What Is Minimum Wage UK? Hourly, Weekly and Annual Pay Explained

Understanding the UK Minimum Wage in 2026

If you’re asking what is minimum wage UK, the answer depends on your age, your job, and whether you’re an apprentice. The government sets statutory hourly rates that change every April. For 2026, the rates have increased, and it’s important to know how they translate into weekly and annual pay, as well as what you actually take home.

Hourly Rates: The Statutory Minimum

From 1 April 2026, the National Living Wage (for workers aged 21 and over) is £12.71 per hour. This is a rise of 50p (4.1%) from the previous year. For younger workers, the National Minimum Wage applies:

• Aged 18–20: £10.85 per hour (up 85p, an 8.5% increase)
• Under 18: £8.00 per hour (up 45p, 6% increase)
• Apprentice rate: £8.00 per hour (same increase, applies to apprentices under 19 or in their first year)

These rates are set by the Low Pay Commission and enacted through legislation. The government also sets an accommodation offset of £11.10 per day if your employer provides living accommodation.

From Hourly to Weekly and Annual Pay

To understand what these rates mean for your income, you need to multiply by your contracted hours. A typical full-time week is around 35–40 hours. Here are rough estimates for a 35-hour week:

• National Living Wage (21+): £12.71 × 35 = £444.85 per week, about £23,132 per year before deductions.
• 18–20 rate: £10.85 × 35 = £379.75 per week, about £19,747 per year.
• Under 18 rate: £8.00 × 35 = £280 per week, about £14,560 per year.

Remember, these are gross figures. Your actual take-home pay will be lower after income tax and National Insurance. For example, a single full-time worker on the NLW might see a weekly increase of about £11.90 in take-home pay after the April 2026 uplift, according to the Low Pay Commission’s analysis.

How Take-Home Pay Differs from Advertised Salaries

When you see a job advert quoting a salary, it’s usually the gross annual figure. But what is minimum wage UK in practice? It’s the legal floor. Many jobs pay above the minimum, especially in sectors like healthcare, retail, and hospitality. The average weekly earnings for all employees in Great Britain are around £745 (total pay), which is significantly higher than the minimum wage full-time equivalent. This average includes overtime, bonuses, and higher-paid roles.

Your take-home pay also depends on whether you receive benefits like Universal Credit. The government increased the Universal Credit standard allowance by 6.2% in April 2026, which means NLW workers on UC could see a bigger net income boost than the 4.1% hourly rise alone. Conversely, if you pay tax but don’t receive UC, frozen tax thresholds mean your average tax rate increases slightly.

Age Bands and Apprentice Rules

It’s a common mistake to assume everyone gets the same minimum wage. The age bands are strict:

• 21 and over: National Living Wage.
• 18–20: Lower National Minimum Wage.
• Under 18: Even lower rate.
• Apprentices: Special rate unless they are 19+ and have completed their first year, in which case they move to the age-based rate.

For example, a 21-year-old apprentice in their first year is entitled to £8.00 per hour. But once they finish that first year, they must be paid at least £12.71 per hour (the NLW). Always check your contract and the current statutory rates.

Why Knowing the Difference Matters

Understanding what is minimum wage UK helps you negotiate pay, check your payslip, and plan your budget. If you’re a job seeker, look at advertised salaries and compare them to the statutory minimum for your age. If you’re an employer, you must comply with the law or face penalties from HMRC.

For more detailed guidance on how pay scales work in different sectors, visit our pay guides section. You can also explore pay data for industry-specific averages.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How much is the minimum wage weekly or annually? Weekly and annual amounts depend on hours worked. For a full-time worker (35 hours per week) on the National Living Wage, weekly pay is about £444.85 and annual pay about £23,132 before deductions. For the 18-20 rate, weekly is about £379.75 and annual about £19,747. Actual take-home pay will be lower after tax and National Insurance, and may be affected by benefits like Universal Credit.

Does the minimum wage apply to all workers? Most workers in the UK are entitled to the minimum wage, but there are exceptions. Apprentices under 19 or in their first year receive the apprentice rate. Workers aged 19 or over who have completed their first year of apprenticeship are entitled to the age-based rate. Some workers, such as those living in employer-provided accommodation, have a daily accommodation offset that can be counted towards pay. Always check your contract and the current statutory rates.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re starting a new job, checking your pay, or planning your finances, knowing what is minimum wage UK is essential. The rates for 2026 are now in effect, and they offer a real-terms increase for many workers. Use the figures on this page as a reference, but always verify with your employer and the official government sources. For more information, visit our UK Minimum Wage homepage.