National Minimum Wage Calculator UK 2025
See how much you would earn per week, month, and year at the UK's national minimum and living wage rates. Updated for the April 2025 rates.
Annual Pay
£23,809.76
at £12.21 per hour, 37.5 hours per week
Weekly
£457.88
Monthly
£1,984.15
Annual
£23,809.76
| Breakdown | Amount |
|---|---|
| Age Group | 21 and over (National Living Wage) |
| Hourly Rate | £12.21 |
| Hours per Week | 37.5 |
| Weekly Pay | £457.88 |
| Monthly Pay | £1,984.15 |
| Annual Pay | £23,809.76 |
Current Minimum Wage Rates (from April 2025)
| Age Group | Hourly Rate | Annual (37.5 hrs/wk) |
|---|---|---|
| 21 and over (National Living Wage) | £12.21 | £23,809 |
| 18 to 20 | £10.00 | £19,500 |
| Under 18 | £7.55 | £14,723 |
| Apprentice | £7.55 | £14,723 |
National Living Wage vs Minimum Wage
The National Living Wage is the highest band of the minimum wage, applying to workers aged 21 and over. It was introduced in 2016 and is reviewed annually by the Low Pay Commission. Younger workers receive the National Minimum Wage at lower rates, reflecting the government's approach of gradually increasing pay as workers gain experience.
Note that the government's National Living Wage is different from the “Real Living Wage” calculated by the Living Wage Foundation, which is a voluntary higher rate based on the cost of living.
Example Annual Earnings at Minimum Wage
Full-time (37.5 hours/week) at National Living Wage (£12.21/hr)
Weekly: £457.88. Monthly: £1,984. Annual: £23,810. After income tax and NI, your take-home is approximately £20,520 — about £1,710 per month. Use our salary calculator to see the exact breakdown.
Part-time (20 hours/week) at 18-20 rate (£10.00/hr)
Weekly: £200. Monthly: £867. Annual: £10,400. This falls below the personal allowance, so you would pay no income tax. NI starts at £12,570, so no NI either. Your take-home is the full £10,400.
Zero-hours contract at NLW
If you average 25 hours per week at £12.21, your annual earnings are approximately £15,873. Actual earnings will vary week to week. You are still entitled to the minimum wage for every hour worked, including any time spent on required training.
How Minimum Wage Affects Your Tax
If you earn less than £12,570 per year (the personal allowance for 2025/26), you pay no income tax. Many part-time minimum wage workers fall below this threshold. If you work full-time at the National Living Wage, you will earn above the threshold and pay income tax and NI on the excess.
Your employer should use the correct tax code (usually 1257L) to ensure you receive your full personal allowance. If you have multiple jobs, your allowance may be split between employers, or you may need to contact HMRC to ensure you are taxed correctly.
Your Rights
Employers are legally required to pay at least the minimum wage for all hours worked. This includes time spent training, travelling between work sites during the working day, and being available at the workplace even if not actively working. If you believe you are being underpaid, you can contact ACAS on 0300 123 1100 or report it to HMRC anonymously through the gov.uk website.
Tips and service charges do not count towards minimum wage pay. Your employer cannot reduce your hourly rate below the minimum by including tips in the calculation. Accommodation can be offset against the minimum wage up to a set weekly limit, but no other benefits or deductions can reduce your effective rate below the legal minimum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage?
The National Living Wage (NLW) is the minimum rate for workers aged 21 and over — currently £12.21 per hour from April 2025. The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is the lower rate for younger workers and apprentices. They are both set by the government and legally enforceable.
Who is entitled to the minimum wage?
Almost all workers in the UK are entitled to at least the National Minimum Wage, including part-time workers, agency workers, and workers on zero-hours contracts. Some exceptions include self-employed people, company directors, and volunteers.
What should I do if I am being paid below the minimum wage?
Contact ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) on 0300 123 1100 or report it to HMRC. Paying below the minimum wage is illegal and employers can be fined and required to pay arrears.
Does the minimum wage apply to apprentices?
Apprentices aged under 19, or in the first year of their apprenticeship, are entitled to the apprentice rate (£7.55 from April 2025). After the first year and once aged 19 or over, the standard age-related rate applies.
Is the minimum wage before or after tax?
The minimum wage is a gross (before tax) hourly rate. Your take-home pay after income tax and National Insurance will be lower. Use our salary calculator to see your actual take-home.
When do the new rates come in?
New minimum wage rates are announced in the Autumn Budget and take effect from April each year. The rates shown here apply from April 2025.
Important Disclaimer
The figures provided by this calculator are estimates based on the information you enter and published rates at the time of writing. They do not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice, and we accept no liability for decisions made on the basis of these estimates. Your actual liability may differ depending on your individual circumstances, applicable reliefs, and any changes to rates or legislation. Always consult a qualified professional or check the latest HMRC guidance at gov.uk before making financial decisions.
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