How Much Is Minimum Wage UK? A Clear Guide to Hourly, Weekly and Annual Pay

Understanding the Minimum Wage in the UK

If you're asking how much is minimum wage UK, the answer depends on your age, whether you're an apprentice, and the type of work you do. The UK government sets statutory minimum hourly rates that change every April. From April 2026, the rates are as follows:

• National Living Wage (21 and over): £12.71 per hour
• National Minimum Wage (18–20): £10.85 per hour
• National Minimum Wage (under 18): £8.00 per hour
• Apprentice rate: £8.00 per hour

These rates are confirmed by the Low Pay Commission and apply across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. They represent the legal minimum; many employers pay more, especially in sectors like retail, hospitality, and healthcare.

Hourly vs Weekly vs Annual Pay

It's helpful to think about minimum wage in three ways: hourly, weekly, and annual. The hourly rate is the legal baseline. But most workers are paid weekly or monthly, and annual salary figures help with budgeting and comparing jobs.

Weekly earnings

For a full-time worker (say 35 hours per week) on the National Living Wage:

• £12.71 × 35 = £444.85 per week

For an 18–20 year old on £10.85:

• £10.85 × 35 = £379.75 per week

For an apprentice or under-18 worker on £8.00:

• £8.00 × 35 = £280.00 per week

Annual earnings

Multiplying weekly pay by 52 gives a rough annual figure:

• NLW (21+): £444.85 × 52 ≈ £23,132
• 18–20 rate: £379.75 × 52 ≈ £19,747
• Under 18 / apprentice: £280.00 × 52 ≈ £14,560

Remember, these are gross figures before tax, National Insurance, and any pension deductions. Your take-home pay will be lower.

Take-Home Pay Considerations

The Low Pay Commission notes that the interaction with the tax and benefit system means not everyone sees the full 4.1% increase in their pocket. For example, if you receive Universal Credit, the above-inflation increase to the standard allowance (6.2%) means your household income rises more than the headline wage increase. But if you pay tax and don't get UC, frozen tax thresholds mean your average tax rate goes up slightly, so your net pay rises by less than 4.1%.

For a single person working 35 hours on the NLW, the weekly take-home increase is about £11.90 (3.3%). For a couple with children, the increase is at least 4.2% because they still qualify for UC.

Other Statutory Rates

Beyond the basic minimum wage, there are other statutory payments that affect workers:

• Accommodation offset: If your employer provides accommodation, they can offset up to £11.10 per day (£77.70 per week) from your wages.
• Statutory Sick Pay: £123.25 per week from April 2026.
• Family-related pay: Maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, and parental bereavement pay are all £194.32 per week (or 90% of earnings if lower).

Agricultural workers have their own minimum wage structure, with rates from £8.00 (trainee under 18) up to £14.44 for managers.

How to Check Your Pay

If you're unsure whether you're being paid correctly, you can use the government's minimum wage calculator. Your employer must give you a payslip showing your hourly rate and hours worked. If you think you're being underpaid, contact Acas for advice.

For more detailed guidance on pay scales and salary negotiations, see our pay guides and pay data pages. You can also read more about your rights on the UK Minimum Wage homepage.

Common Questions

What is the minimum wage for a 20-year-old?

From April 2026, the rate for 18–20 year olds is £10.85 per hour. This is a significant increase of 8.5% as the government aims to eventually align it with the National Living Wage.

Do apprentices get the same minimum wage?

No. Apprentices under 19, or those in their first year of any age, are entitled to the apprentice rate of £8.00 per hour. After the first year, if they are 19 or over, they must be paid the age-based rate.

How much is minimum wage per year?

For a full-time worker (35 hours) on the NLW, annual gross pay is about £23,132. For an 18–20 year old, it's about £19,747. Actual take-home pay will be less after deductions.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how much is minimum wage UK is the first step to knowing your rights. The rates change every April, so always check the current figures. Remember that many jobs pay above the minimum, especially in skilled trades, healthcare, and technology. Use our resources to compare salaries and plan your career.

Disclaimer: Figures are public reference values for orientation only. Actual pay depends on age band, role, region, hours, overtime, and contract terms. Always check your contract and current statutory rates.