National Living Wage & Minimum Wage Calculator 2024/25
Check whether your pay rate is compliant with UK minimum wage legislation. Enter the worker's age bracket, hours, and current pay to see their entitlement, any shortfall, and the potential HMRC penalty for non-compliance.
National Living Wage Compliance Checker
Check whether your pay rate meets the 2024/25 minimum wage requirements
Determines which minimum wage rate applies
Contracted or average hours worked per week
Enter the worker's current pay — select the period below
The period your pay figure above refers to
2024/25 Minimum Wage Rates (from April 2024)
| Category | Hourly rate | Annual (40 hrs/week) |
|---|---|---|
| Under 18 | £6.40 | £13,312.00 |
| Apprentice (year 1 or under 19) | £6.40 | £13,312.00 |
| 18–20 | £8.60 | £17,888.00 |
| 21+ (National Living Wage) | £11.44 | £23,795.20 |
5 NLW Compliance Tips
- Budget for April increases: The National Living Wage is reviewed each April — build annual pay reviews into your budget to avoid surprise shortfalls.
- Apprentice rate is time-limited: The lower apprentice rate only applies in the first year of an apprenticeship, or if the apprentice is under 19. After that, the age-based rate applies.
- Benefits in kind do not count: Free meals, uniform allowances, accommodation charges above the offset rate, and vouchers cannot be used to top up NLW compliance — only cash wages count.
- Salary sacrifice and NLW: Salary sacrifice arrangements (e.g. for pension or cycle to work) reduce gross pay — ensure the post-sacrifice rate still meets or exceeds the minimum wage.
- HMRC names-and-shames: Employers who underpay are named publicly on GOV.UK. HMRC investigates complaints and can fine up to £20,000 per worker, plus back-pay all arrears.
National Living Wage Rates 2024/25 (from April 2024)
- 21 and over (NLW): £11.44/hr
- 18–20: £8.60/hr
- Under 18: £6.40/hr
- Apprentices (year 1 or under 19): £6.40/hr
What Cannot Count Towards Minimum Wage
Employers cannot use the following to reach the minimum wage: tips, service charges, uniform allowances, loans, advances, pension contributions, or benefits in kind. Only cash wages in a worker's pay packet count.
HMRC Enforcement
HMRC investigates all complaints and conducts proactive audits in high-risk sectors such as hospitality, retail, and care. Employers who underpay face: repayment of all arrears, a civil penalty of 200% of arrears (max £20,000/worker), and public naming on GOV.UK.
FAQs
When does the apprentice rate expire?
The apprentice rate applies only during the first year of the apprenticeship, or while the apprentice is under 19. Once they complete year one and are aged 19+, the age-appropriate minimum wage rate kicks in automatically.
What about live-in workers?
If you provide accommodation, you can offset an amount against the minimum wage. The accommodation offset rate for 2024/25 is £9.99 per day (£69.93/week). Any charges above this amount reduce the worker's effective hourly pay for NMW purposes.
Do zero-hours workers get minimum wage?
Yes. All workers — including zero-hours, agency, and casual workers — are entitled to the national minimum wage for every hour they work. Salaried workers are also protected if their effective hourly rate falls below the minimum.