How much National Insurance do I pay?

For employed people and self-employed people.

Applies to: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland Last checked against official sources: 30 September 2026

For 2026 to 2027:

Employed: 8% on pay from £242 to £967 a week (£1,048 to £4,189 a month), and 2% above that.
Self-employed: 6% on profits from £12,570 to £50,270, and 2% above.
Self-employed people can choose to pay Class 2 at £3.65 a week.

Employees pay through their wages; self-employed through Self Assessment.

Key facts

Employees: 8% then 2%
Self-employed: 6% then 2%
Class 2 optional £3.65/wk

National Insurance rates for 2026/27

These rates apply from 6 April 2026 to 5 April 2027, across the whole UK.

Employees (Class 1)

Your pay	Weekly	Monthly	Yearly	Rate
Up to the Primary Threshold	up to £242	up to £1,048	up to £12,570	0%
Main rate band	£242 to £967	£1,048 to £4,189	£12,570 to £50,270	8%
Above the Upper Earnings Limit	over £967	over £4,189	over £50,270	2%

If you earn at least £129 a week (the Lower Earnings Limit) but under £242, you pay nothing but still build up your record for the State Pension.

Self employed

Class	2026/27 rate
Class 4 on profits £12,570 to £50,270	6%
Class 4 on profits over £50,270	2%
Class 2 (voluntary)	£3.65 a week

Voluntary contributions

Class 3 costs £18.40 a week in 2026/27, which is £956.80 for a full year. People pay it to fill gaps in their record.

Employers

Employers pay 15% on each employee's earnings above £96 a week (£5,000 a year). Eligible employers can claim Employment Allowance of £10,500 to cut their bill.

Worked example 1: employee on £30,000

Pay above £12,570: £17,430
£17,430 at 8% = £1,394.40 a year

This is a rough yearly figure. National Insurance is worked out on each payday, so on £2,500 a month you pay 8% of £1,452, which is £116.16.

Worked example 2: employee on £60,000

£37,700 (from £12,570 to £50,270) at 8% = £3,016
£9,730 (above £50,270) at 2% = £194.60
Total: £3,210.60 a year

Worked example 3: self employed, profits of £30,000

Profits above £12,570: £17,430
£17,430 at 6% = £1,045.80 Class 4

You pay this through your Self Assessment tax return.

What changes the amount

Each pay period counts on its own for employees. A one-off bonus can mean more National Insurance that month.
Your age. You stop paying Class 1 when you reach State Pension age. Self employed people stop paying Class 4 from the 6 April after they reach it.
Starting age. You start paying from age 16 if you earn enough.

Why it matters

Your National Insurance record helps you qualify for the State Pension and some benefits. If you have gaps, voluntary Class 2 or Class 3 contributions can fill them. When you pay for past years, you sometimes pay that year's rate instead of the current one.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

National Insurance rates are the same everywhere in the UK. Scotland and Wales set some Income Tax rates, but not National Insurance.

Related guides

Where these figures come from

Get it done

This takes you to the official service, which is free to use.

Check your NI record

Common questions

Can I check my NI record?

Yes, you can check your National Insurance record online.

Source: National Insurance: how much you pay

Checked against GOV.UK on 30 September 2026

Ask about your situation

Please don't include your name, address, National Insurance number or health details. See our privacy notice.