What is the minimum wage 2026? How to read the headline rate and what it means for your pay

What is the minimum wage 2026? A practical guide

If you are a worker or job seeker in the UK, you have probably asked yourself: what is the minimum wage 2026? The answer depends on your age, whether you are an apprentice, and whether your employer provides accommodation. This guide explains the headline rates, what they mean for your take-home pay, and how to avoid common misunderstandings.

The headline rates from April 2026

From 1 April 2026, the following statutory minimum hourly rates apply across the UK (England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland):

• 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 were recommended by the Low Pay Commission and accepted in full by the Government, as confirmed in official GOV.UK guidance. The National Living Wage now applies from age 21, not 25 as in previous years.

How to read the headline rate

The headline £12.71 figure is the statutory minimum before any deductions. Your actual take-home pay will be lower after income tax, National Insurance, and any pension contributions (if you are enrolled in a workplace pension scheme). Additionally, if your employer provides living accommodation, they can count up to £11.10 per day towards meeting the minimum wage – this is called the accommodation offset.

It is also important to remember that many employers pay above the minimum. Average weekly earnings for total pay in the UK are around £745 per week, according to ONS data. Advertised salaries in sectors such as healthcare, construction, or logistics often exceed the statutory minimum, especially in regions with higher living costs.

Who gets which rate?

Your age on the day you are paid determines which rate applies. The table below summarises the bands:

Age group	Rate from April 2026
21 and over (National Living Wage)	£12.71
18–20	£10.85
Under 18	£8.00
Apprentice (under 19, or 19+ in first year)	£8.00

Important: Apprentices aged 19 or over who have completed the first year of their apprenticeship are entitled to the full National Living Wage for their age (e.g., £12.71 for a 21-year-old who has finished their first year).

Common pitfalls to watch out for

• Accommodation offset: If your job includes living accommodation (common in hospitality, care work, or agriculture), your employer can offset up to £11.10 per day. This means your cash wage might be lower than the headline rate, but your total package must still meet the minimum wage.
• Zero-hours contracts and variable hours: Your minimum wage entitlement is calculated based on the hours you actually work. If your employer does not guarantee hours, you are still entitled to at least the minimum wage for each hour worked.
• Tips and gratuities: Tips cannot be used to make up the minimum wage. Your basic hourly pay must meet the statutory rate before any tips are added.
• Salary sacrifice schemes: If you opt into a salary sacrifice arrangement (e.g., for a cycle-to-work scheme or childcare vouchers), your reduced cash pay must still meet the minimum wage after the sacrifice.

For more detailed guidance on how pay is calculated, visit our pay guides section.

How the rates are set

The Low Pay Commission (LPC) advises the Government on minimum wage rates each year. For 2026, the LPC recommended increases that aim to keep the National Living Wage at roughly two-thirds of median hourly earnings. The Government accepted these recommendations in full, and they were enacted through the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Regulations 2026.

What this means for job seekers

If you are looking for work, knowing the minimum wage for your age group helps you evaluate job offers. However, do not assume that every employer pays the minimum – many roles, especially in skilled trades, public sector, or large organisations, offer salaries well above the statutory floor. Check our pay data page for typical salaries in different sectors.

Always read your employment contract carefully. Your written statement of employment particulars should clearly state your hourly rate or annual salary. If you suspect you are being paid less than the minimum wage, you can contact Acas for advice.

Summary

To answer the question what is the minimum wage 2026: for most workers aged 21 and over, it is £12.71 per hour from April 2026. For 18–20 year olds it is £10.85, and for under-18s and apprentices it is £8.00. These are statutory minimums – your actual pay may be higher, and your take-home pay will be lower after deductions. Always check your contract and the current rates on GOV.UK.

For more information on related topics, explore our topics page.

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Disclaimer: The figures provided 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.