Check the correct National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rates for 2025/26. Enter age and hours worked to calculate weekly and annual pay at the minimum wage.
| Age / Category | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| 21 and over (National Living Wage) | £12.21 |
| 18 to 20 | £10.00 |
| 16 to 17 | £7.55 |
| Apprentice | £7.55 |
Rates effective from 1 April 2025. Updated annually each April.
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The National Living Wage (NLW) applies to workers aged 21 and over. The National Minimum Wage (NMW) applies to younger workers and apprentices. Both rates are set by the government and reviewed annually, with increases taking effect from 1 April each year.
Almost all workers are entitled to the minimum wage, including:
The apprentice rate applies to apprentices who are either under 19 or aged 19 and over but in the first year of their apprenticeship. Once an apprentice is 19 or over and has completed their first year, they are entitled to the minimum wage rate for their age.
Basic salary, piece rate pay, shift premiums and some allowances count towards minimum wage. Tips paid directly by customers, overtime premiums, benefits in kind and most expenses do not count.
Employers who fail to pay the minimum wage face: