24,784.50 per year
• Median full-time hourly (April 2025): £19.67 × 37.5 × 52 = £38,356.50 per year (based on ONS ASHE data)

These figures assume a steady 37.5-hour week with no unpaid overtime, bonuses, or salary sacrifice. Actual pay depends on your rota, holiday pay method, and any London weighting or overtime rules. Always check your contract and official guidance. Use our Hourly to Salary tool for quick conversions.

Regional and Seniority Differences

While the National Minimum Wage is a legal floor, actual earnings vary significantly by region and seniority. The ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) for 2025 shows that median full-time weekly earnings across the UK were £766.60, with an annual median of £39,039. However, regional differences are stark:

• Northern Ireland saw the highest growth in median weekly earnings (7.4%) in the year to April 2025.
• London and the South East typically have higher median earnings, partly due to higher living costs and London weighting allowances.

Seniority also matters. The NHS pay scales for 2026/27 illustrate this clearly:

• Band 1 (closed to new entrants): £25,272 annual / £12.92 hourly
• Band 5 (entry level for many healthcare roles): £16.40 hourly (entry step)
• Band 6 (experienced nurses, paramedics): £20.44 hourly (entry step)

NHS staff in London and surrounding areas receive a Higher Cost Area Supplement (HCAS) of up to 20% of basic salary, subject to minimum and maximum payments. This means a Band 5 nurse in inner London could earn significantly more than the basic rate.

Other public sector roles, such as teachers and civil servants, have their own pay scales that often exceed the minimum wage. Private sector pay varies even more, with some industries offering premium rates for skilled roles or shift work.

Understanding the Current Minimum Wage in Context

The term "current minimum wage" refers to the legal minimum hourly pay, but many workers earn above this. The ONS reports that low-paid occupations – such as caring, leisure, and other service roles – saw the largest growth in median weekly earnings (7.1%) in the year to April 2025, partly driven by NLW increases.

For job seekers and employees, it's important to distinguish between the legal minimum and typical market rates. Use our salary articles for deeper insights into pay trends across sectors and regions.

FAQs

What is the current minimum wage in the UK for 2026/27?

From April 2026, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour. The rate for 18-20 year olds is £10.85 per hour, and for under-18s and apprentices it is £8.00 per hour. These rates are set by the government and apply across the UK, though some sectors like the NHS have their own pay scales that exceed the minimum.

How do I convert an hourly rate to an annual salary?

A common rule of thumb is to multiply the hourly rate by your contracted weekly hours and then by 52 weeks. For example, at the National Living Wage of £12.71 per hour and a 37.5-hour week, the annual salary would be approximately £24,784.50. However, actual annual earnings may vary due to unpaid overtime, shift allowances, or irregular hours. Use our hourly calculator for a quick estimate.

Are there regional differences in UK pay beyond the minimum wage?

Yes. While the National Minimum Wage is a legal floor across all regions, many employers offer higher rates in areas with higher living costs, particularly London and the South East. For example, NHS staff in London receive a Higher Cost Area Supplement (HCAS) of up to 20% of basic salary. ONS data shows that median earnings vary by region, with London typically having the highest average pay. Check our salary data for regional breakdowns.

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Disclaimer: Hourly-to-salary figures assume a steady contracted week with no unpaid overtime, bonus, tips or salary sacrifice. Annual ≈ hourly × hours/week × 52. Actual pay depends on rota, holiday pay method, London weighting and overtime rules. Always check your contract and official GOV.UK guidance.