Chapter 4 of 10 · Pay and hours · Minimum wage checker

Am I being paid the minimum wage?

Checked 13 Oct 2026the National Minimum Wage Act 2000 and the annual order.

The National Minimum Wage Act 2000 and the annual order sets an hourly minimum by age, changed each 1 January. Enter your age and either your hourly rate or your gross pay and hours for a period, and the tool gives the rate you are entitled to, the shortfall if any, and the WRC clock.

Your rate

Your age, your pay and the period

From 1 January 2026: €14.15 at 20 and over, €12.74 at 19, €11.32 at 18, €9.91 under 18.

Your age during the periodI knowHourly rate paidHours worked in the periodOptional: used to total the shortfall.Period fromPeriod toBoard and lodging allowance counted, if any (for the period)Only the fixed allowance the employer may count; nothing else counts.

The tool compares pay with the national minimum. A sectoral order (security, cleaning, childcare, construction) may set a higher rate; what counts as working time is a question of fact.

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Say what it is about and a solicitor who acts for employees will contact you. If you are in a union, ring them first: they represent members at the WRC for free.

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