What is the UK National Minimum Wage?
The National Minimum Wage is the statutory minimum hourly pay for eligible workers in the United Kingdom. The applicable rate depends on the worker's age and, in some circumstances, apprenticeship status.
The National Living Wage is the highest statutory minimum wage age band and applies to workers aged 21 and over.
UK National Minimum Wage rates from 1 April 2026
The following hourly rates are used in this calculator for the period beginning 1 April 2026.
National Living Wage per hour.
National Minimum Wage per hour.
Minimum wage per hour for eligible under-18 workers.
Applicable to qualifying apprentices.
| Worker category | Hourly rate | Effective from |
|---|---|---|
| Age 21+ | £12.71 | 1 April 2026 |
| Age 18–20 | £10.85 | 1 April 2026 |
| Under 18 | £8.00 | 1 April 2026 |
| Qualifying apprentice | £8.00 | 1 April 2026 |
How to calculate minimum wage pay
This calculator multiplies the applicable statutory hourly rate by the number of hours worked each week and the number of weeks selected.
Minimum gross pay = Hourly rate × Hours per week × Weeks
The result is a gross-pay estimate before Income Tax, National Insurance and other deductions.
UK minimum wage worked examples
Example 1: Age 21+, 37.5 hours per week
At £12.71 per hour:
- Weekly gross pay: £476.63 (rounded)
- 52-week gross pay: £24,784.50
Example 2: Age 18–20, 30 hours per week
At £10.85 per hour:
- Weekly gross pay: £325.50
- 52-week gross pay: £16,926.00
Example 3: Under 18, 20 hours per week
At £8.00 per hour:
- Weekly gross pay: £160.00
- 52-week gross pay: £8,320.00
Example 4: Apprentice rate, 35 hours per week
At £8.00 per hour:
- Weekly gross pay: £280.00
- 52-week gross pay: £14,560.00
Who qualifies for the apprentice minimum wage?
The apprentice minimum wage rate generally applies to apprentices who are under 19, or who are aged 19 and over but are still in the first year of their apprenticeship.
Apprentices aged 19 or over who have completed their first apprenticeship year are normally entitled to the minimum wage rate for their age.
National Minimum Wage vs National Living Wage
Both are statutory minimum hourly wage rates in the UK. The National Living Wage refers to the statutory rate for workers aged 21 and over.
The voluntary Real Living Wage promoted by the Living Wage Foundation is different from the statutory National Living Wage. This calculator uses statutory rates only.
Does this calculator prove minimum wage compliance?
No. Actual minimum wage compliance can depend on how working time and pay are calculated during the relevant pay reference period.
Other factors may include:
- Salaried-hours work and applicable working-time rules.
- Unpaid working time that legally counts for minimum wage.
- Uniform or equipment costs borne by the worker.
- Certain deductions or payments to the employer.
- Accommodation offset rules.
- Age-band changes and apprenticeship eligibility.
- Pay reference periods and payroll timing.
For a formal compliance check, use official government guidance or seek professional payroll advice.
How to use the UK Minimum Wage Calculator
- Enter the number of hours worked per week.
- Enter the number of weeks to calculate.
- Select the correct worker age band or apprentice rate.
- Select Calculate to estimate gross minimum pay.
- Compare the result with your gross earnings for the same period.
Official UK minimum wage guidance
Check the statutory rates and compliance requirements using official government resources:
- GOV.UK – National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates
- GOV.UK – Check whether you are getting minimum wage
- GOV.UK – Who gets the National Minimum Wage
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK National Living Wage in 2026?
From 1 April 2026, the statutory National Living Wage used in this calculator is £12.71 per hour for workers aged 21 and over.
What is the minimum wage for 18–20-year-olds in 2026?
The rate used here is £10.85 per hour from 1 April 2026.
What is the apprentice minimum wage in 2026?
The apprentice rate used here is £8.00 per hour for qualifying apprentices.
How much is minimum wage for 37.5 hours a week?
At the £12.71 National Living Wage, 37.5 hours corresponds to £476.625 in unrounded weekly gross pay, or approximately £476.63.
Does minimum wage apply to part-time workers?
Yes. Eligible part-time workers are generally entitled to the applicable minimum hourly wage.
Is minimum wage calculated before tax?
This calculator estimates gross pay before Income Tax, employee National Insurance and other deductions.
Do apprentices always receive the apprentice rate?
No. Eligibility depends on age and the year of apprenticeship. Some apprentices must receive the minimum wage for their age.
Is this an official UK government calculator?
No. CalculatorsOnline is an independent website and is not affiliated with the UK Government.
Related UK salary and payroll calculators
Important: This calculator provides a simple gross-pay estimate based on a selected statutory hourly rate and hours worked. It does not determine legal entitlement, minimum wage compliance, pay reference period adjustments or the effect of deductions and accommodation offsets.
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