What Is the Minimum Wage in Scotland?

If you're asking what is the minimum wage in Scotland, the answer is the same as the rest of the UK: the National Living Wage (for workers aged 21 and over) and the National Minimum Wage (for younger workers). For 2026/27, the National Living Wage is £12.71 per hour, which equates to roughly £24,785 per year for a typical 37.5-hour week. However, Scotland also has a 'Scottish Living Wage' commitment for public sector employers, meaning some jobs pay significantly more.

Understanding Hourly to Annual Salary Conversion

Converting an hourly rate to an annual salary is straightforward if you know your contracted hours. The standard formula is:

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

For example, at the National Living Wage of £12.71 per hour and a 37.5-hour week:

£12.71 × 37.5 × 52 = £24,784.50 per year

This assumes you work every week of the year with no unpaid overtime. If you work part-time or have irregular hours, adjust the hours accordingly. Our salary data page provides further benchmarks.

Scotland's Median Earnings and NHS Pay Scales

According to the ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) for 2025, the gross median weekly earnings for full-time employees in Scotland were £773.80, slightly higher than the UK median of £766.60. That translates to an annual salary of approximately £40,237 (based on 52 weeks).

NHS Scotland, which follows the Agenda for Change agreement, sets its own minimum pay above the statutory minimum. For 2025/26, the lowest NHS band (Band 1, point 1) pays £25,597 per year, which works out at £13.27 per hour based on a 37-hour week. For 2026/27, this rises to £26,557 per year (£14.15 per hour on a 36-hour week). The Scottish Government confirms that NHS Scotland is a Living Wage employer, paying above the Real Living Wage of £12.60 (2025) and £13.45 (2026).

Key Points to Remember

• Statutory minimum wage in Scotland is the UK National Living Wage (£12.71/hr from April 2026).
• NHS Scotland pays higher starting rates – check the latest pay scales on.
• Conversion rule: annual ≈ hourly × hours/week × 52. Always verify your contract for overtime, shift allowances, or London weighting.
• Real Living Wage is a voluntary rate set by the Living Wage Foundation; Scotland's public sector aims to pay this.

For more help converting your hourly rate to a monthly or annual figure, use our hourly calculator or browse our salary articles for guidance.

Summary

Whether you're a job seeker or an employee checking your pay, knowing what is the minimum wage in Scotland helps you benchmark your earnings. The statutory floor is the UK National Living Wage, but many Scottish employers – especially in the public sector – pay above that. Always convert your hourly rate to an annual salary using your actual contracted hours, and remember that tax, National Insurance, and pension contributions will reduce your take-home pay.