Aldi UK Minimum Wage 2026: Age Bands and Eligibility Explained

Aldi UK Minimum Wage 2026: Age Bands and Eligibility

Understanding how the aldi uk minimum wage compares to statutory rates is essential for workers and job seekers. In 2026, Aldi has set a new benchmark as the highest-paying supermarket, but eligibility and pay still depend on age bands, location, and length of service. This guide explains the key differences and what you can expect.

Statutory Minimum Wage Rates for 2026

The government sets legal minimum pay rates that change every April. From 1 April 2026, the rates are:

• National Living Wage (21 and over): £12.71 per hour
• National Minimum Wage (18–20): £10.85 per hour
• National Minimum Wage (under 18): £8.00 per hour
• Apprentice rate: £8.00 per hour (for apprentices under 19 or in the first year of their apprenticeship)

These rates apply to all eligible workers across the UK. Employers cannot pay less than the rate for your age band. For full details, see UK Minimum Wage for the latest statutory figures.

Aldi’s Pay Structure for 2026

Aldi has announced its second pay rise of 2026, effective from April. The new rates for store assistants are:

• National rate (outside M25): £13.50 per hour entry-level, rising to £14.47 with length of service
• London rate (inside M25): £14.88 per hour entry-level, rising to £15.20 with length of service

These rates apply to all store assistants regardless of age, as long as they meet the legal minimum age for employment. Aldi’s entry-level pay is well above the statutory National Living Wage and also exceeds the Real Living Wage of £13.45 calculated by the Living Wage Foundation.

Aldi remains the only major supermarket to offer paid breaks to all colleagues, worth approximately £1,500 per year. The pay increases are part of a £42 million investment in colleague pay in 2026.

How Age Bands Affect Eligibility

While Aldi pays the same rate to all store assistants, the statutory minimum wage still applies as a legal floor. For example:

• A 19-year-old working at Aldi will earn £13.50 per hour, which is well above the £10.85 statutory rate for their age band.
• A 17-year-old working at Aldi will also earn £13.50, far above the £8.00 statutory rate for under 18s.

However, if you are an apprentice, the situation is different. Apprentices under 19 or in their first year are entitled to the apprentice rate of £8.00 per hour. Aldi may pay more, but you should check your contract. Once an apprentice turns 19 and completes the first year, they become eligible for the National Living Wage (£12.71) or Aldi’s higher rate if applicable.

London Weighting and Location

Aldi’s London rate applies to stores inside the M25. If you work outside this area, you receive the national rate. This is similar to other supermarkets like Lidl, which pays £14.80 in London and £13.45 nationally. Always confirm which rate applies to your store location.

Take-Home Pay Considerations

Your actual take-home pay depends on tax, National Insurance, and any benefits such as Universal Credit. The Low Pay Commission notes that the NLW increase of 4.1% may be partly offset by frozen tax thresholds for some workers. For example, a single full-time worker (35 hours) at the NLW would see a weekly take-home increase of about £11.90. At Aldi’s higher rates, the increase will be larger, but the same tax rules apply.

If you receive Universal Credit, the government is also increasing the standard allowance by 6.2% in 2026, which may boost your overall income further.

Comparing Aldi to Other Supermarkets

Aldi’s rates are now the highest in the grocery sector. For comparison:

• Lidl: £13.45 nationally, £14.80 London (from March 2026)
• Waitrose and Sainsbury’s: also announced above-inflation rises, but specific figures were not detailed in the search results.

Aldi’s pay leadership is part of its strategy to attract and retain staff as it expands, with plans to open 40 new stores in 2026.

What to Check Before You Apply

When considering a job at Aldi or any employer, always:

• Confirm the hourly rate for your specific role and location.
• Check your age band and whether you qualify for the apprentice rate.
• Ask about service-based increments and how long before you qualify.
• Review your contract for any deductions or benefits like paid breaks.

For more guidance on pay scales and salary data, visit our pay guides and pay data pages.

Summary

The aldi uk minimum wage for 2026 is £13.50 per hour nationally and £14.88 in London for entry-level store assistants. This is significantly higher than the statutory National Living Wage of £12.71 for workers aged 21 and over. Age bands still matter for legal minimums, but Aldi’s rates exceed all age-based statutory requirements. If you are an apprentice or under 18, you are still protected by the law, but Aldi’s pay is likely to be much higher than the minimum. Always check your specific circumstances and contract to ensure you are receiving the correct pay.