Tax & Income
National Minimum Wage Calculator
Check whether you're being paid at least the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage, and see your annual, monthly, and weekly pay equivalent.
Your details
The National Living Wage applies to workers aged 21 and over.
Minimum wage is £12.21/hour for your age group.
Your results
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Above the minimum wage
Your rate of £12.21/hour is £0.00 above the £12.21/hour minimum.
- Weekly pay
- £457.88
- Monthly pay
- £1,984
- Annual pay
- £23,810
Current minimum wage rates
In force from April 2025
| Age group | Hourly rate | Annual (37.5h/wk) |
|---|---|---|
| 21 and over (National Living Wage) | £12.21 | £23,810 |
| 18 to 20 | £10.00 | £19,500 |
| 16 to 17 | £7.55 | £14,723 |
| Apprentice | £7.55 | £14,723 |
National Minimum Wage explained
The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is the legal minimum hourly pay for workers in the UK. Almost all workers are entitled to it, whether they are full-time, part-time, temporary, casual, or agency workers.
The National Living Wage is the highest tier of the NMW, applying to workers aged 21 and over. Despite sharing a name with the campaigned "real Living Wage" set by the Living Wage Foundation, the statutory National Living Wage is a separate, legally enforceable minimum — not a voluntary rate.
Rates are reviewed each year by the independent Low Pay Commission, which consults workers, employers, and economists before making recommendations to the government. New rates typically take effect each April.
What counts as pay for minimum wage purposes?
- Basic hourly or salary pay
- Performance-related pay or bonuses
- Not included: tips, service charges, overtime premiums, expenses, or employer pension contributions
Frequently asked questions
What is the National Living Wage?
The National Living Wage (NLW) is the minimum hourly pay that employers must pay workers aged 21 and over. From April 2025 it is £12.21/hour. It is set each year by the government based on recommendations from the independent Low Pay Commission.
What is the difference between the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage?
The National Living Wage is the rate for workers aged 21 and over. The National Minimum Wage covers younger workers: £10.00/hour for 18–20 year olds, and £7.55/hour for 16–17 year olds and apprentices in their first year (or under 19).
Does the minimum wage apply to all workers?
Almost all workers are entitled to the minimum wage, including part-time and casual workers. Exceptions include the genuinely self-employed, company directors, and volunteers. Some agricultural workers have separate arrangements.
What happens if my employer pays less than the minimum wage?
You can report your employer to HMRC, who will investigate and can force repayment of underpaid wages. Employers who don't pay the minimum wage face financial penalties of up to 200% of the underpayment and can be named publicly.
Do tips count towards the minimum wage?
No. Tips and service charges cannot be used to make up the minimum wage. Your base pay must meet the minimum wage threshold before any tips are counted.
When does the minimum wage increase?
Rates are usually updated each April. The Low Pay Commission consults through the year and makes recommendations to the government, which then confirms the new rates at the Autumn Budget.
Related calculators
Sources & methodology
Built and maintained by Tim, a personal finance enthusiast (not a financial adviser). Last reviewed April 2026. Rates and thresholds come from official UK government publications.
- GOV.UK: National Minimum Wage and Living Wage rates · Official current and previous NMW/NLW rates
- Low Pay Commission · Independent body that recommends minimum wage rates
- GOV.UK: Minimum wage for different types of work · Rules for apprentices, agricultural workers, and others
Figures are estimates only. This is not financial or tax advice. For help with your specific situation, speak to HMRC or a qualified adviser.