How Much Is Minimum Wage – Full 2026 UK Rates for All Ages

If you are employed in the United Kingdom, the amount you must be paid per hour is set by law. The rates change every April, and for the 2026/27 tax year the government has confirmed new figures for every age group and for apprentices. Knowing exactly how much you are entitled to can help you check your payslip, understand your annual earnings, and plan your budget.

The UK has two main legal categories: the National Living Wage (for workers aged 21 and over) and the National Minimum Wage (for younger workers and apprentices). From 1 April 2026 the top rate is £12.71 an hour. But the actual amount you receive depends on your age, your apprenticeship status, and whether your employer is signed up to a voluntary living wage scheme.

This article breaks down every rate, shows you what those hourly figures mean in monthly and annual terms, and answers the most common questions people ask about minimum wage in 2026.

Current Minimum Wage Rates (2026/27)

These figures assume a 40‑hour working week. If you work fewer or more hours, your monthly and annual totals will differ, but the hourly rate remains fixed by law.

• The National Living Wage now applies from age 21 (changed from 23 in 2024).
• The 16‑17 and apprentice rates are identical at £8.00 per hour.
• A full‑time minimum wage for someone 21+ yields roughly £26,400 per year – below the Real Living Wage of £13.45 outside London.
• There is no regional variation; the statutory minimum wage is the same across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• The Real Living Wage is a voluntary rate set by the Living Wage Foundation, not by the government.

National Living Wage (age 21 and over)

The National Living Wage is the statutory minimum for workers aged 21 or older. From April 2026 it is £12.71 per hour. This rate applies regardless of where you live in the UK. A full‑time employee working 40 hours a week would earn about £2,203 each month before tax, or £26,437 a year.

National Minimum Wage (age 18–20)

Workers aged 18 to 20 are entitled to £10.85 per hour. That is £1.86 less than the adult rate. On a 40‑hour week the monthly income comes to roughly £1,881, and the annual salary before deductions is around £22,568.

National Minimum Wage (age 16–17)

The lowest age band covers 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds. They must be paid at least £8.00 an hour. Working 40 hours a week gives a monthly total of about £1,387 and an annual salary of £16,640. This rate is also the minimum for apprentices in their first year or under 19.

Apprentice Rate

Apprentices are entitled to £8.00 per hour, but only if they are under 19 or in the first year of their apprenticeship. After the first year – or once they turn 19 – they must be moved onto the age‑based rate. A 22‑year‑old apprentice who has completed a full year would therefore qualify for the National Living Wage of £12.71.

How Much Is Minimum Wage Per Month or Per Year?

The hourly rates are straightforward, but most people think in terms of monthly or annual income. The table below converts each rate into typical monthly and annual figures based on a 40‑hour working week and 52 paid weeks a year.

Monthly Minimum Wage (full-time, 40 hours/week)

For a 21‑year‑old working 40 hours every week, the monthly take‑home before tax and National Insurance is £2,203. The same calculation for an 18‑year‑old yields £1,881, and for a 16‑year‑old it is £1,387.

Annual Minimum Wage (full-time, 40 hours/week)

Annual earnings follow the same pattern. The National Living Wage at 40 hours per week gives an annual salary of £26,437. For 18–20 year‑olds it is £22,568, and for those on the lower band it is £16,640. These are gross figures – actual take‑home pay will be lower after deductions.

Does Minimum Wage Vary by Location in the UK?

This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of the minimum wage. The legal minimum is the same everywhere in the UK. There is no higher rate for London, Manchester, or any other city. The confusion often comes from the separate, voluntary Real Living Wage.

Minimum Wage Is the Same Across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland

The statutory minimum wage is set by the UK government and applies uniformly. Whether you work in central London or a rural village in Scotland, the hourly rates listed above are the legal minimum. Employers in high‑cost areas may choose to pay more, but they are not required to by law.

Why People Ask About Location – Cost of Living vs. Wage

The reason many workers in London search for a location‑based minimum is the significantly higher cost of living. The Real Living Wage, calculated by the Living Wage Foundation, does reflect this difference: it is £13.45 an hour outside London and £14.80 in London. But that is a voluntary benchmark, not a legal requirement.

Recent and Upcoming Changes to UK Minimum Wage

1. April 2024 – National Living Wage extended to age 21, rate set at £11.44.
2. April 2025 – Rate increased to £12.21 for 21+ (planned at the time).
3. April 2026 – Rate increased to £12.71 for 21+ (current confirmed rate).
4. November 2026 (expected) – Next government announcement for April 2027 rates.

What Is Certain and Uncertain About UK Minimum Wage Rates?

What Does the Minimum Wage Mean in Practice?

The National Living Wage is not a “living wage” in the everyday sense – it is the legal floor. The Real Living Wage, calculated by the Living Wage Foundation, is higher and reflects actual living costs. Employers in sectors such as retail and hospitality often pay above the minimum to attract staff, but they are not obliged to.

Minimum wage law does not apply to self‑employed people or voluntary workers. If you are unsure about your status, check with an advisory service such as ACAS.

Official Sources and Key Statements on Minimum Wage

“An apprentice aged 21 in the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £8.”

– UK Government, National Minimum Wage rates

“Current rates: Age 21 or over (National Living Wage) £12.71; Age 18 to 20 £10.85; Under 18 £8; Apprentice £8.”

– ACAS, Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service

“The National Minimum Wage is the lowest amount an employer can pay you. The rate depends on your age.”

– MoneyHelper (government‑backed)

Summary: Key Takeaways on UK Minimum Wage

From 1 April 2026, the statutory minimum wage in the UK ranges from £8.00 per hour (under 18s and apprentices) to £12.71 per hour (workers aged 21 and over). There is no separate rate for London or any other region. The Real Living Wage, which is voluntary, is higher and varies by location. For a fuller comparison, see our Minimum Wage 2025 UK – Full Rates, Calculator & Guide. To estimate your net pay after tax and National Insurance, use the Income After Tax Calculator – Calculate Your Take-Home Pay.

Check your payslip to make sure you are receiving at least the correct rate for your age. If you are over 21 and working full‑time, consider whether your employer is accredited by the Living Wage Foundation and compare your wage with the Real Living Wage.

Frequently Asked Questions