Free Minimum Wage Calculator
Work out your weekly, monthly, and annual pay from your hourly wage and hours worked, and instantly check it against national minimum wage rates.
Understanding Minimum Wage
Minimum wage is the legal floor for hourly pay, set by governments to protect workers from being paid too little for their labour. Knowing the current rate for your age and region helps you check that you’re being paid fairly.
Key Things to Know
The basics behind every minimum wage calculation
Rates Vary by Country and Region
Minimum wage is set nationally in some countries and regionally in others, meaning two workers doing the same job in different states, provinces, or cities can have different legal minimums.
Age Bands Often Apply
Many countries set lower minimum rates for younger workers or apprentices, with the full adult rate only applying from a certain age, commonly 21 or 23 depending on the country.
Rates Are Reviewed Regularly
Most governments review and adjust minimum wage at least once a year, often in line with inflation or the cost of living, so a rate that was compliant last year may no longer be this year.
Gross vs Net Pay
Minimum wage calculations are based on gross pay before tax, national insurance, or other deductions, so your take-home pay will typically be lower than the figures shown here.
Minimum Wage Calculator
Enter your pay details to check compliance
How to Check Your Pay
Follow these steps to confirm whether you’re being paid at least the legal minimum wage for your role, age, and location.
Find Your Exact Rate
Look up the official current minimum wage for your specific age band and region, since a single national headline figure often doesn’t apply to every worker.
Calculate Your Actual Hourly Rate
If you’re paid a salary rather than an hourly rate, divide your gross pay for a period by the total hours you actually worked in that same period to find your true hourly rate.
Compare and Confirm
Compare your actual hourly rate against the applicable minimum wage. Remember to include all hours worked, including any unpaid overtime or extra tasks completed outside your rota.
Take Action If Underpaid
If your rate falls short, raise it with your employer first, and if unresolved, contact your national labour authority or a relevant union for guidance on next steps.
Minimum Wage vs Living Wage
A side-by-side summary of how the legal minimum wage differs from a living wage.
| Feature | Minimum Wage | Living Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The legal minimum hourly rate an employer can pay. | An estimated rate needed to cover a decent standard of living. |
| Who sets it | National or regional government. | Often independent research bodies or campaign groups. |
| Is it mandatory? | Yes, legally enforceable. | Usually voluntary unless adopted by an employer or region. |
| How it’s calculated | Set by policy, often reviewed annually. | Based on real living costs like housing, food, and transport. |
| Typical relationship | Generally the lower of the two figures. | Usually higher than the legal minimum wage. |
| Which should you aim for? | Minimum wage is the legal floor — a living wage is a better benchmark for genuinely adequate pay. | |
Minimum Wage FAQ
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about minimum wage and how it’s calculated.
The minimum wage is the lowest hourly rate an employer is legally allowed to pay a worker, set by national or regional government and typically reviewed and updated on a regular basis.
Yes. Many countries set different minimum wage rates for different age bands, such as lower rates for younger workers or apprentices, and some countries also allow states, provinces, or cities to set their own higher local minimum wage.
Multiply your hourly wage by the number of hours you work per week, then multiply that weekly figure by 52 to estimate your annual salary before tax and other deductions.
Check your pay against the official minimum wage rate for your age and region on your government’s labour or employment website, keep records of your hours and pay, and contact the relevant labour authority or a union if you believe you are underpaid.
No. Minimum wage is the legally required minimum an employer must pay, while a living wage is typically a higher, independently calculated rate intended to cover a worker’s actual cost of living, and is sometimes voluntary rather than mandatory.