What’s the National Minimum Wage in 2026? Hourly, Weekly and Annual Pay Explained

What’s the National Minimum Wage in 2026?

If you’re asking yourself “whats national minimum wage” for the coming year, the answer depends on your age and whether you are an apprentice. From 1 April 2026, the National Living Wage (NLW) for workers aged 21 and over rises to £12.71 per hour, a 4.1% increase on the previous rate. For younger workers, the National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates are £10.85 for those aged 18 to 20, and £8.00 for under 18s. Apprentices also receive £8.00 per hour, regardless of age, during their first year.

These rates are set by the government and apply across the UK. They are the legal minimum you must be paid, but many employers offer more. Understanding how these hourly figures translate into weekly and annual pay is essential for budgeting and comparing job offers. For a deeper look at how pay varies by sector, see our pay guides.

Hourly Rates for Each Age Band

The table below summarises the statutory rates from April 2026, based on GOV.UK guidance.

Age band	Rate per hour
21 and over (NLW)	£12.71
18 to 20	£10.85
Under 18	£8.00
Apprentice (first year)	£8.00

These rates apply to most workers. If you are an apprentice aged 21 or over and have completed your first year, you must be paid at least the NLW. Always check your employment contract and the current rates on the government website.

From Hourly to Weekly and Annual Pay

Hourly rates are the foundation, but most people think in terms of weekly or monthly pay. To convert an hourly rate to weekly pay, multiply by your usual weekly hours. For a full-time employee working 35 hours per week on the NLW:

• Weekly pay: £12.71 × 35 = £444.85
• Annual pay (52 weeks): £444.85 × 52 = £23,132.20

For someone aged 18 to 20 working the same hours:

• Weekly pay: £10.85 × 35 = £379.75
• Annual pay: £379.75 × 52 = £19,747.00

These are gross figures before tax and National Insurance. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), median weekly earnings for full-time employees were £766.60 in April 2025, and median gross annual earnings were £39,039. That’s well above the minimum, reflecting that many jobs pay more than the statutory floor. For more detailed earnings data, visit our pay data page.

Take-Home Pay and Deductions

Your take-home pay is what you actually receive after deductions. The main deductions are Income Tax and National Insurance contributions. However, some deductions can affect whether you are still being paid the minimum wage. GOV.UK guidance explains that certain payments must be included when calculating the minimum wage, such as:

• Income Tax and NI contributions (these are deducted after the minimum wage is calculated)
• Wage advances or loans
• Repayment of overpaid wages

But other deductions cannot be counted towards the minimum wage, including:

• Payments for the employer’s own use (e.g. travel to work costs)
• Tools, uniforms, or safety equipment you buy and are not reimbursed for
• Tips and service charges

If your employer provides accommodation, the first £11.10 per day (or £77.70 per week) can be counted towards the minimum wage. Any amount above that must be paid in addition.

For example, a 27-year-old worker earning £13 per hour for 40 hours a week would normally earn £520. If their employer deducts £15 for uniform rental, the pay used for minimum wage calculation becomes £505, which is £12.67 per hour – below the NLW of £12.71. The employer would be in breach of the law.

Why Understanding the Difference Matters

Knowing the difference between hourly, weekly, and annual pay helps you compare job offers and understand your rights. A job that pays a higher hourly rate might offer fewer hours, resulting in lower weekly pay. Conversely, a lower hourly rate with guaranteed overtime could mean higher annual earnings.

If you are on Universal Credit, the interaction with the minimum wage is important. The government’s analysis shows that a single person working full-time on the NLW would see a 3.3% increase in weekly take-home income after the April 2026 rise, while a couple with children could see a 4.2% increase due to Universal Credit adjustments.

Always check your payslip and use the government’s minimum wage calculator if you suspect you are being underpaid. Employers who fail to pay the correct minimum wage can face penalties and must pay arrears.

For more information on how pay scales work in different industries, see our topics section. And if you have further questions, our about page explains how we keep this guide up to date.