Understanding the Minimum Wage Hourly Rate by Age Band in 2026

Age Bands and Eligibility for the Minimum Wage Hourly Rate

The UK’s minimum wage hourly rate is not a single figure – it depends on your age and whether you are an apprentice. From April 2026, the rates have increased, and understanding which band applies to you is essential to ensure you are paid correctly.

National Living Wage (21 and over)

Workers aged 21 and over are entitled to the National Living Wage (NLW). From April 2026, this rate is £12.71 per hour, a 4.1% increase from the previous £12.21. The Low Pay Commission expects this rate to remain ahead of the cost of living through to March 2027, providing a real-terms increase for low-paid workers GOV.UK guidance.

National Minimum Wage for 18 to 20 year olds

If you are aged 18, 19, or 20, the minimum wage hourly rate is £10.85 per hour from April 2026. This is an 8.5% increase, bringing the rate to 85% of the NLW. The Government has stated its commitment to eventually eliminate the gap between this rate and the NLW Low Pay Commission report.

Under 18 rate

Workers under 18 (but above school leaving age) are entitled to £8.00 per hour from April 2026. This rate also applies to apprentices under 19 or in their first year. The 6% increase ensures pay for younger workers does not become too detached from rates for older age groups.

Apprentice rate

Apprentices have a specific minimum wage hourly rate. If you are under 19, or aged 19 or over and in the first year of your apprenticeship, you must be paid at least £8.00 per hour. Once you have completed the first year and are aged 19 or over, you become eligible for the rate for your age – for example, £12.71 if you are 21 or over UK legislation.

Accommodation offset

If your employer provides you with living accommodation, they can offset up to £11.10 per day from the minimum wage. This means your cash pay after accommodation costs must still meet the minimum wage hourly rate for your age band. The offset is intended to reflect the value of housing provided.

How take-home pay can differ

The headline minimum wage hourly rate is not the same as your take-home pay. The Low Pay Commission’s analysis shows that workers who receive Universal Credit will benefit from a larger net increase because the standard allowance rises by 6.2% in 2026. In contrast, workers who pay tax but do not receive UC may see a smaller increase due to frozen tax thresholds. For a single person working 35 hours per week at the NLW, the weekly take-home increase is about £11.90 (3.3%) Low Pay Commission report.

Agricultural workers

Separate minimum rates apply for agricultural workers in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. For example, the Labour Relations Agency lists Grade 1 agricultural trainee rates matching the statutory minimums, while skilled agricultural workers have higher minimums such as £13.30 per hour for Grade 2 Labour Relations Agency.

Checking your pay

You can use the government’s minimum wage calculator to check whether you are receiving at least the correct minimum wage hourly rate. If you think you are being underpaid, contact Acas for advice. Always check your contract and payslips against the statutory rates for your age and role.

For more detailed guidance on how minimum wage rates apply to different jobs and sectors, visit our pay guides page. You can also explore topics such as overtime, tips, and deductions to understand your full entitlements.

Summary of 2026 Rates

Age group	Minimum wage hourly rate
21 and over (NLW)	£12.71
18–20	£10.85
Under 18	£8.00
Apprentice (under 19 or first year)	£8.00

These rates are the legal minimum. Many employers pay above the minimum, especially in sectors with labour shortages. Always compare your offer against the statutory minimum for your age band.

Visit UK Minimum Wage for the latest updates and resources to help you understand your pay rights.