Understanding the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage for 2026

If you are asking what's minimum wage UK 2026, the answer depends on your age and whether you are an apprentice. The UK government sets two main rates: the National Living Wage (NLW) for those aged 21 and over, and the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for younger workers. From 1 April 2026, the NLW rises to £12.71 per hour, a 4.1% increase from the previous £12.21. For 18 to 20 year olds the rate is £10.85 per hour, and for under 18s and apprentices it is £8.00 per hour. These are statutory minimums – employers cannot pay less.

What is the minimum wage UK 2026 in annual terms?

To convert an hourly rate into an annual salary you need to know your contracted weekly hours. The most common full-time pattern in the UK is 37.5 hours per week (used by the NHS and many public sector roles), though 35, 37.5 and 40 hours are all typical. The calculation is simple: hourly rate × weekly hours × 52 weeks.

Using 37.5 hours:

• £12.71/hr → £24,784.50 per year
• £10.85/hr → £21,157.50 per year
• £8.00/hr → £15,600 per year

If you work 40 hours a week at the NLW, your annual salary would be £26,436.80. Always check your contract to see which hours assumption applies. For part-time workers, the same formula works with your actual weekly hours.

Part-time vs full-time: why hours assumptions matter

Part-time employees are entitled to the same hourly minimum wage as full-time colleagues. However, their annual salary will be proportionally lower. For example, a part-time worker on 20 hours per week at £12.71 would earn about £13,218 a year. The key is that the hourly rate is the legal floor, not the annual figure.

When comparing job offers, always look at the hourly rate rather than the annual salary, because the hours may differ. Our hourly calculator lets you quickly convert any hourly rate to annual, monthly and weekly figures based on your own hours.

Overtime, London weighting and extra payments

The minimum wage applies to basic contracted hours. Overtime, night shifts, weekend work and public holiday pay are separate. For NHS staff, unsocial hours enhancements range from +30% to +94% depending on the band and day. London weighting is also paid on top: Inner London gets 20% of basic salary (min £5,794, max £8,746), Outer London 15% (min £4,870, max £6,137) and fringe areas 5% (min £1,346, max £2,270). These extras can significantly boost take-home pay but are not part of the minimum wage calculation.

How the minimum wage compares to median earnings

The ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) for April 2025 put the median full-time salary at £39,039, which is roughly £20.02 per hour at 37.5 hours. That is well above the NLW, showing that most full-time workers earn more than the legal floor. However, the NLW is a crucial benchmark for low-paid roles in retail, hospitality, care and cleaning.

Practical tips for job seekers

• Always confirm your contracted hours before accepting a role.
• Use our salary articles to understand how tax, National Insurance and pension contributions affect net pay.
• If you are an apprentice, remember the rate changes after your first year.
• Employers cannot use salary sacrifice to drop your pay below the minimum wage.

For a full breakdown of all UK pay bands, including NHS and teacher scales, visit our salary data page.

Summary

What's minimum wage UK 2026? For 21+ it is £12.71 per hour; for 18–20 it is £10.85; for under 18s and apprentices it is £8.00. To find your annual salary, multiply your hourly rate by your weekly hours and 52. Always check your contract and remember that overtime, London weighting and shift premiums are extra.