Hourly to Salary Converter
Welcome to the #NoWrongPath career toolkit. If you’ve ever looked at a job advert offering “£15.50 per hour” and wondered, “Can I actually afford that mortgage?” or “How does this compare to my old £30k salary?” – you are in the right place.
Moving between hourly pay and an annual salary can be confusing, especially with the shifting landscape of the UK job market in 2026. Our Hourly to Salary Calculator is designed specifically for the UK workforce, taking into account standard working weeks, holiday entitlements, and the latest National Minimum Wage updates.
How the Conversion Works
We believe in transparency. While our calculator does the heavy lifting, it’s helpful to understand the simple math behind your paycheck.
The Standard Full-Time Formula:
Annual Salary = Hourly Rate × Weekly Hours × 52 Weeks
For example, if you earn £18 per hour and work a standard Scottish 37.5-hour week, your calculation would look like this:
- Weekly Earnings: £18 × 37.5 = £675
- Annual Gross Salary: £675 × 52 = £35,100
Why Should You Use This Tool?
In the modern gig economy and with the rise of flexible working in Scotland and the wider UK, more people than ever are working on hourly contracts. However, most financial milestones – like renting an apartment, applying for a student loan, or getting a credit card – require you to know your Gross Annual Income.
Using this calculator helps you:
- Negotiate Better Pay: When an employer offers a rate, you can instantly see if it meets your yearly financial goals.
- Budget with Precision: Knowing your monthly “gross” income is the first step toward building a realistic savings plan.
- Compare Job Offers: Easily compare a salaried role with benefits versus a higher-paying hourly freelance gig.
The UK Labor Market in 2026: What You Need to Know
The year 2026 has brought several changes to how we work. Whether you are a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, staying informed about UK labor laws is crucial for your career path.
National Minimum Wage Updates
As of April 2025, the UK government updated the National Living Wage to £11.44 per hour for those aged 21 and over. For 2026, it is vital to ensure your hourly rate doesn’t fall below the legal threshold. If you are an apprentice or under 21, different rates apply. Our calculator ensures you can quickly verify if your pay is compliant with the latest UK standards.
The “Standard” Working Week in Scotland
While the UK average is often cited as 40 hours, many Scottish employers (especially in the public sector and NGOs) operate on a 37.5-hour full-time week. This small difference of 2.5 hours a week can change your annual salary by thousands of pounds. Always check your contract before inputting your data!.
Paid Leave and Bank Holidays
In the UK, almost all workers are entitled to 5.6 weeks of paid holiday per year (statutory leave). For a full-time worker, this usually equates to 28 days, including bank holidays. If your hourly rate “includes” holiday pay (rolled-up holiday pay), your take-home pay might look higher, but you won’t get paid when you take time off.
Beyond the Numbers: Planning Your Career Path
At No Wrong Path, we believe that your career isn’t a straight line. Sometimes taking an hourly role in a field you love is a better strategic move than a salaried role in a dead-end job.
When calculating your salary, consider the total value of the “package”:
- Pension Contributions: Are you enrolled in a workplace pension? This is “hidden” money for your future.
- Flexibility: Does an hourly role allow you to balance studies or family commitments?
- Growth Potential: Will this role lead to a higher salary tier in 12–18 months?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
To help you dominate your financial planning, we’ve answered the most common questions our users ask about salary conversion in the UK.
1. How many working days are there in the UK in 2026?
Typically, there are 261 working days in a standard year (excluding weekends). However, once you subtract the 8 statutory bank holidays, most people work around 253 days.
2. Is £15 per hour a good salary in the UK?
A rate of £15 per hour at 37.5 hours per week equates to roughly £29,250 per year. According to recent data, this is slightly below the UK median salary but remains a solid entry-to-mid-level wage in many regions of Scotland.
3. What is the difference between Gross and Net salary?
Our calculator provides your Gross Salary – the amount before any deductions. Your Net Salary (take-home pay) is what arrives in your bank account after Income Tax, National Insurance, and any student loan repayments are deducted.
4. How does my salary affect my Scottish Student Loan?
If you are on Plan 4 (Scotland), you only start repaying your loan once your income exceeds £31,395 per year. If your hourly-to-salary conversion shows you earning £35,000, you will see a small monthly deduction.
5. Can I use this for part-time work?
Absolutely. Simply enter the exact number of hours you work per week (e.g., 16 or 20). The calculator will show you your “Pro-Rata” annual salary.
6. How do overtime hours affect my annual salary calculation?
Our calculator is based on your contracted hours per week. If you regularly work overtime, you should calculate your “base” salary first and then add your expected overtime pay separately. In the UK, many hourly roles pay a higher rate for overtime (e.g., “time and a half”), so it’s best to use the calculator for your guaranteed hours to see your minimum stable income.
7. Are bank holidays included in my annual salary?
In the UK, statutory holiday entitlement is 5.6 weeks (28 days for a full-time worker), and this can include bank holidays. If you are paid a fixed annual salary, these days are usually paid as normal. However, if you are an hourly worker, you should check if your employer pays for bank holidays or if you only get paid for the hours you physically work.
8. How do mortgage lenders view hourly vs. salaried income?
While our calculator shows your gross annual income, mortgage lenders in the UK often look for stability. If you are on an hourly contract, lenders may ask for at least 3 to 6 months of payslips to see an average of your earnings. Having a clear record of your annual projection, like the one provided by our tool, can help you prepare for these conversations with a mortgage advisor.
9. What is “Pro-Rata” and how does it apply to me?
You will often see job adverts listing a “Pro-Rata” salary. This means the salary shown is what you would earn if you worked full-time (usually 37.5 or 40 hours). If the job is part-time, your actual pay will be a proportion of that figure. Our calculator is perfect for this: just enter the part-time hours you’ll actually work to see your true annual earnings.
10. Does this calculator include National Insurance and Income Tax?
This tool calculates your Gross Annual Salary – your total pay before any deductions. To find out exactly how much lands in your pocket, you would need to subtract National Insurance and Income Tax based on your specific tax code. Don’t forget that if you studied in Scotland, your educational loan repayment starts once you earn over £31,395.
Final Thoughts
Mathematics shouldn’t be a barrier to your career success. Whether you are calculating your first wage or planning a major career shift, having accurate data is your best tool for negotiation.
Important Disclaimer: This Hourly to Salary Converter is provided for informational and estimation purposes only. The figures generated represent Gross Annual Salary before any deductions for Income Tax, National Insurance, or pension contributions. Calculations are based on a standard 52-week year and the 2026 UK National Living Wage guidelines. They do not account for individual contract variations such as unpaid leave, overtime rates, or specific employer-led holiday pay schemes. This tool does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. We recommend verifying your final salary figures with your employer’s HR department or a qualified accountant before making financial commitments.