What is the minimum wage in Scotland? Hourly, weekly and annual pay explained

What is the minimum wage in Scotland?

If you are a worker or job seeker in Scotland, understanding the minimum wage is essential for knowing your rights and negotiating pay. The statutory minimum wage rates are set by the UK Government and apply across the whole of Great Britain, including Scotland. This article explains the current rates, how they compare to average earnings in Scotland, and what you can expect in terms of take-home pay.

Statutory minimum wage rates from April 2026

The following rates come into force on 1 April 2026 and are based on the worker’s age and apprenticeship status:

• National Living Wage (aged 21 and over): £12.71 per hour
• National Minimum Wage (aged 18 to 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 their first year)

These rates represent a significant increase from the previous year. The 18–20 rate rose by 8.5%, while the apprentice and under-18 rates rose by 6%. The National Living Wage increased by 4.1% to £12.71. You can find more details on our UK Minimum Wage, which includes a full breakdown of the bands.

It is important to note that the apprentice rate only applies during the first year of an apprenticeship or if the apprentice is under 19. After the first year, apprentices aged 19 or over must be paid the minimum wage for their age group.

Scottish earnings in context

While the statutory minimum wage is the legal floor, many workers in Scotland earn more. According to the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) published by the Office for National Statistics and analysed by the Scottish Government, gross median weekly earnings for full-time employees in Scotland were £773.80 in 2025. This is slightly higher than the UK median of £766.60.

For part-time workers, median weekly earnings in Scotland were £304.30 for women and £267.10 for men. These figures show that while the minimum wage provides a baseline, actual advertised salaries in sectors such as public administration, education, and health often exceed the minimum.

If you are comparing job offers, remember that weekly pay depends on both the hourly rate and the number of hours worked. A full-time minimum wage job at 35 hours per week would give a gross weekly pay of around £444.85, which is well below the Scottish median. However, many employers in Scotland pay the Real Living Wage voluntarily, which is higher than the statutory minimum.

For more detailed pay data across different sectors and regions, visit our pay data page.

Take-home pay considerations

Your take-home pay will be less than your gross earnings because of deductions for income tax and National Insurance. The amount you actually receive also depends on whether you are eligible for Universal Credit or other benefits. The GOV.UK guidance notes that for a single person working full-time on the National Living Wage, the increase in weekly take-home pay from the April 2026 uplift is around £11.90. For households with children receiving Universal Credit, the increase can be higher because of the benefit system.

Tax thresholds have been frozen, which means that as wages rise, more people may pay tax on a larger portion of their income. Always use a take-home pay calculator to estimate your net income based on your specific circumstances.

Frequently asked questions

Does Scotland have a different minimum wage from the rest of the UK? No. The National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage are set by the UK Government and apply uniformly across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. From April 2026, the rate for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour, with lower rates for younger workers and apprentices. Scotland does not have its own separate statutory minimum wage.

What is the minimum wage for under 18s in Scotland? Workers under 18 in Scotland are entitled to the National Minimum Wage of £8.00 per hour from April 2026. This rate also applies to apprentices under 19 or those in their first year of an apprenticeship. Once an apprentice turns 19 and completes their first year, they become entitled to the higher rate for their age group.

How does the minimum wage compare to average earnings in Scotland? The minimum wage for a full-time worker aged 21+ working 35 hours per week would be approximately £444.85 per week. In contrast, the median gross weekly earnings for full-time employees in Scotland were £773.80 in 2025, according to the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings. This means many jobs in Scotland pay significantly above the minimum wage, though entry-level and part-time roles may be closer to the statutory floor.

Final thoughts

Knowing the minimum wage is the first step to ensuring you are paid fairly. Whether you are starting a new job, negotiating a raise, or checking your payslip, always compare your hourly rate to the current statutory rates. For further guidance on pay rights and employer obligations, see our pay guides.

Remember that the figures in this article are for orientation only. Actual pay depends on your age, role, region, hours, and contract terms. Always check your contract and the current statutory rates, as they change annually on 1 April.