UK Minimum Wage Calculator 2026
Enter your age, hourly rate and weekly hours to see your projected annual, monthly and weekly salary at the National Minimum Wage for 2026.
Think you might be underpaid? Use the Minimum Wage Checker instead for a full compliance check.
Your Weekly Pay
£508.40
Legal Minimum
£12.71/hr
Your Hourly Rate
£12.71/hr
Monthly Gross
£2,203
Annual Salary
£26,437
Rates apply from 1 April 2026 across the UK. Source: GOV.UK.
April 2026 National Minimum Wage Rates
| Age Band | Hourly Rate | Weekly (40hrs) | Annual (40hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 & Over (NLW) | £12.71 | £508.40 | £26,437 |
| 18 – 20 | £10.85 | £434.00 | £22,568 |
| Under 18 | £8.00 | £320.00 | £16,640 |
| Apprentice (Year 1) | £8.00 | £320.00 | £16,640 |
Rates apply from 1 April 2026 across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Source: GOV.UK
How Minimum Wage Works
The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is the legal minimum hourly rate employers must pay. Workers aged 21 and over receive the National Living Wage.
Apprentices receive £8.00/hr during their first year, or if they are under 19. After year 1, an apprentice aged 18+ is entitled to their age band rate.
Employers cannot use deductions (uniforms, tools, accommodation above the accommodation offset rate), unpaid trial shifts, or tips to meet the NMW.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in the UK from April 2026?
From 1 April 2026, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour. Workers aged 18–20 receive £10.85, and those under 18 or apprentices receive £8.00.
Do tips count towards minimum wage?
No. Since October 2009, tips, gratuities and service charges cannot count towards the National Minimum Wage. Your basic pay — before any tips — must be at least the minimum wage.
Does minimum wage apply to overtime hours?
Yes. Every hour you work, including overtime, must be paid at least at the National Minimum Wage rate. There is no overtime exemption.
What if my employer deducts money for a uniform?
Deductions for items like uniforms or tools that bring your effective hourly rate below NMW are unlawful. HMRC investigates these deductions frequently.
How do I report an employer not paying minimum wage?
Report via the official pay and work rights form on GOV.UK. HMRC enforces the National Minimum Wage on behalf of the Fair Work Agency and can require back pay plus a penalty of up to 200%.
About this guide
This calculator is maintained by UKMinimumWage.co.uk using published GOV.UK rates for 2026/27. Last updated August 2026. This site is not HMRC-endorsed.