What is the minimum wage in the UK? Age bands and eligibility explained

What is the minimum wage in the UK? Age bands and eligibility

If you are a worker or job seeker in the UK, understanding what is the minimum wage in the uk is essential to ensure you are paid correctly. The statutory minimum rates are set by the government and updated each April. From 1 April 2026, the rates have changed, with the biggest increase going to younger workers.

National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rates from April 2026

The government sets two main rates: the National Living Wage (NLW) for workers aged 21 and over, and the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for younger workers and apprentices. The current rates are:

• National Living Wage (21 and over): £12.71 per hour (up 4.1%)
• National Minimum Wage (18–20): £10.85 per hour (up 8.5%)
• National Minimum Wage (under 18): £8.00 per hour (up 6%)
• Apprentice rate: £8.00 per hour (up 6%)

There is also an accommodation offset of £11.10 per day if your employer provides living accommodation. These figures come from official GOV.UK guidance.

Who qualifies for each rate?

Age is the main factor. The NLW applies to anyone aged 21 or over. If you are 20 or younger, you are entitled to the lower NMW rates. The apprentice rate applies to apprentices under 19, or those aged 19 and over who are in the first year of their apprenticeship. After the first year, apprentices must be paid the minimum wage for their age. For example, a 21-year-old apprentice in their first year is entitled to £8.00 per hour, not the NLW of £12.71. Once they complete the first year, they must receive the NLW.

How statutory pay compares to average earnings

While the minimum wage sets a floor, average earnings in the UK are higher. According to the ONS Average Weekly Earnings report for April 2025, median weekly earnings for full-time employees were £766.60, and median hourly earnings (excluding overtime) were £19.67. This means the NLW of £12.71 is about 65% of the median hourly rate. However, the minimum wage has been rising faster than average pay in recent years, particularly for younger age groups.

Take-home pay considerations

Your actual take-home pay will be less than the hourly rate multiplied by hours worked, because of deductions for tax and National Insurance. The government’s analysis (published alongside the 2026 rates) shows that a full-time worker on the NLW working 35 hours per week would see a 3.3% increase in weekly take-home pay, or about £11.90. Households receiving Universal Credit may see a larger boost because of the 6.2% increase in the standard allowance. For more on how pay works in practice, see our pay guides.

Checking your pay

Always check your payslip to ensure you are receiving at least the correct minimum wage for your age and role. You can use the government’s online calculator to verify. If you suspect you are being underpaid, you can report it to HMRC. Remember that the rates change every April, so what is the minimum wage in the uk this year may be different next year.

For a broader overview of UK pay levels, visit our UK Minimum Wage page.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum wage for a 20-year-old in the UK? A 20-year-old worker is entitled to the National Minimum Wage for 18–20 year olds, which is £10.85 per hour from April 2026. The National Living Wage (higher rate) only applies to those aged 21 and over.

Do apprentices get the same minimum wage as other workers? No. Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate of £8.00 per hour if they are under 19, or aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship. After the first year, they must be paid the minimum wage for their age band.

How does the minimum wage compare to average UK earnings? The National Living Wage of £12.71 is well below the median hourly earnings for full-time employees, which stood at £19.67 in April 2025 according to the ONS. However, the minimum wage has been rising faster than average earnings in recent years.