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Minimum Wage Checker (NMW & NLW)
Check an hourly rate against the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage for the worker's age band, and see the shortfall in pounds if it falls short. Free, instant, nothing uploaded.
Fill in the details above to check.
What's the difference between NMW and NLW?
The National Living Wage (NLW) is the legal minimum for workers aged 21 and over. The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is the umbrella term covering the lower age-banded rates for 18-20 year olds and under-18s. Despite the name, the "Living Wage" here is a legal minimum, not the independently calculated real Living Wage — the two are different things with similar names.
How does the apprentice rate work?
The apprentice rate applies to apprentices aged under 19, and to apprentices aged 19 or over who are still in the first year of their apprenticeship. Once an apprentice turns 19 and has completed the first year, they must be paid at least the rate for their age band, not the apprentice rate.
Do rates change every year?
Yes. Minimum wage rates are reviewed and typically increase every April, based on recommendations from the Low Pay Commission. The rates pre-filled here are the April 2026 (2026/27) figures — always verify the current rates on gov.uk before making pay decisions, especially if you're checking this close to April.
What counts as "pay" for minimum wage purposes?
Minimum wage calculations in practice are based on total pay for the pay reference period divided by hours worked, and can involve deductions, accommodation offsets and other adjustments that this simple hourly checker doesn't account for. This tool is a quick sanity check on a straightforward hourly rate — for anything with deductions, tips, or accommodation involved, check the detailed rules on gov.uk or speak to an accountant.
What happens if pay is below the minimum?
Underpaying the minimum wage is a legal breach — HMRC can investigate, order back pay, and issue penalties, and employers can be publicly named. If this checker shows a shortfall, treat it as a prompt to review the pay rate properly, not as a final legal determination.
Setting a fair rate above the legal minimum? Our employee true cost calculator shows what a given hourly or salaried rate actually costs once NI, pension and overheads are added.
Please note: this tool gives a guide or estimate only. It may not be 100% accurate and is not professional advice — always check the figures before you rely on them. Rates, thresholds, allowances and rules can change without notice and may be out of date by the time you use this tool. Verify against HMRC / GOV.UK or your accountant before acting. Everything you type stays in your browser — nothing is uploaded, saved or sent anywhere.
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