Benchmarks
Reference figures for converting hourly rates and comparing UK pay. Compiled from ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), GOV.UK National Living Wage / National Minimum Wage rates, and common UK contracted hours assumptions (usually 37.5 or 40 hours per week × 52 weeks).
Minimum wage hourly bands
| Band | Hourly | Annual @ 37.5 hrs |
|---|---|---|
| National Living Wage (21+) | £12.71 | £24,785 |
| 18 to 20 | £10.85 | £21,158 |
| Under 18 | £8.00 | £15,600 |
| Apprentice | £8.00 | £15,600 |
Regional median pay
gross £ / year
- London£47,000
- South East£41,000
- East of England£39,000
- Scotland£38,000
- North West£36,000
- Yorkshire and The Humber£35,000
- Wales£34,000
- North East£33,500
- Northern Ireland£33,000
Role median pay
gross £ / year
- Software developer£55,000
- Solicitor£55,000
- Accountant£42,000
- Engineer£42,000
- Classroom teacher£40,000
- Police constable£38,000
- Registered nurse (NHS)£36,000
- HGV / delivery driver£32,000
- Care worker£24,000
- Retail assistant£23,000
Example hourly → annual conversions
| Example | Hourly | Hours/week | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| NLW full-time | £12.71 | 37.5 | £24,785 |
| £15/hr @ 37.5 | £15.00 | 37.5 | £29,250 |
| £20/hr @ 37.5 | £20.00 | 37.5 | £39,000 |
| £25/hr @ 37.5 | £25.00 | 37.5 | £48,750 |
| £30/hr @ 37.5 | £30.00 | 37.5 | £58,500 |
| £40/hr @ 37.5 | £40.00 | 37.5 | £78,000 |
| £15/hr @ 20 hrs | £15.00 | 20 | £15,600 |
| £20/hr @ 40 hrs | £20.00 | 40 | £41,600 |
Hourly-to-salary figures assume a steady contracted week with no unpaid overtime, bonus, tips or salary sacrifice. Annual ≈ hourly × hours/week × 52. Actual pay depends on rota, holiday pay method, London weighting and overtime rules. Always check your contract and official GOV.UK guidance.