Age Bands and Eligibility: How John McGinn’s Salary Compares to the National Living Wage

Age Bands and Eligibility: Understanding the National Minimum Wage

Whether you are a school leaver starting your first job or an experienced professional, knowing which minimum wage rate applies to you is essential. The UK’s statutory pay floor is divided by age bands and apprenticeship status, and these rates change every April. Even if your earnings are far above the minimum — like the salary of a Premier League footballer such as John McGinn — the rules still shape the labour market for millions of workers.

Who gets the National Living Wage?

The National Living Wage (NLW) is the highest statutory minimum and applies to workers aged 21 and over. From April 2026, the rate is £12.71 per hour, up from £12.21. This increase of 4.1% was recommended by the Low Pay Commission and is designed to keep pace with the cost of living. If you are 21 or older and not an apprentice in your first year, your employer must pay you at least this amount.

Rates for younger workers

Workers aged 18 to 20 are entitled to the National Minimum Wage (NMW) of £10.85 per hour from April 2026. This is a significant increase of 8.5% on the previous year, narrowing the gap with the NLW. For those under 18, the rate is £8.00 per hour, and the same rate applies to apprentices who are either under 19 or in the first year of their apprenticeship. Once an apprentice turns 19 and completes their first year, they move to the rate for their age group.

How does John McGinn’s salary fit in?

John McGinn, the Scotland international and Aston Villa midfielder, earns a salary that is not publicly disclosed in precise figures. However, typical Premier League contracts run into millions of pounds per year — far above the National Living Wage. While his earnings are not directly comparable to statutory minimums, the age-band system highlights how pay expectations differ across the workforce. For example, a 19-year-old apprentice earning £8.00 per hour would need to work over 150 hours to earn what a top-flight footballer might earn in a single hour. This contrast underscores the importance of understanding your own entitlement.

Take-home pay and real earnings

It is not just the headline hourly rate that matters. The ONS reports that median weekly earnings for full-time employees were £766.60 in April 2025, a 5.3% increase on the year. But take-home pay depends on tax, National Insurance, and benefits. For someone on the NLW working 35 hours a week, the weekly gross pay would be about £444.85. After deductions, the increase in take-home income is smaller than the headline rise because tax thresholds are frozen. In contrast, households receiving Universal Credit may see a larger net gain.

Why age bands exist

The government sets different rates for different ages to balance the need for fair pay with the risk of job losses for younger, less experienced workers. The Low Pay Commission reviews evidence each year to recommend increases that do not harm employment. The 18–20 rate, for instance, rose by 8.5% in 2026 to help close the gap with the NLW, while the under-18 rate rose by 6% to £8.00.

Checking your pay

If you are unsure whether you are being paid correctly, use the UK Minimum Wage guide on this site or the official GOV.UK calculator. Your employer must display the correct rate in your contract and on your payslip. If you suspect underpayment, you can report it to HMRC confidentially.

For more detailed breakdowns of pay by occupation and region, visit our pay guides section. And if you want to see how your earnings compare to national averages, explore our pay data pages.

The bigger picture

While John McGinn’s salary is a world away from the minimum wage, the same age-band rules apply to every worker in the UK. Whether you are a retail assistant, a care worker, or an apprentice electrician, knowing your entitlement helps you negotiate and plan your finances. The rates change every April, so bookmark this page and check back each year.

Remember: the figures on this site are for orientation only. Always verify current statutory rates on GOV.UK and consult your contract for your specific terms.