Minimum Wage Calculator
Check if a salary meets minimum wage requirements
How to check a salary meets minimum wage
Someone’s entitlement to minimum wage depends on their age and whether they’re an apprentice. To get started, enter these details into the calculator along with the number of hours they work each week, their salary amount, and whether the figure is annual, monthly, or weekly.
The minimum wage calculator will turn this information into an hourly rate and compare it against the correct National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage rate, so you can quickly check if a salary meets minimum pay requirements. Always take advice if you’re unsure!
What are the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates?
The current rates are:
- National Living Wage (age 21 and over): £12.71 per hour
- Age 18 to 20: £10.85 per hour
- Age 16 to 17 (under 18): £8.00 per hour
- Apprentices (under 19): £8.00 per hour
- Apprentices (19+ and in the first year of their apprenticeship): £8.00 per hour
These rates are the legal minimum required, even if you work part-time or in a temporary role. They usually change every April, so it’s worth checking back to make sure you always have the most up-to-date figures.
FAQs
Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they’re under 19, or if they’re 19 or over but still in the first year of their apprenticeship. Once an apprentice turns 19 and completes their first year, they are entitled to the standard National Minimum Wage (or National Living Wage depending on their age).
Any salary which is below the equivalent Minimum Wage must be increased. Paying the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage (whichever applies) is a legal requirement, not just best practice. HMRC can investigate and issue penalties for non-compliance. The only exception is if you’re paying a company director; as an ‘office holder’ they are exempt from minimum pay rules.
No, this calculator is based on basic salary and contracted hours only. Other payments like bonuses, tips, or overtime are generally not counted towards minimum wage pay, so it’s best to check basic pay against the rates separately.
Most workers are entitled to at least the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage, but there are some exceptions – for example, self-employed people, company directors with no employment contract, and some volunteers aren’t covered by these rules.
This does mean directors can pay themselves in a more tax efficient way if they’re also shareholders!
The government usually reviews and updates National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates every April. It’s worth checking the latest rates each year to make sure salaries stay compliant.
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