Understanding the Current Minimum Wage in the UK

What is the current minimum wage?

As of April 2026, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour. For 18 to 20 year olds, the rate is £10.85, while under 18s and apprentices receive £8.00 per hour. These rates are set by the government following recommendations from the Low Pay Commission. [GOV.UK National Minimum Wage rates] The rates change each April, so it's important to check the latest figures.

Converting Hourly Rates to Annual Salary

To estimate your annual salary from an hourly rate, multiply by the number of hours you work per week and then by 52 weeks. For a full-time worker on a typical 37.5-hour week, the National Living Wage of £12.71 gives an annual gross salary of approximately £24,784.50. However, this is a basic conversion; actual pay may differ due to overtime, shift premiums, or unpaid leave. Always use your contracted hours for a reliable estimate. You can use our Hourly to Salary calculator to do the maths quickly.

Regional and Seniority Differences

The median full-time annual earnings in the UK were £39,039 in April 2025, according to the ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings. This is significantly above the minimum wage, reflecting the range of roles and experience levels. Median hourly earnings (excluding overtime) were £19.67. Regional variations exist: for example, Northern Ireland saw the highest growth in weekly earnings (7.4%) between 2024 and 2025. London weighting is often added to salaries in the capital, but precise amounts depend on the employer and sector.

Seniority also plays a role. Occupations such as managers, directors, and senior officials saw a 6.7% increase in median weekly earnings, while caring, leisure and other service occupations rose by 7.1%. This shows that progression and job type heavily influence pay. For more benchmarks, explore our salary data pages.

Overtime and London Weighting

Overtime pay is typically higher than the basic hourly rate, but it is not guaranteed. When converting an hourly rate to an annual salary, it's important to use your contracted hours only. London weighting is an additional allowance paid by some employers to offset higher living costs in the capital. There is no statutory London weighting; it varies by organisation. Always check your contract for details.

Using Our Tools

For a quick conversion, use our Hourly to Salary calculator. You can also explore salary data for benchmarks by region and occupation. Our salary articles provide further insights into UK pay trends.

Summary

Knowing what is the current minimum wage helps you understand your legal entitlement and compare job offers. The rates change each April, so always check the latest figures from GOV.UK. Remember that your actual take-home pay depends on tax, National Insurance, and any deductions. Regional and seniority differences mean that many workers earn well above the minimum, especially in London and in managerial roles. Use our tools to convert your hourly rate to an annual salary and to see how your pay compares with national averages.