UK Minimum Wage Calculator 2025/26
Calculate your minimum wage pay based on age and hours. Free UK calculator with current 2025/26 NLW rates (£12.21/hr for 21+). HMRC compliant.
Last updated: February 2026
Calculate Minimum Wage Earnings
Weekly Gross
Monthly Gross
Annual Gross
Est. Take-Home
Holiday Pay Value
Overtime Value
Income Tax
National Insurance
National Minimum Wage Rates April 2025 - March 2026 (Current)
The National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) rates were updated on 1 April 2025. The NLW increased by 6.7% to £12.21/hour, continuing the government's target to align with two-thirds of median earnings.
| Age Group | Hourly Rate | Weekly (37.5hrs) | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 and over NLW | £12.21 | £457.88 | £1,984.13 | £23,810 |
| 18-20 years NMW | £10.00 | £375.00 | £1,625.00 | £19,500 |
| Under 18 NMW | £7.55 | £283.13 | £1,226.88 | £14,723 |
| Apprentice NMW | £7.55 | £283.13 | £1,226.88 | £14,723 |
Key Change for 2025/26
The National Living Wage increased by 6.7% to £12.21/hour from April 2025. Workers aged 21 and over receive this rate. The age threshold was lowered from 23 to 21 in April 2024, benefiting approximately 143,000 workers aged 21-22.
Understanding the Difference: NMW vs NLW
National Living Wage (NLW)
- Higher rate introduced in 2016
- Applies from age 21 (from April 2024)
- Target: 66% of median earnings by 2024
- Reviewed by: UK Calculator, Founder & Developer
National Minimum Wage (NMW)
- Introduced in 1999
- Different rates by age band
- Apprentice rate for year 1 or under 19
- Legally enforceable minimum
Historical Minimum Wage Rates
Understanding how minimum wage rates have increased over time helps workers and employers plan for future changes and understand the trajectory of wage growth in the UK.
| Year | NLW (21+) | 18-20 | Under 18 | Apprentice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2025 | £12.21 | £10.00 | £7.55 | £7.55 |
| April 2024 | £11.44 | £8.60 | £6.40 | £6.40 |
| April 2023 | £10.42* | £7.49 | £5.28 | £5.28 |
| April 2022 | £9.50* | £6.83 | £4.81 | £4.81 |
| April 2021 | £8.91* | £6.56 | £4.62 | £4.30 |
| April 2020 | £8.72* | £6.45 | £4.55 | £4.15 |
* NLW applied to workers 23+ until April 2024 when threshold lowered to 21+
Key Milestones in UK Minimum Wage History
Employer Compliance: NMW/NLW Requirements
All UK employers must comply with minimum wage legislation. Non-compliance can result in significant penalties, including fines of up to 200% of arrears owed (maximum £20,000 per worker) and public naming by HMRC.
What Counts Towards Minimum Wage?
Counts Towards NMW/NLW
- Basic hourly pay
- Performance bonuses and incentive pay
- Commission payments
- Most piece rates
- Sleep-in shifts (active working time)
Does NOT Count
- Tips paid directly by customers
- Premium overtime rates (only base counts)
- Expenses and travel reimbursement
- Benefits in kind (except accommodation)
- Pension contributions
Accommodation Offset
Employers can offset a maximum of £9.99 per day (£69.93 per week) from pay for accommodation provided. This is the only benefit that can count towards minimum wage. If charging more than this offset, the excess must not reduce pay below NMW/NLW.
Who Is Entitled to Minimum Wage?
The National Minimum Wage applies to all workers in the UK, including:
- Full-time and part-time employees
- Agency workers
- Workers on zero-hours contracts
- Home workers and piece workers
- Trainees and interns (in most cases)
- Workers on probation periods
- Disabled workers (sheltered employment rate was abolished in 2017)
Exempt Categories
Genuine volunteers, self-employed people, company directors (unless also workers), family members in family businesses (living in the home), and some fishermen on share fishing agreements are not entitled to NMW/NLW.
Take-Home Pay Calculation
Understanding how much of your minimum wage earnings you'll actually take home is crucial for budgeting. Here's how tax and National Insurance affect minimum wage workers in 2025/26:
Tax and NI Thresholds 2025/26
| Threshold | Annual | Monthly | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Allowance (Tax-free) | £12,570 | £1,047.50 | £241.73 |
| NI Primary Threshold | £12,570 | £1,047.50 | £241.73 |
| Basic Rate Band (20%) | £12,571 - £50,270 | Above personal allowance | |
| Employee NI Rate | 8% (reduced from 12% in January 2024) | ||
Full-Time NLW Worker (37.5 hrs)
| Gross Annual | £23,810 |
| Income Tax | -£2,248 |
| National Insurance | -£899 |
| Take-Home | £20,663 |
Part-Time NLW Worker (20 hrs)
| Gross Annual | £12,698 |
| Income Tax | £0 |
| National Insurance | £0 |
| Take-Home | £12,698 |
NI Rate Reduction Benefit
The January 2024 NI cut from 12% to 8% means a full-time NLW worker saves approximately £449 per year compared to the previous rate. This puts an extra £37.42 per month in workers' pockets.
Apprentice Minimum Wage Explained
Apprentices have a specific minimum wage rate of £7.55 per hour, but this only applies in certain circumstances. Understanding when the apprentice rate applies is crucial for both employers and apprentices.
When Does the Apprentice Rate Apply?
| Situation | Rate Applies |
|---|---|
| Apprentice aged under 19 (any year of apprenticeship) | Apprentice rate: £7.55/hr |
| Apprentice aged 19+ in first year of apprenticeship | Apprentice rate: £7.55/hr |
| Apprentice aged 19+ beyond first year of apprenticeship | Age-appropriate NMW/NLW rate |
Example Calculation
A 20-year-old apprentice in their second year is entitled to the 18-20 rate of £10.00/hour, not the apprentice rate. If they turn 21 during their apprenticeship (beyond year 1), they're entitled to the full NLW of £12.21/hour.
Apprenticeship Training Time
Important: Time spent on off-the-job training is considered working time and must be paid at least the minimum wage. This includes:
- Classroom or workshop training
- Online learning during work hours
- Study time for apprenticeship qualifications
- Assessment and exam preparation
Holiday Pay for Minimum Wage Workers
All workers, regardless of their wage rate, are entitled to 5.6 weeks (28 days for full-time) of paid annual leave. For minimum wage workers, understanding how holiday pay is calculated is essential.
Calculating Holiday Pay
Holiday pay should be calculated based on normal earnings, including:
- Regular overtime
- Commission and bonuses
- Regular allowances
- Regular shift premiums
| Worker Type | Holiday Entitlement | Holiday Pay Value (NLW) |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (37.5 hrs/week) | 28 days (5.6 weeks) | £2,562 |
| Part-time (20 hrs/week) | 15 days pro-rata | £1,367 |
| Zero-hours (varies) | 12.07% of hours accrued | Varies |
Rolled-Up Holiday Pay
From April 2024, employers can use "rolled-up" holiday pay for irregular hours and part-year workers. This means adding 12.07% to each payment to cover holiday pay. This must be clearly shown on payslips.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates based on 2025/26 rates and standard assumptions. Actual take-home pay may vary based on your specific circumstances, tax code, pension contributions, student loan repayments, and other factors. For official minimum wage enforcement or complex situations, contact HMRC or seek professional HR advice.
Expert Reviewed — This calculator is reviewed by our team of financial experts and updated regularly with the latest UK tax rates and regulations. Last verified: February 2026.
Pro Tips for Accurate Results
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Understanding Your Results
Our National Minimum Wage Calculator provides:
- Instant calculations - Results appear immediately
- Accurate formulas - Based on official UK standards
- Clear explanations - Understand how results are derived
- 2025/26 updated - Using current rates and regulations
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