UK · Workplace pensions · 2026–27
Auto-enrolment contribution calculator.
Minimum workplace pension contributions on qualifying earnings, with the £10,000 trigger check, for monthly or annual pay.
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Contributions
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How are auto-enrolment contributions calculated?
For most schemes, contributions are based on total earnings between £6,240 and £50,270 a year before tax, called qualifying earnings. For 2026–27, the Pensions Regulator lists the trigger for automatic enrolment as £10,000 a year (£833 a month), the lower qualifying limit as £6,240 (£520 a month) and the upper as £50,270 (£4,189 a month). GOV.UK gives the minimums as 3% from the employer and 5% from the employee, 8% in total, and notes they could be higher under your scheme rules.
Worked example. £30,000 a year: qualifying earnings £23,760. Employer 3% is £712.80, employee 5% is £1,188, total £1,900.80.
Some schemes use total pay or basic pay instead of qualifying earnings, which changes the numbers; check your scheme.
Frequently asked questions
What are the minimum auto-enrolment contributions?
GOV.UK gives 3% from the employer and 5% from the employee, 8% in total, on qualifying earnings for most schemes. Scheme rules can make them higher.
What are qualifying earnings in 2026-27?
Earnings between £6,240 and £50,270 a year, from the Pensions Regulator thresholds that took effect on 6 April 2026.
What is the auto-enrolment earnings trigger?
£10,000 a year, which is £833 a month, for 2026–27. GOV.UK says you are enrolled if you are aged between 22 and State Pension age and earn at least that.
Does the 5% employee figure include tax relief?
Yes, it normally includes tax relief, and how that relief is given depends on the type of scheme. This tool shows the gross figure.
Sources
Checked
- The Pensions Regulator: Automatic enrolment earnings thresholds
- GOV.UK: What you, your employer and the government pay
- GOV.UK: Joining a workplace pension
Figures are for the UK 2026 to 2027 tax year unless stated. Runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you type is sent or stored.
Scope
Minimum percentages are for most schemes and may differ under your scheme rules. Not financial advice. General information, not legal, tax or payroll advice. GOV.UK, HMRC and your payroll provider are authoritative.