Understanding the Minimum Wage in Scotland

When asking what is the minimum wage Scotland, the answer is straightforward: Scotland uses the same UK-wide National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates set by the UK Government. There is no separate Scottish minimum wage. From 1 April 2026, the rates increase following recommendations from the Low Pay Commission.

National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage Rates from April 2026

• National Living Wage (aged 21 and over): £12.71 per hour (up from £12.21, a 4.1% increase)
• 18–20 Year Old Rate: £10.85 per hour (up from £10.00, an 8.5% increase)
• 16–17 Year Old Rate: £8.00 per hour (up from £7.55, a 6.0% increase)
• Apprentice Rate: £8.00 per hour (up from £7.55, a 6.0% increase)

These rates are legally binding across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, as confirmed by the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Regulations 2026.

How to Convert Hourly Pay to Annual Salary

To estimate your annual salary from an hourly rate, multiply by your weekly hours and then by 52 weeks. For a full-time employee working 37.5 hours per week:

• National Living Wage (21+): £12.71 × 37.5 × 52 = £24,784.50 per year
• 18–20 rate: £10.85 × 37.5 × 52 = £21,157.50 per year
• 16–17 rate: £8.00 × 37.5 × 52 = £15,600 per year

If you work part-time, simply use your actual weekly hours. For example, a part-time worker on the NLW working 20 hours per week would earn £12.71 × 20 × 52 = £13,218.40 per year.

Use our Hourly to Salary calculator to quickly convert any hourly rate to annual, monthly, or weekly figures based on your hours.

Scottish Earnings Benchmarks (ONS ASHE 2025)

The Office for National Statistics Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) provides detailed earnings data for Scotland. In 2025:

• Gross median weekly earnings for full-time employees in Scotland were £773.80 (compared to £766.60 for the UK overall).
• This equates to an approximate annual salary of £40,238 (based on 52 weeks).
• Median weekly earnings for full-time women in Scotland were £724.50, and for full-time men £810.80.

These figures show that Scottish full-time median earnings are slightly above the UK average, though individual pay varies by occupation, industry, and location.

Part-Time vs Full-Time Considerations

When converting hourly rates to annual salaries, the hours per week assumption is critical. Full-time is commonly defined as 30+ hours per week (or 25+ for teaching professions), but many contracts specify 35, 37.5, or 40 hours. Part-time employees earn the same hourly minimum wage but work fewer hours, so their annual income is proportionally lower.

Always check your contract for your agreed weekly hours and any overtime or shift premiums. The minimum wage applies to each hour worked, but overtime may be paid at a higher rate.

Tax and Take-Home Pay

The figures above are gross earnings before deductions. Income Tax and National Insurance contributions will reduce your take-home pay. For the 2026/27 tax year, the Personal Allowance is £12,570, meaning you pay no tax on the first £12,570 of earnings. National Insurance is also deducted on earnings above a threshold.

GOV.UK notes that the NLW increase interacts with Universal Credit and tax thresholds. For a full-time NLW worker (35 hours), the weekly take-home pay increase is about 3.3% (or £11.90) after tax and benefits.

Where to Find More Information

For the latest official rates and guidance, visit the UK Government website. You can also explore our salary data for UK benchmarks and use our hourly calculator to plan your earnings.

In summary, the minimum wage in Scotland is identical to the rest of the UK. The 2026 rates provide a real-terms increase for low-paid workers, and understanding how to convert hourly pay to annual salary helps you budget and compare job offers.