What is the Minimum Wage in the UK? Age Bands and Eligibility Explained

Understanding the UK Minimum Wage in 2026

If you are asking what is minimum wage in the uk, the answer depends on your age and whether you are an apprentice. The UK government sets statutory minimum hourly rates that most workers must be paid. These rates are reviewed annually and typically increase each April. For 2026, the new rates came into effect on 1 April 2026.

National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage Rates from April 2026

The table below summarises the current statutory rates:

• National Living Wage (21 and over): £12.71 per hour
• National Minimum Wage (18 to 20): £10.85 per hour
• National Minimum Wage (under 18): £8.00 per hour
• Apprentice rate: £8.00 per hour

These figures are confirmed by GOV.UK guidance and the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Regulations 2026. The NLW rose by 4.1% from the previous £12.21, while the 18-20 rate saw a larger 8.5% increase to narrow the gap with the adult rate.

Who is eligible for each rate?

• Aged 21 or over: You are entitled to the National Living Wage of £12.71 per hour. This applies to all workers, including those on zero-hours contracts or part-time hours.
• Aged 18 to 20: You must be paid at least £10.85 per hour under the National Minimum Wage.
• Under 18: The minimum is £8.00 per hour. School-leaving age workers (usually 16 and over) are covered.
• Apprentices: The apprentice rate of £8.00 per hour applies if you are under 19, or if you are 19 or over and in the first year of your apprenticeship. Once you complete the first year and are 19 or older, you must be paid the age-appropriate minimum wage (e.g., £12.71 if 21+).

How do these rates compare to average earnings?

The statutory minimum is the legal floor. According to the ONS Average Weekly Earnings data for April 2025, median weekly earnings for full-time employees were £766.60, and median hourly earnings (excluding overtime) were £19.67. This means many workers earn well above the minimum wage, especially in skilled occupations. However, in sectors like retail, hospitality, and care, advertised salaries often start close to the NLW or NMW.

Take-home pay: what you actually receive

Your take-home pay is your gross earnings minus deductions. Even if you are paid the minimum wage, your net income will be lower after Income Tax and National Insurance contributions. For example, a single worker on the NLW working 35 hours per week would have gross weekly pay of £444.85. After tax and NI, the net amount is roughly £380-£390 depending on tax code. Workers receiving Universal Credit may see a higher effective take-home income because of benefit top-ups. The government’s analysis shows that a full-time NLW worker receiving Universal Credit could see a 4.2% increase in take-home pay from the April 2026 uplift.

What about advertised salaries?

When searching for jobs, you will often see salaries quoted as annual figures or hourly rates. Employers must pay at least the statutory minimum, but many choose to pay more to attract staff. For example, a full-time role at £12.71 per hour for 37.5 hours a week gives an annual salary of about £24,800. However, actual advertised salaries for similar roles may be higher, especially in London or for roles requiring experience. Always check the hourly rate or annual salary in the job advert and compare it to the minimum wage for your age.

Key points to remember

• The minimum wage rates change every April. The 2026 rates are now in force.
• Your age on the first day of the pay period determines which rate applies.
• Apprentices have special rules – check your apprenticeship agreement.
• The accommodation offset (if your employer provides housing) is £11.10 per day from April 2026.
• If you think you are being underpaid, you can check using the government’s minimum wage calculator or contact Acas.

For more detailed guidance on how pay is calculated and what to do if you are paid less, see our pay guides and pay data pages. You can also explore topics related to employment rights and salary negotiation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum wage for a 20-year-old in the UK?

From April 2026, the National Minimum Wage for workers aged 18 to 20 is £10.85 per hour. This applies to all workers in this age band, regardless of whether they are full-time or part-time.

Do apprentices get the same minimum wage as other workers?

No. Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate of £8.00 per hour if they are under 19, or if they are 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship. After the first year, they must be paid the minimum wage for their age (e.g., £12.71 if 21 or over).

How does the minimum wage affect take-home pay?

Your take-home pay is your gross earnings minus tax, National Insurance, and any other deductions. The minimum wage is the legal minimum hourly rate before deductions. For example, a full-time worker on the NLW earning £12.71 per hour for 35 hours would have gross weekly pay of £444.85, but net pay will be lower after deductions. Some workers on Universal Credit may see a larger increase in take-home income due to benefit tapers.