National Living Wage Calculator
Estimate your expected earnings based on current UK government rates. Factor in your age, weekly hours, and weeks worked to project your gross annual pay.
Calculate Your Gross Earnings
Enter your age group and working hours below. The calculator will apply the correct UK minimum wage rate to show your estimated weekly, monthly, and annual gross pay.
Wage Projection Solver
Project your gross income based on official UK hourly rates
Wage Law Quick Facts
Essential insights into UK employment compensation
Understanding Pay Calculations
The National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage are set by the UK government and enforced by HMRC. Here is how your gross pay is structured.
Identify Your Legal Rate
Your entitlement is strictly based on your age. As of April 2024, the National Living Wage (21+) is £11.44/hr, with lower tiers for younger workers and apprentices.
Calculate Weekly Gross Pay
Multiply your legal hourly rate by the total number of hours you are contracted to work each week. This forms the basis of your regular paycheck.
Project Annual Earnings
Multiply your weekly gross pay by the number of weeks you work per year (typically 52). This gives you your total gross annual salary before any deductions.
Account for Statutory Deductions
Remember that gross pay is not your take-home pay. Income Tax, National Insurance, and pension contributions will be deducted via the PAYE system.
UK Minimum Wage Benchmarks
Current statutory hourly rates in the UK (effective from April 2024). Rates are reviewed annually by the Low Pay Commission.
| Age Group / Status | Hourly Rate (£) | Weekly (37.5 hrs) | Annual (52 weeks) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 and over (National Living Wage) | £11.44 | £429.00 | £22,308.00 |
| 18 to 20 years old | £8.60 | £322.50 | £16,770.00 |
| 16 to 17 years old | £6.40 | £240.00 | £12,480.00 |
| Apprentice (under 19 or 1st year) | £6.40 | £240.00 | £12,480.00 |
Living Wage FAQ
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about UK minimum wage laws, eligibility, and worker rights.
As of April 2024, the National Living Wage (for workers aged 21 and over) is £11.44 per hour. Rates for younger workers and apprentices are lower, with 18-20 year olds earning £8.60, and 16-17 year olds and apprentices earning £6.40 per hour.
All workers in the UK aged 21 and over are legally entitled to the National Living Wage, regardless of whether they are full-time, part-time, casual, or agency workers. Apprentices under 19 or in their first year are subject to the apprentice rate.
The National Living Wage and Minimum Wage rates are gross figures, meaning they are calculated before Income Tax and National Insurance contributions are deducted. Your take-home (net) pay will be lower.
You should first raise the issue with your employer or HR department. If unresolved, you can report your employer anonymously to HMRC, who will investigate and can force the employer to pay arrears and face financial penalties.