Minimum Wage Calculator
Enter your age, hourly rate and weekly hours to instantly check whether your employer is paying you the correct National Minimum Wage for 2026.
Your Annual Salary
£25,397
Your Rate
£12.71/hr
Minimum Rate
£12.71/hr
Weekly Pay
£488.40
Difference/yr
£0
April 2026 National Minimum Wage Rates
| Age Band | Hourly Rate | Weekly (40hrs) | Annual (40hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 & Over (NLW) | £12.71 | £508.40 | £26,437 |
| 18 – 20 | £10.85 | £434.00 | £22,568 |
| Under 18 | £8.00 | £320.00 | £16,640 |
| Apprentice (Year 1) | £8.00 | £320.00 | £16,640 |
Rates apply from 1 April 2026 across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
How Minimum Wage Works
The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is the legal minimum hourly rate employers must pay. Workers aged 21 and over receive the National Living Wage (NLW) — the higher tier introduced to reflect the cost of living. Both are enforced by HMRC.
Apprentices receive £8.00/hr during their first year, or if they are under 19. After year 1, an apprentice aged 18+ is entitled to their age-band rate — so a 22-year-old in their second year earns £12.71/hr.
Employers cannot use deductions (uniforms, tools, accommodation above the accommodation offset rate), unpaid trial shifts, or tips to meet the minimum wage obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in the UK from April 2026?
From 1 April 2026, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour. Workers aged 18–20 receive £10.85/hr, and those under 18 or in their first year of an apprenticeship receive £8.00/hr.
Do tips count towards minimum wage?
No. Since October 2009, tips, gratuities and service charges cannot count towards the National Minimum Wage. Your basic pay — before any tips — must meet or exceed the NMW rate for your age band.
Does minimum wage apply to overtime hours?
Yes. Every hour you work, including overtime, must be paid at least at the National Minimum Wage rate. There is no overtime exemption.
What if my employer deducts money for a uniform?
Deductions for items like uniforms or tools that bring your effective hourly rate below NMW are unlawful. HMRC investigates these deductions as minimum wage violations.
How do I report an employer not paying minimum wage?
You can report to HMRC via GOV.UK. HMRC investigates complaints and can force employers to repay underpaid wages plus a financial penalty of up to 200% of the underpayment.