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Minimum wage rates, from April 2026

The hourly rates for each age, what they come to in a year, and how to check your pay.

The short answer

From 1 April 2026, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 an hour. Younger workers and apprentices get lower rates. By law, almost every worker in the UK must be paid at least the rate for their age.

The rates from April 2026

  • Aged 21 and over (National Living Wage): £12.71
  • Aged 18 to 20: £10.85
  • Under 18: £8.00
  • Apprentices: £8.00 (for apprentices under 19, or aged 19 and over in the first year of the apprenticeship)

What this means in a year

At £12.71 an hour, a full-time worker on 37.5 hours a week earns about £24,785 a year before tax and National Insurance. Use the hourly to salary calculator to convert any hourly rate, and the take-home pay calculator to see what you would receive after tax.

Check you are being paid properly

  • Your hourly rate is your pay divided by all the hours you work, including time you are required to be at work such as training and some travel.
  • Deductions for uniform or equipment cannot take your pay below the minimum wage.
  • Unpaid trial shifts and unpaid overtime that bring your pay below the minimum can be unlawful.
  • If you think you are underpaid, raise it with your employer first. You can then contact the free Acas helpline or report it to HMRC.

Where to learn more

This guide is for information only and is not benefits, employment or legal advice. Rules and amounts can change, so check the official pages before you rely on them.

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