What Is the National Minimum Wage in 2026?

Understanding the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) is essential for every UK employee and job seeker. The rates change every April, and knowing the correct figures helps you check whether you are being paid fairly. This article explains what is the national minimum wage for 2026, how to convert hourly pay into an annual salary, and clears up common myths about overtime and London weighting.

The 2026 National Minimum Wage Rates

From 1 April 2026, the government has set the following hourly rates:

• National Living Wage (21 and over): £12.71 per hour (up 4.1% from £12.21)
• 18–20 year old rate: £10.85 per hour
• Under‑18 rate: £8.00 per hour
• Apprentice rate: £8.00 per hour (for apprentices under 19, or aged 19+ in their first year)
• Accommodation offset: £11.10 per day (if your employer provides accommodation)

These rates are published by GOV.UK and apply across the UK. If you are paid less than these amounts, your employer may be breaking the law. You can use the official minimum wage calculator to check your pay.

Converting Hourly Rates to Annual Salary

A frequent question is: “If I earn £12.71 an hour, what is that per year?” The standard conversion uses a 37.5‑hour working week (common in many sectors) and 52 weeks per year.

Example: £12.71 × 37.5 hours × 52 weeks = £24,784.50 per year (gross).

For a 40‑hour week, the same hourly rate gives £26,436.80. Always check your contracted hours – the NHS, for instance, uses 37.5 hours for most roles, while other industries may use 35 or 40 hours.

Our Hourly to Salary tool lets you plug in your own hours and rate for an instant estimate.

Common Myths About Hourly Pay and Overtime

Myth 1: “Overtime is always paid at time‑and‑a‑half”

There is no legal right to a premium overtime rate unless your contract states it. Many salaried positions (especially in management, teaching, or IT) include overtime within the annual salary. Even in hourly‑paid jobs, some employers pay only the basic rate for extra hours. Always read your contract carefully.

Myth 2: “The National Living Wage covers all hours I work”

The NLW applies to every hour you work – but only if you are aged 21 or over. Younger workers have lower minimum rates. Also, if you are an apprentice in your first year, you may be entitled to only £8.00 per hour regardless of age. Check your age and apprenticeship status.

Myth 3: “London weighting means my pay is automatically higher”

London weighting (or Higher Cost Area Supplements, HCAS) is an extra allowance paid by some employers, notably the NHS. It is not a legal requirement. The NHS 2026/27 pay scales show, for example, a Band 5 entry point of £38,488 annual / £19.68 hourly, but with HCAS (inner London) the annual value rises to £46,852. If you work in London or the South East, check whether your employer offers a weighting allowance.

NHS Pay Scales as a Benchmark

The NHS is one of the UK’s largest employers and publishes transparent pay bands. For 2026/27, the rates (including HCAS where applicable) are:

• Band 2 (entry): £31,066 annual / £15.89 hourly
• Band 5 (entry): £38,488 / £19.68
• Band 6 (entry): £47,951 / £24.52
• Band 7 (entry): £58,133 / £29.73
• Band 8a (entry): £66,274 / £33.89

These figures show how hourly rates translate into annual salaries and how HCAS can boost pay. They are a useful reference for anyone comparing job offers.

What the ONS Tells Us About UK Earnings

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) for April 2025 found:

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

These medians are higher than the NLW because they include all occupations, from entry‑level to senior roles. They show that the NLW is a floor, not a target.

Key Takeaways

• Know your rights: The NLW for 21+ is £12.71/hr from April 2026. Younger workers and apprentices have lower rates.
• Convert carefully: Use contracted hours × 52 weeks to estimate annual salary, but remember that actual pay may vary due to unpaid overtime, bonuses, or salary sacrifice.
• Check your contract: Overtime rules, London weighting, and holiday pay methods are all set by your employer – not by law.

For more detailed salary data and comparisons, visit our salary data page. And if you need a quick conversion, try our Hourly to Salary tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the national minimum wage in the UK for 2026?

From 1 April 2026, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour. The rate for 18–20 year olds is £10.85, and for under‑18s and apprentices it is £8.00 per hour. These rates are set by the government and apply to most workers. You can check your entitlement using the GOV.UK minimum wage calculator.

How do I convert my hourly rate to an annual salary?

A common rule of thumb is to multiply your hourly rate by the number of contracted hours per week and then by 52 weeks. For example, £12.71 per hour × 37.5 hours × 52 weeks = approximately £24,785 per year. Remember that this assumes a steady schedule with no unpaid overtime. For a more precise calculation, use our Hourly to Salary tool.

Is overtime always paid at a higher rate?

No. There is no legal requirement to pay overtime at a premium rate (such as time‑and‑a‑half) unless your contract specifically says so. Many salaried roles include overtime within the annual salary, and some employers pay only the basic hourly rate for extra hours. Always check your employment contract and speak to your HR department if you are unsure.