National Minimum Wage
National Minimum Wage 2026/27
Current NMW and NLW hourly rates, annual salary equivalents, and eligibility rules.
2026/27 rates
Rates effective from April 2026. Annual figure based on 37.5 hours per week x 52 weeks.
| Age group | Hourly rate | Annual (37.5h/wk) |
|---|---|---|
| 21 and over (National Living Wage) | �12.71 | �24,785 |
| 18 to 20 | �10.85 | �21,158 |
| Under 18 | �8.00 | �15,600 |
| Apprentice | �8.00 | �15,600 |
Who is eligible?
The National Minimum Wage applies to all workers aged under 21. The National Living Wage applies to workers aged 21 and over. Both are set by the government and reviewed annually.
You are entitled to the NMW/NLW if you are of compulsory school age or older, work in the UK, and are not self-employed. It applies whether you work full-time, part-time or on a zero-hours contract.
What counts as minimum wage pay?
Your employer must pay at least the NMW/NLW for your age group for every hour you work. This includes overtime, but not overtime at a premium rate that is already above the minimum.
Salary sacrifice arrangements (e.g. pension, cycle-to-work) can reduce your effective pay below the minimum. Your employer must ensure the net pay after any salary sacrifice does not fall below the NMW/NLW for your age.
NMW vs the Real Living Wage
The government-set NMW/NLW is a legal minimum. The Real Living Wage is calculated by the Living Wage Foundation based on the actual cost of living and is higher. Many employers voluntarily pay the Real Living Wage.
Use the Hourly Wage Calculator to see what you actually take home after tax, pension and National Insurance from any hourly rate.
Frequently asked questions
Does the minimum wage include pension contributions?
Your employer must pay at least the NMW/NLW in gross pay before any pension contribution is deducted. However, if you salary sacrifice into a pension, the reduced pay after sacrifice must still be at or above the NMW/NLW.
Can my employer pay me less than the minimum wage for apprentices?
Apprentices under 19, or aged 19+ in their first year of an apprenticeship, are entitled to the apprentice rate of �8.00/hr. After the first year and once aged 19+, the age-appropriate rate applies.
What happens if my employer pays below the minimum wage?
HMRC can issue penalty notices, name and shame employers publicly, and require arrears to be paid at 200% of the shortfall. Workers can also make a complaint to an employment tribunal.