Minimum Wage Calculator 2026/27
Last updated: March 2026 — Rates from April 2026
Check the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rates for your age group. See your weekly, monthly, and annual take-home pay, and find out if you're being paid correctly.
UK Minimum Wage Rates 2026/27
The following rates apply from 6 April 2026 and are set by the government each year.
| Age Group | Hourly Rate | Rate Type |
|---|---|---|
| 21 and over | £12.71 | National Living Wage |
| 18 to 20 | £10.85 | National Minimum Wage |
| Under 18 | £8.00 | National Minimum Wage |
| Apprentices | £8.00 | Apprentice rate |
Note: The Real Living Wage (set by the Living Wage Foundation) is higher — £13.45/hr nationally and £14.80/hr in London. This is voluntary, not a legal requirement.
What to Do If You're Being Underpaid
- Check your payslip — divide your total pay by hours worked to find your effective hourly rate.
- If your rate is below the minimum for your age group, speak to your employer first.
- Contact ACAS for free, confidential advice on 0300 123 1100.
- Report underpayment to HMRC — employers can be fined and required to back-pay you.
- You are entitled to back pay going back up to 6 years.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Living Wage for 2026?▾
The National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour from 6 April 2026. Workers aged 18-20 receive £10.85, and under-18s and apprentices receive £8.00.
Am I being paid enough?▾
Enter your current hourly rate in the calculator to check against the minimum for your age group. If your employer pays below the minimum wage, contact ACAS for free advice on 0300 123 1100, or report underpayment directly to HMRC.
What is the difference between the National Living Wage and the Real Living Wage?▾
The National Living Wage (£12.71) is the legal minimum set by the government. The Real Living Wage (£13.45 nationally, £14.80 in London) is a voluntary higher rate set by the Living Wage Foundation based on actual living costs. Employers choose to adopt the Real Living Wage voluntarily.
What was the National Living Wage increase for 2026?▾
The NLW rose from £11.44 in 2025/26 to £12.71 per hour from 6 April 2026 — an increase of £1.27 (11.1%). Workers aged 18-20 saw their rate rise to £10.85 from £8.60. These are among the largest increases in the NLW's history.
Does the minimum wage apply to zero-hours contracts?▾
Yes. All workers are entitled to the minimum wage regardless of contract type — including zero-hours contracts, part-time work, casual work, and agency work. Employers must pay the minimum wage for every hour worked, including any waiting time between jobs.
Can accommodation count towards the minimum wage?▾
Employers who provide accommodation can offset up to £10.01 per day (the accommodation offset rate for 2026) against the minimum wage obligation. This means if you live in employer-provided accommodation, you may receive lower cash wages while technically meeting the legal minimum.