Minimum Wage UK Calculator 2026 – Free Instant Pay Calculator
Calculating your minimum wage entitlement in the UK has become essential for workers across all age groups and employment types. Whether you're starting your first job, working part-time alongside studies, or checking if your employer pays you fairly, understanding what you should legally earn per hour, week, month, and year helps you protect your employment rights and plan your finances accurately.
From April 2026, the UK government has implemented significant increases to both the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rates following recommendations from the Low Pay Commission. Workers aged 21 and over now receive £12.21 per hour under the National Living Wage, representing a 6.7% increase that puts an extra £1,603 annually into the pockets of full-time workers before tax. Younger workers have also seen substantial rises, with 18 to 20 year olds now earning £10.00 per hour, while under-18s and qualifying apprentices receive £7.55 per hour.
Our free minimum wage calculator gives you instant, accurate calculations based on official government rates. Simply enter your age group and weekly working hours to see your legal entitlement broken down by hour, day, week, month, and year. You can also compare your current hourly rate against the legal minimum to check if you're being underpaid, which affects over 300,000 workers in the UK according to HMRC enforcement data from 2025.
Understanding UK Minimum Wage and National Living Wage Rates for 2026
The UK operates a tiered minimum wage system based on age and apprenticeship status. This structure recognises that younger workers typically have less experience and lower living costs than older workers, though this approach remains debated among employment rights advocates. The rates apply to nearly all workers including part-time staff, casual workers, agency workers, and those on zero-hours contracts.
The National Living Wage applies to anyone aged 21 or over and currently stands at £12.21 per hour. This rate was introduced in 2016 for over-25s but has gradually been extended to younger age groups. The government aims for the National Living Wage to reach two-thirds of median earnings by 2024, making it one of the highest minimum wage rates relative to average earnings among developed economies.
Complete UK Minimum Wage Rates Effective April 2026
| Age Group / Category | Hourly Rate | Daily (8hrs) | Weekly (37.5hrs) | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 years and over National Living Wage |
£12.21 | £97.68 | £457.88 | £1,984 | £23,810 |
| 18 to 20 years National Minimum Wage |
£10.00 | £80.00 | £375.00 | £1,625 | £19,500 |
| Under 18 National Minimum Wage |
£7.55 | £60.40 | £283.13 | £1,227 | £14,722 |
| Apprentice* Under 19 or first year |
£7.55 | £60.40 | £283.13 | £1,227 | £14,722 |
*Apprentice rate applies only if you're under 19, or 19 and over but in your first year of apprenticeship. After your first year, you receive the rate for your age. Figures based on 37.5-hour working week and show gross pay before tax and National Insurance deductions.
These increases for 2026 follow a challenging period for UK workers facing inflation and rising living costs. The 6.7% rise in the National Living Wage exceeds the current inflation rate and represents the government's commitment to supporting lower-paid workers. However, it's worth noting that these are minimum rates, and many employers, particularly in competitive sectors like technology, finance, and professional services, pay significantly above these levels.
What's the Difference Between National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage?
Many workers find the terminology confusing, but the distinction matters for knowing your rights. The National Living Wage is simply the name given to the minimum wage rate for workers aged 21 and over. It's still a legal minimum wage but carries a different name to highlight its intention to provide a wage people can genuinely live on.
The National Minimum Wage refers to the rates for younger workers under 21 and for apprentices under 19 or in their first year. Despite different names, both are legally enforceable minimum rates protected under the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 and subsequent regulations. Your employer faces penalties including fines and public naming if they fail to pay the correct rate.
Understanding which rate applies to you matters because age bands change on your birthday. If you turn 21 during a pay period, your employer must start paying you the higher National Living Wage rate from the first pay period after your birthday. Similarly, apprentices who complete their first year or turn 19 should see their pay increase to reflect their new rate category.
Calculate Your Minimum Wage Entitlement Now
Enter your age group and working hours below to see your legal minimum wage across different time periods. Results are instant and based on official April 2026 rates.
How This Minimum Wage Calculator Works
Our calculator uses the official UK government minimum wage rates that came into effect on 1st April 2026. The calculation process follows HMRC guidelines for determining minimum wage compliance and provides accurate results for all worker categories.
Select Your Category
Choose your age group or apprentice status. This determines which legal minimum hourly rate applies to you. The rate changes automatically when you move into a new age band on your birthday.
Enter Working Hours
Input your weekly working hours, whether you're full-time (typically 35-40 hours), part-time, or work variable hours. The calculator accepts decimal hours for precise calculations.
Get Instant Results
See your minimum wage entitlement broken down by hour, day, week, month, and year. All figures show gross pay before tax and National Insurance deductions.
Optional Comparison
Enter your current hourly rate to see if you're being paid above or below the legal minimum. If you're underpaid, the calculator shows exactly how much you're missing out on.
Calculation Methodology: We calculate weekly earnings by multiplying your hourly rate by weekly hours. Monthly pay assumes 4.33 weeks per month (52 weeks ÷ 12 months). Annual pay multiplies weekly earnings by the number of weeks you work per year (default 52). These calculations match HMRC's approach for minimum wage enforcement and comply with the National Minimum Wage Regulations 2015.
Real World Minimum Wage Calculation Examples
See how the minimum wage calculations work for common employment scenarios across different age groups and working patterns in the UK.
Full Time Retail Worker (Age 25)
Scenario:
- Age: 25 years (National Living Wage applies)
- Hourly rate: £12.21
- Weekly hours: 37.5
- Works all year: 52 weeks
After Tax: Earning £23,809 annually, this worker would pay approximately £2,248 in income tax and £1,379 in National Insurance, resulting in take-home pay of around £20,182 per year (£1,682/month). Calculate exact figures using our tax calculator.
Part Time Student (Age 19)
Scenario:
- Age: 19 years (18-20 minimum wage)
- Hourly rate: £10.00
- Weekly hours: 16 (two shifts)
- Works during term: 40 weeks
After Tax: With annual earnings of £6,400, this student pays no income tax (below the £12,570 Personal Allowance) and no National Insurance (below the threshold). Their gross pay equals their take-home pay. Learn more about student loan repayments if applicable.
Apprentice Electrician (Age 17, First Year)
Scenario:
- Age: 17, first year apprentice
- Hourly rate: £7.55 (apprentice rate)
- Weekly hours: 37.5
- Works all year: 52 weeks
After Tax: Earning £14,722 annually, this apprentice pays approximately £430 in income tax and £259 in National Insurance, taking home around £14,033 per year (£1,169/month). After completing year one or turning 18, the rate increases to the age-appropriate minimum wage.
Who Benefits From This Minimum Wage Calculator?
This free tool helps a wide range of workers, job seekers, and employers understand and verify minimum wage entitlements under UK law.
Employees Checking Their Pay
If you suspect your employer isn't paying you correctly, use this calculator to verify your entitlement. Over 300,000 UK workers were underpaid minimum wage in 2024-25, with many unaware until they checked. Compare your payslip against the results to see if you're missing out on earnings.
Students and Young Workers
Students working part-time alongside studies can calculate expected earnings from retail, hospitality, or other common student jobs. Understanding your minimum wage helps you budget for accommodation, living costs, and study expenses while ensuring employers treat you fairly.
Job Seekers Evaluating Offers
When comparing job offers, especially part-time or flexible roles, calculate the actual earnings you'll receive. This helps you make informed decisions about whether a position meets your financial needs and if advertised pay rates match minimum wage requirements for your age.
Employers and HR Teams
Use this calculator to verify your payroll complies with minimum wage law before processing wages. HMRC can investigate employers up to six years back and impose penalties including naming and fines. Our payroll calculator helps you manage full employee costs including employer National Insurance.
Career Changers
If you're considering a career change that might involve starting at entry-level or minimum wage positions, calculate what you could realistically earn. Our career switch calculator helps you plan the financial impact of changing careers.
Benefits Claimants
If you're receiving Universal Credit or other benefits, understanding your potential earnings from work helps you calculate how much you'll keep after benefits taper. Use our Universal Credit calculator to see how work affects your entitlement.
Common Minimum Wage Questions and Scenarios
What Happens When I Turn 21?
When you reach 21, you move from the National Minimum Wage for 18-20 year olds (£10.00) to the National Living Wage (£12.21). Your employer must pay you the higher rate from the first full pay period after your birthday. For example, if you turn 21 mid-month and are paid monthly, you should receive the higher rate for the entire following month.
Do Tips and Service Charges Count Towards Minimum Wage?
No. Since April 2024, tips, service charges, and gratuities cannot count towards satisfying minimum wage requirements. Your employer must pay you the full minimum wage in base pay before adding any tips. This change particularly affects hospitality workers who previously saw tips used to "top up" below-minimum base rates.
What If I Work Overtime?
Your average pay across all hours worked (including overtime) must meet minimum wage. If you're paid the minimum wage for standard hours but receive the same rate for overtime, you're compliant. However, if overtime is unpaid or your total earnings divided by total hours falls below minimum wage, your employer is breaking the law. Calculate your overtime pay to verify compliance.
Can Deductions Take Me Below Minimum Wage?
It depends on the deduction type. Deductions for your own benefit (like pension contributions or buying shares) can reduce your pay below minimum wage. However, deductions that benefit your employer (uniforms, tools, till shortages, damaged goods) cannot take you below the minimum. This catches many workers by surprise when employers make unlawful deductions.
What About Zero-Hours Contracts?
Minimum wage applies equally to zero-hours workers. You must be paid the legal minimum for every hour you actually work. Your employer cannot require you to be "on call" unpaid, though genuine sleep-in shifts in care work have specific rules. Variable hours make budgeting harder, but each hour worked still attracts full minimum wage protection.
Do Apprentices Always Get the Lower Rate?
No. The apprentice minimum wage of £7.55 only applies if you're under 19, or 19 and over but still in your first year of apprenticeship. Once you complete your first year, you move to the minimum wage for your age, even if you're still an apprentice. Many apprentices don't realise they're entitled to more after year one.
Frequently Asked Questions About UK Minimum Wage
How much is the UK minimum wage in 2026?
From April 2026, the UK minimum wage rates are: £12.21 per hour for workers aged 21 and over (National Living Wage), £10.00 per hour for 18 to 20 year olds, £7.55 per hour for under-18s, and £7.55 per hour for apprentices under 19 or in their first year. These rates represent significant increases from 2025, with the National Living Wage rising by 77p per hour.
The National Living Wage increase puts an extra £1,603 annually into the pockets of full-time workers before tax, helping offset rising living costs. All these rates are legal minimums, meaning your employer cannot pay you less regardless of business size or sector. If you're unsure which rate applies to you, use the calculator above or check the official government guidance.
What's the minimum wage for 21 year olds in the UK?
Workers aged 21 and over receive the National Living Wage of £12.21 per hour from April 2026. This applies from your 21st birthday, meaning if you turn 21 during a pay period, you should receive the higher rate from the first full pay period after your birthday. This represents a significant jump from the 18-20 rate of £10.00 per hour.
For someone working a standard 37.5-hour week, this equates to £457.88 per week, £1,984 per month, or £23,810 annually before tax. After tax and National Insurance, a 21-year-old on minimum wage working full-time would take home approximately £20,400 per year. If you're approaching 21, ensure your employer knows to update your pay rate. You can verify your correct pay using our calculator or check your take-home pay after tax.
Can my employer pay me below minimum wage?
No. Paying below the legal minimum wage is illegal in the UK except in very specific circumstances like genuine volunteers, self-employed people, or family members living in the employer's home. Your employer cannot argue that business difficulties, training costs, or your performance justify below-minimum pay. Even probationary periods and first-day workers must receive full minimum wage.
If you're paid below minimum wage, your employer faces serious consequences including having to repay all arrears (potentially going back six years), financial penalties of up to 200% of the underpayment, and public naming by the government. You can report minimum wage violations confidentially to HMRC's National Minimum Wage helpline on 0300 123 1100. Your employer cannot legally punish you for raising minimum wage concerns or reporting violations. Learn more about your employment rights.
How is minimum wage calculated for monthly paid workers?
Minimum wage compliance is tested by pay period. If you're paid monthly, HMRC divides your total pay (after only certain deductions) by your total hours worked that month, then checks if this equals or exceeds your hourly minimum wage rate. This catches situations where you're paid monthly but worked extra hours that effectively reduced your hourly rate below the minimum.
For example, if you're 23 earning £1,900 per month and worked 160 hours, your effective rate is £11.875 per hour, which falls below the £12.21 minimum. Your employer would owe you the difference. Variable hours make this complex, which is why keeping accurate hour records matters. Our calculator assumes consistent weekly hours, but if yours vary significantly, check each month individually or use our hourly wage calculator for varying schedules.
What's the difference between National Living Wage and Real Living Wage?
The National Living Wage (£12.21 for 21+) is the legal minimum set by government based on economic factors and Low Pay Commission recommendations. The Real Living Wage (£12.60 UK, £13.85 London) is a voluntary higher rate calculated by the Living Wage Foundation based on actual living costs. Employers choose whether to become accredited Living Wage employers and pay the Real Living Wage.
Around 15,000 UK employers voluntarily pay the Real Living Wage, recognising it better reflects genuine cost of living. However, only the National Living Wage is legally enforceable. Some sectors, particularly retail and hospitality, rarely pay above the legal minimum, while others use Real Living Wage accreditation as a recruitment tool. When comparing jobs, check whether advertised "living wage" means the legal minimum or the higher voluntary rate. Our salary benchmark tool shows typical pay by role and sector.
Do I pay tax on minimum wage?
Whether you pay tax depends on your total annual earnings, not your hourly rate. The Personal Allowance for 2026/27 is £12,570, meaning you pay no income tax on earnings below this threshold. A full-time minimum wage worker aged 21+ earns around £23,810 annually, so they would pay income tax on approximately £11,240 (£23,810 minus £12,570) at 20%, equalling £2,248 per year.
You'll also pay National Insurance at 8% on weekly earnings above £242 (roughly £1,048 monthly). Part-time workers earning less may pay no tax at all if they stay below the Personal Allowance. Tax is deducted automatically through PAYE by your employer. If you want to see exactly what you'll take home after all deductions, our take-home pay calculator provides a detailed breakdown. Check your tax code is correct to avoid overpaying tax.
What happens if I'm underpaid minimum wage?
If you discover you've been underpaid, first raise it with your employer or payroll department as it may be a genuine error. If they don't resolve it, contact ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) on 0300 123 1100 for free advice. You can also report your employer to HMRC's National Minimum Wage team confidentially.
HMRC can investigate going back six years, order your employer to repay all arrears with interest, and impose penalties up to 200% of the underpayment. Your employer cannot dismiss you or treat you unfairly for raising minimum wage concerns (this counts as automatic unfair dismissal). Keep payslips, timesheets, and contracts as evidence. If you believe underpayment connects to discrimination, our discrimination compensation calculator may help. For serious disputes, consider whether you have grounds for unfair dismissal claims.
Does minimum wage increase every year?
Usually, yes. The government reviews minimum wage rates annually based on recommendations from the independent Low Pay Commission, which considers economic conditions, inflation, employment levels, and business impact. Increases typically take effect on 1st April each year, though the government isn't legally obliged to increase rates and could freeze them during severe economic downturns.
Since the National Living Wage was introduced in 2016 at £7.20 for over-25s, it has risen every year, reaching £12.21 for 21+ in 2026. The government's target is for the National Living Wage to reach two-thirds of median earnings. Younger worker rates have also increased consistently, though historically by smaller percentages. Check back each April for updated rates, or follow official government announcements about the upcoming year's rates typically made in the autumn Budget.
Data Sources and Accuracy Guarantee
Our minimum wage calculator uses only official UK government data to ensure complete accuracy. We update our rates within 24 hours of any government announcement and verify calculations against HMRC compliance methodologies.
Official Government Rates
- GOV.UK National Minimum Wage Rates - Primary source for current hourly rates
- GOV.UK Minimum Wage Checker - Official government calculator for verification
- National Minimum Wage Regulations 2015 - Legal framework and calculation rules
We verify our calculations against the official government checker to ensure identical results for all worker categories and hour combinations.
Low Pay Commission Research
- Low Pay Commission - Independent body that advises government on minimum wage rates
- 2026 Rate Recommendations - Published October 2025, recommending April 2026 increases
- Impact Analysis - Research showing approximately 2.1 million UK workers directly affected by minimum wage
The Low Pay Commission conducts extensive research with employers, workers, and economists before recommending rate changes. Their evidence-based approach ensures minimum wage increases balance supporting workers with maintaining employment levels.
HMRC Compliance Data
- HMRC Naming Scheme - Public record of employers who underpaid minimum wage
- Enforcement Statistics - Over £16 million in arrears identified for 2024-25
- Common Errors - Salary sacrifice schemes, uniform costs, and unpaid working time most frequent causes
HMRC investigates around 3,000 complaints annually and has powers to enforce compliance going back six years. Data shows hospitality, retail, and hairdressing as sectors with highest underpayment rates.
Supporting Resources
- ACAS Minimum Wage Guidance - Free advice on rights and enforcement
- TUC Minimum Wage Support - Trade union resources and campaign information
- Living Wage Foundation - Real Living Wage calculations and accredited employers
Tax Information Sources: We reference HMRC's official income tax rates and National Insurance thresholds for 2026/27 when explaining take-home pay implications.
Accuracy Commitment: We verify our calculator against official government sources weekly and update immediately when rates change. Our calculation methodology matches HMRC's enforcement approach. However, this calculator provides estimates for guidance only. For official minimum wage compliance checks, use the government's official checker or contact ACAS for personalised advice. We cannot be held liable for decisions made based on calculator results. Last verified: January 2026.
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