What is Minimum Wage 2026? A Complete Guide to the New Rates

Understanding the 2026 Minimum Wage Rates

If you’re asking “what is minimum wage 2026”, the headline figure is the National Living Wage (NLW) of £12.71 per hour for workers aged 21 and over. This rate came into effect on 1 April 2026, following recommendations from the Low Pay Commission. It represents a 4.1% increase (50p) on the previous year’s rate of £12.21. The government’s aim is to keep the NLW at or above two-thirds of median earnings, ensuring a real-terms pay rise for low-paid workers.

But the minimum wage isn’t a single figure. Different rates apply depending on your age and whether you’re an apprentice. The table below, based on GOV.UK guidance, shows the full set of statutory hourly rates from April 2026:

• 21 and over (National Living Wage): £12.71
• 18 to 20: £10.85
• Under 18: £8.00
• Apprentice: £8.00

The 18–20 rate saw the biggest percentage increase (8.5%, up 85p), as the government continues its stated ambition to eventually align this age band with the NLW. The rates for under-18s and apprentices both rose by 45p (6%).

Who Gets What: Age Bands and Apprentice Rules

It’s important to check which rate applies to you. The National Living Wage now covers everyone aged 21 and over – the age threshold has been gradually lowered from 25 in 2021 to 23 in 2024. If you’re 20 or younger, you’re entitled to the National Minimum Wage at the appropriate age band.

For apprentices, the rules are slightly different. You qualify for the apprentice rate (£8.00) if you are either:

• under 19, or
• aged 19 or over and in the first year of your apprenticeship.

Once you’ve completed the first year and are 19 or older, you must be paid at least the minimum wage for your age. For example, a 21-year-old apprentice who has finished their first year is entitled to the NLW of £12.71. This is set out clearly in the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Regulations 2026.

What the Headline Rate Means for Your Pay

The £12.71 rate is the legal minimum per hour before any deductions. It’s not the same as an advertised salary, which may be higher depending on the role, sector, and region. For context, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Average Weekly Earnings data shows that median total pay for full-time employees was around £745 per week in early 2026 – that’s roughly £19.87 per hour for a 37.5-hour week. The minimum wage is a floor, not a target.

When you see a job advert quoting a salary, it may be expressed as an annual figure based on a certain number of hours. For a full-time worker on the NLW working 37.5 hours per week, the annual gross pay would be approximately £24,785. However, your take-home pay will be lower after income tax, National Insurance, and any pension contributions. The government’s minimum wage calculator can help you check whether you’re being paid correctly.

It’s also worth noting the accommodation offset: if your employer provides living accommodation, they can deduct up to £11.10 per day from your wages for this. This is not a charge you pay – it’s the maximum daily amount they can offset against the minimum wage.

How to Check You’re Being Paid Correctly

If you’re unsure whether your pay meets the legal minimum, start by checking your age and whether you’re an apprentice. Then compare your hourly rate (including any deductions for accommodation) against the correct band. You can use the official minimum wage calculator on GOV.UK.

If you believe you’re being underpaid, contact Acas for advice. Employers who fail to pay the minimum wage can face penalties and be named publicly. For more practical guidance on understanding your payslip and negotiating pay, see our pay guides and UK Minimum Wage.

Remember: the statutory rates are the legal minimum. Many employers pay above this, especially in sectors with labour shortages. Always check your contract and discuss your rate with your employer if you have questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum wage for 21-year-olds in 2026? The National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour from April 2026, as confirmed by GOV.UK guidance. This applies to all employees and workers, including those on zero-hours contracts.

Do apprentices get the same minimum wage as other workers? No. Apprentices under 19 or in their first year are entitled to the apprentice rate of £8.00 per hour. After completing the first year and turning 19, they qualify for the rate for their age. For example, a 21-year-old apprentice who has finished their first year must be paid at least £12.71.

How does the minimum wage affect my take-home pay? The statutory minimum is the hourly rate before deductions. Your actual take-home pay will be lower after income tax, National Insurance, and pension contributions. Use the government’s calculator to estimate your net pay. The accommodation offset (up to £11.10 per day) may also apply if your employer provides housing.