Minimum wage calculator
Check the least you can be paid an hour for your age, and how your pay compares.
Rates in force from 1 April 2026, and the rates from 1 April 2027. From GOV.UK, checked 13 November 2026.
Result
The minimum for you is £12.71 an hour, the National Living Wage for people aged 21 and over.
an hour, the least you can be paid
| Your hourly pay | £12.71 |
|---|---|
| Above the minimum by | £0.00 |
Your pay is at or above your minimum. From 1 April 2027 the rate goes up to £13.21 an hour.
Show the workings
| Step | Sum | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Difference an hour | £12.71 − £12.71 | £0.00 |
What this leaves out or assumes
- Some things do not count towards minimum wage pay, such as tips, and some deductions can take pay below it. GOV.UK explains the rules.
Where the figures come from
- Minimum hourly wage, aged 21 and over (National Living Wage): £12.71 an hour. Source: GOV.UK: National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates. Checked 13 November 2026.
- Minimum hourly wage from April 2027, aged 21 and over (National Living Wage): £13.21 an hour. Source: GOV.UK: National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates. Checked 13 November 2026.
Minimum wage rates
| Who | From 1 April 2026 | From 1 April 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Aged 21 and over (National Living Wage) | £12.71 | £13.21 |
| Aged 18 to 20 | £10.85 | £11.27 |
| Under 18 | £8.00 | £8.31 |
| Apprentice | £8.00 | £8.31 |
Source: GOV.UK: National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates. Checked 13 November 2026.
Which rate applies to you
The National Living Wage is the minimum for people aged 21 and over. Younger workers have lower minimum rates. Apprentices get the apprentice rate if they are under 19, or 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship. After that, they get the rate for their age.
You must be at least school leaving age to get the minimum wage. It does not matter how small your employer is: they still have to pay it.
What counts as pay
The check is against your basic pay before tax. Tips, and some payments and deductions, do not count, so your pay can look high enough but still fall short. If your employer provides your accommodation, part of its cost can count towards the minimum, up to a set daily limit. GOV.UK explains what counts.
If you are paid less
Talk to your employer first, as it may be a mistake. If that does not fix it, you can complain to HMRC or get free help from Acas. Employers who have underpaid must pay the arrears straight away.