Understanding Minimum Wage in Wales for 2026/27

If you are looking for the latest minimum wage Wales rates, you have come to the right place. The UK Government sets a single National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage that apply across all nations, including Wales. From 1 April 2026, these rates increase following recommendations from the Low Pay Commission. This article explains the new hourly rates, how to convert them into annual salary, and what public sector workers in Wales, such as NHS staff, can expect.

National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage Rates from April 2026

According to the GOV.UK National Minimum Wage 2026 report, the following rates will apply from 1 April 2026:

• National Living Wage (21 years and over): £12.71 per hour (up from £12.21, a 4.1% increase)
• 18-20 year old rate: £10.85 per hour (up from £10.00, an 8.5% increase)
• 16-17 year old rate: £8.00 per hour (up from £7.55, a 6.0% increase)
• Apprentice rate: £8.00 per hour (up from £7.55, a 6.0% increase)

These rates are the legal minimum that most workers in Wales are entitled to. Employers must pay at least these amounts, though many choose to pay more, especially in sectors like healthcare and public services.

Converting Hourly Rates to Annual Salary

To understand what these hourly rates mean for your yearly income, you can use a simple conversion. The standard assumption for full-time work in the UK is 37.5 hours per week (common in the NHS and many office roles) or 40 hours per week in some industries. For consistency, we use 37.5 hours per week multiplied by 52 weeks.

Example: National Living Wage at £12.71 per hour

• Weekly pay: £12.71 × 37.5 = £476.63
• Annual pay: £476.63 × 52 = £24,784.50 (gross)

If you work part-time, simply replace 37.5 with your actual contracted hours. For instance, a 20-hour week at the same rate gives £12.71 × 20 × 52 = £13,218.40 per year.

You can use our Hourly to Salary calculator to quickly convert any hourly rate into annual, monthly, and weekly figures. We also have a salary data page with UK benchmarks.

How Minimum Wage in Wales Compares to Median Earnings

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) for 2025 shows that median full-time hourly earnings (excluding overtime) in the UK were £19.67 per hour in April 2025. Median full-time annual earnings were £39,039. This means the National Living Wage of £12.71 is about 65% of the median hourly rate, reflecting the Government's target of two-thirds of median earnings.

Low-paid occupations in Wales, such as caring, leisure, and retail, saw hourly pay increases close to or above the National Living Wage rise in 2025, according to ONS ASHE data. This suggests that the minimum wage is effectively pulling up pay at the bottom end.

NHS Pay Scales in Wales for 2026/27

Public sector workers in Wales, particularly those in the NHS, have their own pay scales. The Welsh Government's NHS Wales pay circular (Iechyd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol) confirms a 3.3% increase on the previous year's Agenda for Change pay scales, effective from 1 April 2026. Key hourly rates include:

• Band 1 (closed to new entrants): £12.92 per hour (entry step point £13.17)
• Band 5 (e.g., newly qualified nurses): £16.40 per hour
• Band 6 (e.g., specialist nurses, paramedics): £20.44 per hour

These rates are above the statutory minimum wage. For example, a Band 5 nurse working 37.5 hours per week earns approximately £31,980 per year. The circular also sets allowances for sleeping in (£44.82) and on-call duties (£26.05 weekday/weekend, £52.08 public holiday).

NHS Employers (the UK-wide body) publishes similar scales for England, but Wales may have slight variations due to separate pay negotiations. Always check your specific contract or union guidance.

Part-Time vs Full-Time Considerations

When converting hourly rates to annual salary, it is crucial to know your contracted hours. Part-time workers in Wales are entitled to the same minimum wage per hour as full-time workers, but their annual income is proportionally lower. For example, a part-time worker on 20 hours per week at the National Living Wage earns £13,218.40 per year, compared to £24,784.50 for a full-time worker on 37.5 hours.

Many part-time roles in retail, hospitality, and care work variable hours. The minimum wage applies to each hour worked, so if you are on a zero-hours contract, you must still be paid at least the minimum wage for every hour you work.

Overtime and London Weighting

The minimum wage rates apply to basic hours. Overtime pay is not legally required to be at a higher rate, but many employers offer time-and-a-half or double time. In Wales, there is no London weighting, but some public sector roles may have recruitment and retention premia. If you work in London or the South East, higher cost of area supplements may apply (e.g., NHS Higher Cost Area Supplements).

Summary

The minimum wage Wales rates for 2026/27 are set by UK law and are the same as the rest of the country. The National Living Wage of £12.71 per hour translates to about £24,784.50 per year for a full-time worker on 37.5 hours. NHS staff in Wales receive higher pay, with Band 5 starting at £16.40 per hour. Use our hourly calculator to see your own figures, and always check your contract for exact hours and any additional payments.

For more reading, explore our salary articles on UK pay trends and the about page for methodology notes.