Understanding the 18 Minimum Wage in 2026

The 18 minimum wage refers to the National Minimum Wage (NMW) rate for workers aged 18, 19, and 20. From 1 April 2026, this rate rises to £10.85 per hour, an increase of 8.5% on the previous year. This is part of the government’s commitment to narrow the gap between the NMW and the National Living Wage (NLW), which applies to those aged 21 and over. The 18-20 rate now sits at 85% of the NLW (£12.71).

If you are 18 and starting a job or already working, it is important to know your legal minimum pay. Employers must pay at least this rate, and failure to do so can be reported to HMRC. The rates are reviewed annually and change on 1 April.

Converting £10.85 per Hour to Annual Salary

To work out your approximate annual salary from an hourly rate, use the formula:

Annual salary ≈ hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks

For a full-time employee working 37.5 hours per week (common in many sectors including the NHS and retail):

• £10.85 × 37.5 × 52 = £21,157.50 per year

If you work 40 hours per week:

• £10.85 × 40 × 52 = £22,568 per year

Part-time workers should use their actual contracted hours. For example, working 20 hours per week:

• £10.85 × 20 × 52 = £11,284 per year

Remember that these figures are gross (before tax and National Insurance). Your take-home pay will be lower. Use our Hourly to Salary tool to calculate your own figures with different hours.

How the 18 Minimum Wage Compares to Other Rates

The 18-20 rate is one of several minimum wage bands. Here is the full set for April 2026, according to GOV.UK National Minimum Wage rates:

• National Living Wage (21 and over): £12.71 per hour
• 18-20 Year Old Rate: £10.85 per hour
• 16-17 Year Old Rate: £8.00 per hour
• Apprentice Rate: £8.00 per hour

The 18-20 rate is a stepping stone to the higher NLW. If you turn 21 while employed, your employer must pay you at least the NLW from your next pay reference period.

Part-Time vs Full-Time: What Matters for Your Pay

Your hourly rate is the same regardless of whether you work full-time or part-time. However, your annual salary will differ based on your contracted hours. The 18 minimum wage does not have a separate part-time rate; it is a minimum per hour for all eligible workers.

Full-time is typically defined as 30 or more hours per week (or 25 for teaching professions), according to the ONS. Part-time workers often have fewer hours and may also have different benefits or pro-rata holiday entitlements. Always check your contract for your exact hours and any overtime arrangements.

Real-World Context: NHS Pay Scales and ONS Data

The NHS pay scales for 2026/27, published by NHS Employers, show that even the lowest NHS band (Band 1, closed to new entrants) pays £12.92 per hour, which is above the 18 minimum wage. Band 2 starts at around £12.92 as well, and Band 6 begins at £20.44 per hour. This illustrates that many employers in the public sector pay above the legal minimum.

According to the ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) for April 2025, the median hourly earnings for full-time employees (excluding overtime) were £19.67, and median weekly earnings were £766.60. The 18 minimum wage of £10.85 is well below the median, reflecting that younger workers often start at lower pay levels.

Important Caveats When Converting Hourly to Salary

• The conversion assumes a steady 52-week year with no unpaid leave. If you are paid hourly, your annual income may fluctuate if your hours vary.
• Overtime, bonuses, tips, and salary sacrifice schemes are not included in the basic hourly rate.
• London weighting or higher cost area supplements (HCAS) can increase your effective hourly rate, especially in London and the South East.
• Tax and National Insurance deductions will reduce your take-home pay. The Personal Allowance for 2026/27 is £12,570, meaning you pay no income tax on earnings up to that amount.

For more detailed salary comparisons and data, visit our salary data page.

What If You Are Paid Less Than the 18 Minimum Wage?

If you believe you are being paid less than the legal minimum, you can:

• Speak to your employer or HR department.
• Contact the Acas helpline for advice.
• Report your employer to HMRC, who enforce the National Minimum Wage.

Employers who underpay can be fined and publicly named.

Summary

The 18 minimum wage for 2026/27 is £10.85 per hour, giving an annual full-time salary of around £21,157.50 for a 37.5-hour week. This rate applies to workers aged 18 to 20, while those 21 and over receive the National Living Wage. Always check your contract and use our hourly calculator to see your exact figures. Remember that the minimum wage is a floor, not a target – many employers pay more, especially in sectors with skill shortages.