The ONS measure of average gross weekly earnings for employees in Great Britain. It includes bonuses and is seasonally adjusted. Often presented as an index (Jan 2000 = 100) for tracking growth over time.
The legal minimum hourly pay rates set by the UK government. The National Living Wage applies to workers aged 21+ (previously 25+ before 2021, then 23+ until 2024). Lower rates apply to younger workers and apprentices.
Average Weekly Earnings
ONS Average Weekly Earnings index for whole economy total pay, seasonally adjusted. Index: Jan 2000 = 100.
Minimum Wage Rates
Full minimum wage pageUK minimum wage rates by age band. The adult rate (National Living Wage) is the highest; younger workers and apprentices have lower minimum rates.
National Living Wage hourly rate. Age threshold: 25+ before Apr 2021, 23+ until Apr 2024, 21+ from Apr 2024.
Compare minimum wage rates across adult, 18-20, 16-17, and apprentice categories.
Average vs Minimum Pay
Comparing average earnings growth with minimum wage growth. Values are rebased to a common index to show relative growth rates since they use different units (weekly £ vs hourly £).
Compare adult minimum wage with average weekly earnings. Rebased to common index (Apr 2019 = 100) to show relative growth.
Data sources: Average Weekly Earnings from ONS (series KAB9). Minimum wage rates from GOV.UK National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates.