What’s the Minimum Wage 2026? Advertised Salary vs Take-Home Pay Explained

Understanding the 2026 Minimum Wage Rates

If you’re wondering whats the minimum wage 2026, the answer depends on your age and whether you’re an apprentice. From 1 April 2026, the National Living Wage (NLW) for workers aged 21 and over rises to £12.71 per hour. The 18–20 rate becomes £10.85 per hour, while the under‑18 and apprentice rates both increase to £8.00 per hour. These rates are set out in the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Regulations 2026 and apply across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The increases follow recommendations from the Low Pay Commission, which the Government accepted in full. The NLW rose by 50p (4.1%), the 18–20 rate by 85p (8.5%), and the younger rates by 45p (6.0%). There is also an accommodation offset of £11.10 per day if your employer provides living accommodation.

For a quick overview of all current rates, visit our UK Minimum Wage page.

Advertised Salary vs Take‑Home Pay

When you see a job advert quoting a salary, that figure is almost always the gross amount – what you earn before any deductions. Your actual take‑home pay will be lower because of:

• Income tax – you have a personal allowance (usually £12,570 for 2026/27) and pay 20% on earnings above that.
• National Insurance – Class 1 contributions at 8% on earnings above a threshold (around £242 per week).
• Pension contributions – if you are auto‑enrolled into a workplace pension, at least 5% of your qualifying earnings goes into your pension pot.
• Student loan repayments – if you have a Plan 2 or Plan 5 loan, you repay 9% of earnings above the threshold.

For example, a full‑time worker on the NLW working 37.5 hours per week would have a gross annual salary of roughly £24,800. After tax, NI and a 5% pension contribution, their monthly take‑home pay might be around £1,700–£1,800. This is significantly less than the gross advertised figure.

It’s also worth noting that some job adverts quote an hourly rate rather than an annual salary. Always check whether the advertised figure is gross or net, and whether it includes any allowances or bonuses.

Factors That Affect Your Take‑Home Pay

Your actual earnings depend on more than just the statutory minimum. Key factors include:

• Age band – workers under 21 are entitled to lower minimum rates, so their gross pay will be lower.
• Apprenticeship status – apprentices in their first year (or under 19) receive the apprentice rate of £8.00, even if they are 21 or over.
• Hours worked – part‑time workers earn proportionally less, and overtime may be paid at a premium rate.
• Shift work and location – some sectors (e.g. hospitality, healthcare) offer enhanced rates for weekends, nights, or London weighting.
• Contract type – zero‑hour contracts, agency work, and umbrella companies can affect how pay is calculated and what deductions apply.

For a deeper look at how pay is structured across different roles, see our pay guides.

Checking Your Pay

It’s your right to be paid at least the minimum wage for your age and employment type. You can check your entitlement using the GOV.UK minimum wage calculator. If you think you’re being underpaid, contact Acas for advice.

Always read your employment contract carefully. The advertised salary is a starting point, but your payslip will show the true picture. Use HMRC’s tax calculator to estimate your take‑home pay based on your gross salary and tax code.

For more data on typical earnings by occupation and region, explore our pay data section.

Summary

To answer whats the minimum wage 2026: from April 2026, the NLW is £12.71 for 21+, £10.85 for 18–20, and £8.00 for under‑18s and apprentices. Remember that advertised salaries are gross, and your take‑home pay will be lower after deductions. Always check the current rates and your contract to ensure you’re being paid correctly.