How Much Is the Minimum Wage in the UK? A Complete Guide to Hourly and Annual Pay

If you're wondering how much is the minimum wage in the uk, the answer depends on your age and whether you are an apprentice. The government sets legally binding minimum rates that change every April. For 2026/27, the National Living Wage (for those aged 21 and over) rises to £12.71 per hour – a 4.1% increase from the previous year. This guide explains the current rates, how to convert them to annual salary, and what the latest official earnings data means for your pay.

Current National Minimum Wage Rates (from April 2026)

GOV.UK confirms the following hourly rates:

• National Living Wage (21 and over): £12.71
• 18 to 20 year old rate: £10.85
• Under 18 rate: £8.00
• Apprentice rate: £8.00
• Accommodation offset: £11.10 per day

These rates apply to most employees and apprentices. The NLW increase is designed to stay ahead of inflation, providing a real-terms boost for low-paid workers.

Converting Hourly Rates to Annual Salary

To turn an hourly wage into a yearly figure, use the formula:

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

Most full-time roles in the UK are based on a 37.5-hour week (common in the NHS, civil service, and many office jobs). Using that assumption:

• £12.71/hr × 37.5 hrs × 52 weeks = £24,784.50 per year
• £10.85/hr × 37.5 hrs × 52 weeks = £21,157.50 per year
• £8.00/hr × 37.5 hrs × 52 weeks = £15,600 per year

If you work different hours – say 35 or 40 hours per week – adjust accordingly. Our Hourly to Salary tool lets you enter your exact hours.

What the Latest ONS Data Shows

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) for April 2025 gives a broader picture:

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

These figures are a useful benchmark. If your hourly rate is below £19.67, you are earning less than the median full-time worker. If it is above, you are above average. The ONS also notes that low-paid occupations saw hourly pay increases close to or above the NLW rise in April 2025.

NHS Pay Scales 2026/27 as a Reference

The NHS is one of the UK's largest employers, and its pay bands are often used as a reference point. NHS Employers published the 2026/27 scales, effective from 1 April 2026:

• Band 5 (entry): £38,488 annual / £19.68 hourly
• Band 6 (entry): £47,951 annual / £24.52 hourly
• Band 7 (entry): £58,133 annual / £29.73 hourly

These rates include High Cost Area Supplements (HCAS) for London and surrounding areas. For example, Band 5 with inner London HCAS can reach £46,852 at the top step. If you work in the NHS or a similar public sector role, these figures help you compare your hourly rate to a known salary structure.

Important Caveats When Converting Hourly to Annual

• Hours assumption matters: The 37.5-hour week is a convention, but your contract may specify 35, 40, or even 37 hours. Always use your contracted hours.
• Overtime: Basic hourly-to-annual conversions exclude overtime. If you regularly work extra hours, your actual earnings will be higher.
• London weighting: Many employers add a location allowance. The NHS HCAS can add thousands to your annual pay.
• Deductions: Your take-home pay depends on tax, National Insurance, pension contributions, and student loan repayments. The Personal Allowance for Income Tax is £12,570, meaning you pay no tax on the first £12,570 of earnings.
• Part-time and variable hours: If your hours fluctuate, use an average over a typical month or year.

For more detailed breakdowns, visit our salary articles and salary data pages.

Summary

Knowing how much is the minimum wage in the uk is essential for both employees and job seekers. The 2026/27 NLW of £12.71 per hour translates to roughly £24,785 per year for a 37.5-hour week. The median full-time worker earns about £39,039 annually, or £19.67 per hour. Use the conversion formula and official sources like GOV.UK and ONS to understand your own pay. Always check your contract for exact hours and any additional allowances.