Hourly Wage Calculator
Use this hourly wage calculator to quickly work out your hourly rate from an annual salary, weekly pay, or monthly income.
Whether you're comparing job offers, checking your pay against the UK minimum wage, or budgeting your earnings, this tool helps you calculate your hourly pay accurately based on your working hours.
Last updated: January 2026 · Reflects 2025/26 tax year
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UK Minimum Wage Information
As of January 2026 in the United Kingdom, the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) rates that employers must pay (set by the UK government and usually updated every April) are as follows:
Current statutory minimum hourly rates (effective from 1 April 2026):
| Age / Status | Hourly rate (from 1 Apr 2026) |
|---|---|
| 21 and over (National Living Wage) | £12.71 |
| 18-20 | £10.85 |
| 16-17 | £8.00 |
| Apprentice†| £8.00 |
†Apprentice rate applies if under 19 or in the first year of their apprenticeship. Older apprentices after first year get the age-based rate.
These are legal minimum pay rates; most workers must be paid at least these amounts per hour.
What this means in practice
- If you're 21 or older, the legal minimum hourly wage you must be paid is £12.71.
- For younger workers and apprentices, the rates are lower to reflect different labour market considerations.
Note
There's also something called the "Real Living Wage" (set independently by the Living Wage Foundation) which is higher than the statutory rates — for example, around £13.45 nationwide and £14.80 in London — but this is voluntary for employers to pay.
For official minimum wage rates, visit GOV.UK National Minimum Wage Rates. To understand how your hourly wage translates to take-home pay after tax, see our guide to maximising your take-home pay.
Why knowing your hourly wage matters
Knowing your hourly pay can help you:
- Compare job offers fairly
- Check if you are paid minimum wage
- Understand the value of overtime
- Budget more accurately
- Negotiate pay or freelance rates
- Decide whether extra hours are worth it
Even salaried workers benefit from knowing their real hourly rate. If you're considering a pay rise, our pay rise negotiation guide can help you make a stronger case using your hourly rate as evidence.
Understanding Your Tax on Hourly Pay
Your hourly rate determines your annual salary, which determines your tax band. Here's how common hourly rates translate to take-home pay for a standard 37.5-hour working week:
| Hourly Rate | Annual Salary | Tax Band | Take-Home/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| £12.21 | £23,810 | Basic (20%) | ~£10.93 |
| £15.00 | £29,250 | Basic (20%) | ~£12.65 |
| £20.00 | £39,000 | Basic (20%) | ~£15.44 |
| £26.00 | £50,700 | Higher (40%) | ~£18.49 |
| £35.00 | £68,250 | Higher (40%) | ~£22.82 |
Take-home rates assume standard 1257L tax code, no pension, no student loan. For a detailed breakdown, read our guide to UK minimum wage rates or use the take-home pay calculator for your exact figures.
Overtime & Your Effective Hourly Rate
If you regularly work unpaid overtime, your effective hourly rate could be significantly lower than your contract states. This matters because:
- Unpaid overtime reduces your true rate — working 45 hours on a 37.5-hour contract at £30,000 means your real hourly rate is £12.82, not £15.38
- It could push you below minimum wage — if unpaid overtime drops your effective rate below £12.21/hour, your employer may be breaking the law
- Overtime at flat rate is taxed the same — extra hours at your normal rate are added to your annual salary and taxed accordingly
- Time-and-a-half isn't always better — if overtime pushes you into the higher tax band (above £50,270), you keep only 58p per extra £1 earned
Tip: Calculate your true hourly rate by dividing your actual annual pay by total hours worked (including unpaid overtime). Compare this to the current minimum wage rates to check you're being paid fairly. Read more in our UK minimum wage guide.
Hourly wage FAQs
How do I calculate my hourly wage in the UK?
Divide your annual salary by 52 weeks, then divide by your weekly working hours. Alternatively, use this hourly wage calculator to get an instant result.
Does this hourly wage calculator include tax?
No. This calculator shows gross hourly pay before tax and National Insurance. For net pay, use our take-home pay calculator. You can also read our UK tax changes guide for 2025/26 to understand the latest rates.
How many hours is full-time work in the UK?
Full-time work in the UK is typically 35 to 40 hours per week, with 37.5 hours being very common.
Is holiday pay included in hourly wages?
For hourly workers, holiday pay is usually calculated based on average earnings. It may be paid when you take leave or added to your hourly rate, depending on your contract.
Can unpaid overtime reduce my hourly wage?
Yes. If you regularly work unpaid overtime, your effective hourly rate may fall below what you expect — and in some cases below minimum wage.