What is the Minimum Wage in the UK for 2026/27?

If you're asking "what minimum wage" applies in the UK for the current tax year, the answer depends on your age, employment status, and whether you are an apprentice. The government sets two main minimum wage rates: the National Living Wage (NLW) for workers aged 21 and over, and the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for younger workers and apprentices. These rates are reviewed annually by the Low Pay Commission and typically come into effect on 1 April.

From 1 April 2026, the NLW rises to £12.71 per hour, up from £12.21. This 4.1% increase is designed to keep the minimum wage ahead of inflation and provide a real-terms boost for low-paid workers, according to GOV.UK. For a full-time employee working 37.5 hours per week, that works out at roughly £24,785 per year before deductions.

For younger workers, the rates are:

• 18–20 year olds: £10.85 per hour (up 8.5%)
• 16–17 year olds: £8.00 per hour (up 6.0%)
• Apprentices (aged 16–18, or 19+ in first year): £8.00 per hour (up 6.0%)

These rates are legally binding. Employers who fail to pay the correct minimum wage can face penalties and public naming by HMRC.

How to Convert Hourly Minimum Wage to Annual Salary

To understand what your hourly rate means in annual terms, use this simple formula:

Annual salary ≈ hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks

For example, the NLW of £12.71 per hour for a 37.5-hour week:

£12.71 × 37.5 × 52 = £24,784.50

But remember: this assumes you work every week of the year with no unpaid time off. Most employees receive paid holiday (at least 5.6 weeks per year), so your actual annual pay will be based on your contracted hours and holiday pay method. If you work part-time, simply adjust the weekly hours. For instance, a part-time worker on the NLW doing 20 hours per week would earn:

£12.71 × 20 × 52 = £13,218.40 per year.

You can use our Hourly to Salary calculator to quickly see your own figures.

How Does the Minimum Wage Compare to UK Median Earnings?

The minimum wage is a floor, not a target. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) for April 2025 shows that median gross annual earnings for full-time employees were £39,039, and median hourly earnings (excluding overtime) were £19.67. That is significantly higher than the NLW, reflecting the fact that most workers earn above the legal minimum.

For part-time employees, median weekly earnings were £280.00 in April 2025 (ONS ASHE). Part-time workers are more likely to be paid at or near the minimum wage, especially in sectors like retail, hospitality, and care.

Full-Time vs Part-Time: Hours Assumptions Matter

The ONS defines full-time as working more than 30 paid hours per week (or 25 for teaching professions). Part-time is 30 hours or fewer. When converting an hourly rate to an annual salary, the assumed weekly hours make a huge difference. A full-time worker on the NLW at 37.5 hours earns around £24,785, while a part-time worker on the same rate at 20 hours earns only £13,218.

If you are comparing job offers, always check the contracted hours. Our salary articles explain how to evaluate part-time and full-time offers.

London Weighting and Overtime

The minimum wage applies nationwide, but many employers in London and the South East add a London weighting or cost-of-living supplement. For example, NHS pay scales for 2026/27 include Higher Cost Area Supplements (HCAS) that increase hourly rates for staff in inner and outer London. Band 1 NHS staff (entry level) start at £16.40 per hour nationally, well above the NLW (NHS Employers).

Overtime is typically paid at a higher rate, but the minimum wage still applies to all hours worked. If your employer offers overtime, your average hourly pay across all hours must meet the minimum wage.

Key Caveats When Using Hourly-to-Salary Conversions

• The conversion assumes a steady contracted week with no unpaid overtime, bonuses, tips, or salary sacrifice.
• Actual take-home pay depends on tax, National Insurance, and pension contributions. The Income Tax Personal Allowance is £12,570, so a full-time NLW earner would pay some tax.
• Holiday pay method can affect your weekly pay. Some employers roll holiday pay into the hourly rate (rolled-up holiday pay), which is legal for irregular hours workers.
• Always check your contract and official GOV.UK guidance for your specific situation.

For more detailed data on UK pay benchmarks, visit our salary data page.

Summary

Asking "what minimum wage" in the UK for 2026/27? The answer is clear: £12.71 per hour for workers aged 21 and over, with lower rates for younger employees and apprentices. Use the hourly-to-annual formula with your actual weekly hours to estimate your yearly gross pay. Remember that the minimum wage is a legal floor, and many sectors pay significantly more, especially in London and for skilled roles. Always compare job offers based on total compensation, not just the hourly rate.

For more topics on UK pay, see our topics section.