How Much Is Minimum Wage Per Year in the UK? (2026/27)

If you're trying to work out how much is minimum wage per year, the answer depends on your age, the number of hours you work each week, and the latest government rates. From 1 April 2026, the National Living Wage (for workers aged 21 and over) rises to £12.71 per hour, following recommendations from the Low Pay Commission. For a typical full-time week of 37.5 hours, that works out at roughly £24,784.50 per year before tax and National Insurance.

But not everyone works full-time, and the minimum wage varies by age. This guide explains how to convert hourly rates into annual salary, what the latest UK benchmarks are, and what to watch out for when comparing figures.

National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage Rates from April 2026

The government sets different minimum hourly rates depending on your age and whether you are an apprentice. The rates from April 2026 are:

• National Living Wage (21 and over): £12.71 per hour (up from £12.21)
• 18-20 Year Old Rate: £10.85 per hour (up from £10.00)
• 16-17 Year Old Rate: £8.00 per hour (up from £7.55)
• Apprentice Rate: £8.00 per hour (up from £7.55)

These figures come from the official GOV.UK publication on the National Minimum Wage in 2026. The increases are designed to keep the minimum wage ahead of the cost of living, though the exact impact on household incomes varies.

Converting Hourly Minimum Wage to Annual Salary

The standard formula to estimate annual salary from an hourly rate is:

Hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks

This assumes you work the same number of hours every week and receive paid holiday (which is a legal right). For a full-time employee on a 37.5-hour week at the NLW:

£12.71 × 37.5 × 52 = £24,784.50

If you work 40 hours per week, the annual figure rises to £26,436.80. For part-time workers, simply replace 37.5 with your actual weekly hours. For example, 20 hours per week at the NLW gives:

£12.71 × 20 × 52 = £13,218.40

Use our hourly calculator to do this conversion instantly for any hourly rate.

Important: Part-Time vs Full-Time

The minimum wage is an hourly entitlement, so part-time workers earn proportionally less per year. However, the hourly rate is the same as for full-time workers of the same age. When comparing job offers, always look at the hourly rate rather than the annual figure, especially if hours vary.

UK Median Earnings Benchmarks

To give context to the minimum wage, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) for April 2025 reported:

• Median gross annual earnings for full-time employees: £39,039
• Median weekly earnings for full-time employees: £766.60
• Median hourly earnings (excluding overtime) for full-time employees: £19.67

These figures are significantly higher than the minimum wage, reflecting the fact that many workers earn above the legal floor. The ONS also noted that all low-paid occupations saw hourly pay increases close to or above the National Living Wage rise in 2025.

For comparison, the NHS pay scales for 2026/27 show Band 1 (closed to new entrants) at £12.92 per hour, and Band 6 starting at £20.44 per hour. This means the National Living Wage is just below the lowest NHS band.

Factors That Affect Your Actual Annual Pay

The simple hourly-to-annual conversion assumes a steady 52-week year with no unpaid time off. In reality, your actual pay may differ due to:

• Overtime: Often paid at a higher rate (e.g., time-and-a-half), but not guaranteed.
• London weighting or location allowances: Some employers add extra pay for working in high-cost areas.
• Salary sacrifice schemes: Things like pension contributions or childcare vouchers reduce your gross pay.
• Holiday pay: Most workers get 5.6 weeks of paid holiday, which is included in the annual calculation if you work all year.
• Zero-hours contracts: Your weekly hours may fluctuate, making annual estimates less reliable.

Always check your employment contract for the exact terms. For more guidance on salary comparisons, see our salary articles covering part-time work and London weighting.

Summary

So, how much is minimum wage per year in 2026/27? For a full-time worker aged 21+ on 37.5 hours per week, it's about £24,784.50. For younger workers or those working fewer hours, the annual figure will be lower. Use the formula hourly rate × weekly hours × 52 to find your own estimate, and remember that the National Living Wage is a floor, not a target – many jobs pay well above it.

For the latest official rates and to check your entitlement, visit GOV.UK. For more salary data and conversion tools, explore our salary data page.