What’s the Minimum Wage in the UK in 2026? A Guide for Job Seekers

If you're asking 'whats minimum wage uk' in 2026, the answer depends on your age and employment status. From April 2026, the National Living Wage (NLW) for workers aged 21 and over rises to £12.71 per hour, while younger workers and apprentices have separate rates. Understanding these figures is essential when comparing hourly jobs with salaried offers, especially if you're deciding between a minimum-wage role and a fixed annual salary.

National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage Rates

The government sets minimum hourly rates that most workers must receive. According to GOV.UK, the rates from April 2026 are:

• National Living Wage (21 and over): £12.71 per hour
• 18-20 year old rate: £10.85 per hour
• 16-17 year old rate: £8.00 per hour
• Apprentice rate: £8.00 per hour (applies to apprentices under 19, or those 19+ in their first year)

These rates represent a 4.1% increase for the NLW and an 8.5% increase for the 18-20 rate compared to 2025. The accommodation offset, used when employers provide housing, is £11.10 per day. All rates are reviewed annually and take effect on 1 April.

Converting Hourly Rates to Annual Salary

To compare an hourly wage with a salaried job, you need to convert the hourly rate into an annual figure. The standard formula is:

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

For example, at the 2026 NLW of £12.71:

• Working 37.5 hours per week (common in many full-time roles): £12.71 × 37.5 × 52 = £24,784.50 per year
• Working 40 hours per week: £12.71 × 40 × 52 = £26,436.80 per year

Use our Hourly to Salary calculator to quickly see the annual equivalent of any hourly rate. Remember that this calculation assumes a steady contracted week with no unpaid overtime, and that you are paid for all 52 weeks (including holiday pay). Actual take-home pay will also depend on tax and National Insurance deductions.

Comparing Minimum Wage Jobs with Salaried Offers

When weighing up a minimum-wage job against a salaried position, consider more than just the headline rate. Salaried roles often include benefits such as pension contributions, sick pay, and paid holidays, while hourly jobs may offer overtime premiums or shift allowances. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) provides useful benchmarks:

• Median full-time annual earnings (April 2025): £39,039
• Median full-time hourly earnings (excluding overtime): £19.67
• Median full-time weekly earnings: £766.60

These figures show that the NLW at 37.5 hours (£24,785) is well below the median, but the gap has been narrowing as the government pushes the NLW towards two-thirds of median earnings. For 2027, the Low Pay Commission has indicated that two-thirds of median hourly earnings will remain the key reference point.

If you're considering a salaried offer, check whether it includes London weighting or regional supplements. Many public sector roles, such as those in the NHS or teaching, have their own pay scales that start above the NLW but may not keep pace with private sector median earnings. Our salary articles explore these comparisons in more detail.

What the Data Tells Us

ONS ASHE data for 2025 (provisional) shows that lower-paid occupations saw strong hourly pay growth, often matching or exceeding the NLW increase. Caring, leisure and other service occupations recorded a 7.1% rise in median weekly earnings. This suggests that minimum wage increases are lifting the bottom of the pay distribution. However, the median hourly rate of £19.67 for full-time employees is still significantly higher than the NLW, reflecting the wide range of earnings across the UK economy.

Caveats and Considerations

• Hours assumptions: The conversion formula uses 52 weeks, but some jobs pay for fewer weeks (e.g., term-time only). Always check your contract.
• Overtime: Hourly jobs may offer overtime at enhanced rates, which can boost annual income. Salaried roles often include overtime in the annual figure but may not pay extra.
• London weighting: Employers in London and the South East often add a supplement to attract staff. The NLW applies nationwide, but actual living costs vary.
• Holiday pay: Most workers are entitled to 5.6 weeks of paid holiday. The conversion formula assumes this is included in the hourly rate or paid separately.
• Tax: The personal allowance for 2026/27 is £12,570. Earnings above this are taxed at 20% (basic rate) and then 40% above £50,270. National Insurance also applies.

For a full breakdown of how your hourly rate translates into take-home pay, see our salary data page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum wage in the UK for 2026? From April 2026, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour. For 18-20 year olds it's £10.85, for under 18s and apprentices it's £8.00 per hour. These rates are set by the government following Low Pay Commission recommendations.

How do I convert an hourly rate to an annual salary? Multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work per week, then by 52 (weeks per year). For example, £12.71 per hour at 37.5 hours per week gives approximately £24,785 per year. Use our Hourly to Salary calculator for quick conversions.

How does the minimum wage compare to the UK median salary? The median full-time annual salary in April 2025 was £39,039, according to ONS ASHE. The National Living Wage at 37.5 hours gives about £24,785, which is around 63% of the median. The government aims to increase the NLW to two-thirds of median hourly earnings over time.