Understanding the Minimum Wage Per Hour in the UK

Knowing the minimum wage per hour is essential for anyone entering the workforce, negotiating a pay rise, or comparing job offers. The UK government sets statutory minimum rates that change every April, and these rates form the legal floor for hourly pay. This guide explains the latest figures for 2026/27, how to convert them into annual and monthly salary, and where they sit alongside typical UK earnings.

The National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage Rates (2026/27)

From 1 April 2026, the following hourly rates apply:

• National Living Wage (21 and over): £12.71 per hour
• 18 to 20 rate: £10.85 per hour
• Under 18 rate: £8.00 per hour
• Apprentice rate: £8.00 per hour (for apprentices under 19 or in the first year of their apprenticeship)

These figures come from the GOV.UK National Minimum Wage rates and are confirmed by the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Regulations 2026. The accommodation offset – the amount an employer can deduct for providing living accommodation – also rises to £11.10 per day.

Converting Hourly Pay to Annual Salary

To turn an hourly rate into a yearly salary, you need to know your typical weekly hours. The most common assumption for full-time work is 37.5 hours per week (common in the NHS and many public sector roles) or 40 hours per week (common in private sector contracts). The formula is:

Annual salary ≈ hourly rate × weekly hours × 52 weeks

For example, at the National Living Wage of £12.71 per hour and a 37.5-hour week:

£12.71 × 37.5 × 52 = £24,784.50 per year

At 40 hours per week, the same hourly rate gives:

£12.71 × 40 × 52 = £26,436.80 per year

For the 18-20 rate of £10.85 per hour at 37.5 hours:

£10.85 × 37.5 × 52 = £21,157.50 per year

You can use our Hourly to Salary calculator to quickly try different hours and rates.

How the Minimum Wage Compares to Typical UK Earnings

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) Annual Survey for Hours and Earnings (ASHE) 2025 shows that the median full-time gross annual pay in the UK is about £39,039. That works out to roughly £20.02 per hour at 37.5 hours per week – well above the minimum wage. However, many part-time and younger workers earn at or near the minimum. The National Living Wage is set at two-thirds of median hourly earnings, so it will continue to rise in future years.

NHS Pay Scales as a Benchmark

For workers in health and social care, NHS pay scales provide a clear structure. The NHS Employers pay scales for 2026/27 show hourly rates ranging from £12.92 (Band 1, closed to new entrants) to £70.85 (Band 9 top). For example, a newly qualified nurse (Band 5 entry) earns £16.40 per hour, which is about £31,980 per year at 37.5 hours. These rates include higher cost area supplements (HCAS) for London and the South East, which can add 15-20% to basic pay.

Important Caveats When Converting Hourly to Annual Pay

The conversion formula above is a useful rule of thumb, but your actual annual earnings may differ. Consider:

• Overtime: If you regularly work extra hours, your annual pay will be higher. Overtime is often paid at a premium rate (e.g., time-and-a-half).
• Unpaid breaks: Many contracts include unpaid meal breaks, reducing effective paid hours.
• London weighting: Employers in high-cost areas often add a geographical supplement.
• Salary sacrifice: Pension contributions, cycle-to-work schemes, or childcare vouchers reduce your taxable pay but not your hourly rate.
• Holiday pay: Statutory holiday entitlement (5.6 weeks) is included in your annual salary; if you are paid hourly, holiday pay may be rolled up.

Always read your employment contract and check official guidance on GOV.UK. For more insights into UK salary trends, visit our salary articles page.

Summary

The minimum wage per hour in the UK for 2026/27 is £12.71 for those aged 21 and over, with lower rates for younger workers and apprentices. Converting this to an annual figure requires knowing your weekly hours – a 37.5-hour week yields about £24,785 per year. While the minimum wage provides a legal floor, median earnings are significantly higher, and many sectors like the NHS offer structured pay bands with additional allowances. Use our tools to compare your own hourly rate to annual benchmarks and plan your finances accordingly.