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whats the minimum wage

What's the Minimum Wage in the UK? 2026 Rates and How to Convert Hourly to Annual Salary

From April 2026, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour, which equates to roughly £24,785 per year based on a 37.5-hour week.

Understanding the UK Minimum Wage in 2026

If you're asking "whats the minimum wage" in the UK, the answer depends on your age and whether you're an apprentice. The government sets different rates each year, and they change on 1 April. For 2026, the key rates are:

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

These figures come from GOV.UK National Minimum Wage rates and the government's announcement on minimum wage rates for 2026. The increases follow recommendations from the Low Pay Commission.

How to Convert Hourly Rates to Annual Salary

When you're comparing job offers or budgeting, it's helpful to convert an hourly wage into an annual figure. The standard method is:

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

For example, if you're on the National Living Wage (£12.71) and work a typical full-time week of 37.5 hours:

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

But remember: this is a rough estimate. Your actual annual pay may differ if you work overtime, receive bonuses, or have salary sacrifice arrangements. Also, many jobs have different weekly hours – some full-time roles are 35 hours, others 40. Always check your contract.

For part-time workers, the same formula applies but with fewer hours. For instance, 20 hours per week at £12.71 gives about £13,218 per year.

What the Data Says About UK Earnings

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) publishes the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE). The latest data (April 2025) shows:

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

These figures are for employees who have been in their job for at least a year. They give a benchmark for what the average worker earns. The median is higher than the minimum wage because many jobs pay above the legal floor.

NHS Pay Scales 2026/27

Public sector pay, such as for NHS staff, follows its own scales. According to NHS Employers, from April 2026:

  • Band 1 (closed to new entrants): £12.92 per hour
  • Band 3: £13.17 per hour
  • Band 4: £14.52 per hour
  • Band 5 (e.g., newly qualified nurses): £16.40 per hour
  • Band 6: £20.44 per hour

These rates include higher cost area supplements (HCAS) for London and other high-cost areas. The London weighting can add 20% of basic salary, with a minimum of £5,794 and maximum of £8,746 per year.

Important Caveats When Converting Hourly to Salary

  • Hours assumption: The conversion uses a steady contracted week. If you work irregular hours or unpaid overtime, your actual annual income will differ.
  • Overtime: Many jobs pay overtime at a higher rate (e.g., time-and-a-half). This is not included in basic hourly-to-annual calculations.
  • London weighting: Jobs in London often include an additional allowance. Always check if your role has a London weighting or other location-based pay.
  • Holiday pay: Your annual salary usually includes paid holiday. If you're paid hourly with no holiday pay, you need to factor that in.
  • Salary sacrifice: Pension contributions, cycle-to-work schemes, or childcare vouchers can reduce your take-home pay.

For a more accurate conversion, use our Hourly to Salary calculator or explore salary data for your industry.

Why the Minimum Wage Matters

The minimum wage is a legal floor. Employers cannot pay less than the rate for your age group. It's designed to protect low-paid workers and reduce in-work poverty. The National Living Wage (for 21+) is higher than the old National Minimum Wage, reflecting the government's aim to make work pay.

If you think you're being paid less than the minimum wage, you can check using the GOV.UK minimum wage calculator or contact Acas for advice.

Summary

  • 2026 National Living Wage: £12.71/hr (21+), annual approx £24,785 at 37.5 hrs/week.
  • 2026 National Minimum Wage: £10.85/hr (18-20), £8.00/hr (under 18 and apprentices).
  • Median UK full-time salary: £39,039 per year (April 2025).
  • Conversion formula: hourly × hours per week × 52.
  • Always check your contract for exact hours, overtime, and location allowances.

For more articles on UK pay, visit our salary articles or topics page.

FAQs

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 it's £8.00, and for apprentices it's also £8.00 (unless the apprentice is 21+ and past their first year, then they get £12.71). These rates are set by the government following Low Pay Commission recommendations.

How do I convert my hourly wage to an annual salary?

A common rule of thumb is to multiply your hourly rate by your weekly contracted hours and then by 52 weeks. For example, if you work 37.5 hours per week at £12.71 per hour, your annual salary would be roughly £24,785. However, this assumes no unpaid overtime, bonuses, or salary sacrifice. Always check your contract for exact hours and any additional payments.

Does the minimum wage apply to part-time workers?

Yes, the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage apply to all workers, regardless of whether they work full-time or part-time. Part-time workers must be paid at least the minimum wage for each hour worked. Their annual salary will be proportionally lower based on their contracted hours. For example, a part-time worker on 20 hours per week at the NLW would earn about £13,218 per year.

Hourly to Salary

Pull → year

£477/wk ·£2,065/mo

£24,785

Formula: hourly × hours/week × 52 · tip shows annual gross

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