Workplace Pension (Auto-Enrolment) Calculator 2026/27
Enter your annual salary — see the minimum pension contributions on qualifying earnings: what comes out of your pay, what your employer adds, and the annual total.
How it works
Auto-enrolment minimums total 8% of QUALIFYING EARNINGS — the slice of pay between £6,240 and £50,270 a year (2026/27). Your employer must pay at least 3% of that band; the remaining 5% comes from you (part of which is covered by tax relief). Earnings below £6,240 and above £50,270 attract no minimum contribution.
Example: on a £30,000 salary, qualifying earnings are £23,760 → total minimum £1,900.80/year, split £712.80 employer + £1,188 you. Note the band effect: a £60,000 earner's minimum is calculated on £44,030, not the full salary — many schemes contribute on full salary instead, which is better than the legal minimum.
You are auto-enrolled if you earn over £10,000, are aged 22 to State Pension age and work in the UK. HONEST NOTE: these are legal MINIMUMS — most advisers regard 8% as too little for a comfortable retirement; the common rule of thumb is to aim for a total contribution rate of at least half your age when you start (e.g. start at 30 → 15%).
FAQ
How much goes into my workplace pension by law?
At least 8% of your qualifying earnings (the £6,240–£50,270 band): minimum 3% from your employer, and 5% from you — though basic-rate tax relief means £1 of your contribution costs you 80p in a relief-at-source scheme. On £25,000 that is roughly £125/month total. Your employer can choose to pay more than 3% or calculate on full salary; check your scheme rules, as many do.
Can I opt out of auto-enrolment, and is it wise?
You can opt out within one month of enrolment for a full refund, and stop contributions any time after — but you then lose the employer's 3% (free money) and the tax relief, and your employer must re-enrol you roughly every three years. Opting out is rarely sensible except in short-term financial crisis; even then, rejoining as soon as possible matters, because early contributions do the most compounding work.
Why is my pension contribution not 8% of my whole salary?
Because the legal minimum applies to qualifying earnings only — the band between £6,240 and £50,270. On a £30,000 salary the band is £23,760, so the 8% minimum is £1,900.80, about 6.3% of full salary. Some employers use "pensionable pay" definitions that cover the full salary from £1 (self-certification tiers) — that is more generous. Your payslip and scheme booklet state which definition applies to you.