The Aldi pay rise has lifted Store Assistant wages to £13.50 per hour across most of the UK and £14.88 per hour for colleagues working inside the M25. These rates have applied since 1 April 2026, following an earlier increase in March.
Aldi has not announced another autumn pay rise, meaning the April rates remain the latest confirmed figures. The increase benefits more than 28,000 hourly-paid store colleagues and forms part of a £42 million investment in colleague pay during 2026.
For employees and job seekers, however, the headline hourly rate is only part of the picture, as length-of-service increases, paid breaks, apprenticeships and higher-paid management, warehouse and driving positions can substantially change total earnings.
What Is The Latest Aldi Pay Rise In 2026?
Aldi introduced two increases to Store Assistant pay in quick succession during 2026.
From 1 March, starting pay increased to £13.35 per hour nationally and £14.71 inside the M25. Aldi initially described its pay and benefits package as a £36 million investment.
A further announcement on 26 February increased the rates again from 1 April to £13.50 nationally and £14.88 inside the M25. Once the second increase was included, Aldi said its investment in colleague pay for 2026 had risen to £42 million.
That distinction is important. The £36 million figure relates to the earlier January package, while £42 million is the more up-to-date figure covering the subsequent April uplift.
As of 19 September 2026, Aldi’s recent press announcements have focused on new store openings and expansion rather than another staff pay increase. The April rates therefore remain the latest confirmed Store Assistant pay levels.
How Much Are Aldi Store Assistants Paid?
The current pay structure gives Aldi employees a higher starting rate inside the M25 and provides further increases based on length of service.
| Location | March 2026 Rate | Current Starting Rate | Rate With Length Of Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outside M25 | £13.35 | £13.50 | £14.47 |
| Inside M25 | £14.71 | £14.88 | £15.20 |
Current Aldi recruitment information continues to advertise £13.50 rising to £14.47 per hour nationally and £14.88 rising to £15.20 in London. Store Assistants can generally work between 10 and 40 hours a week, with usual contracted hours around 25 hours depending on the vacancy.
The figures also sit above the statutory wage floor. From April 2026, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour. More information about the age bands is available in the UK minimum wage increase 2026.
Aldi’s national starting rate is therefore 79p an hour above the legal minimum for workers aged 21 and over. The voluntary real Living Wage currently stands at £13.45 nationally and £14.80 in London, meaning Aldi’s starting rates are also slightly above both benchmarks.
What Do Aldi Apprentices Earn?
Store Apprentice pay increased to:
| Location | Aldi Apprentice Rate |
|---|---|
| Outside M25 | £12.02 per hour |
| Inside M25 | £13.22 per hour |
For comparison, the statutory apprentice minimum is £8 per hour in 2026 for apprentices aged under 19 and those aged 19 or over who are still in their first apprenticeship year. Older apprentices who have completed their first year are normally entitled to the minimum wage for their age instead.
How Much Could You Earn At Aldi?
Hourly rates become easier to understand when converted into weekly and annual earnings.
| Hours Per Week | National Weekly Pay | National Annual Pay | London Weekly Pay | London Annual Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | £270.00 | £14,040 | £297.60 | £15,475 |
| 30 | £405.00 | £21,060 | £446.40 | £23,213 |
| 40 | £540.00 | £28,080 | £595.20 | £30,950 |
These are gross figures based on 52 paid weeks at the starting hourly rate.
For an employee in England, Wales or Northern Ireland using the standard £12,570 Personal Allowance, with no pension deductions, student loan or other adjustments, approximate monthly take-home pay after basic Income Tax and employee National Insurance could be around:
| Hours | National Take-Home Per Month | London Take-Home Per Month |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | £1,136 | £1,222 |
| 30 | £1,557 | £1,686 |
| 40 | £1,978 | £2,150 |
These figures are illustrations rather than payslip guarantees. Scottish Income Tax bands differ, while pension contributions, tax codes, benefits and other deductions can change actual take-home pay.
The 2026/27 standard Personal Allowance is £12,570 and most employees pay 8% National Insurance on earnings between the main thresholds.
Aldi also provides paid breaks. The January announcement valued them at up to £1,470 a year, while Aldi’s later April announcement described the benefit as worth approximately £1,500 annually to the average store colleague.
What Do Other Aldi Jobs Pay In 2026?
The Store Assistant rate does not apply to every job. Aldi currently advertises different packages for management, warehouse and transport roles.
| Aldi Role | Current Advertised Pay |
|---|---|
| Deputy Store Manager | £14.75 to £15.72 per hour |
| Deputy Store Manager In London | £16.13 to £16.45 per hour |
| Assistant Store Manager | £38,525 to £45,420 a year |
| Store Manager | £52,910 to £69,000 a year |
| Warehouse Selector | £14.58 to £15.20 per hour |
| Warehouse Deputy | £15.58 to £16.20 per hour |
| HGV Driver | £17.74 to £18.66 per hour |
| HGV Driver Night Rate | £22.18 to £23.32 per hour |
Deputy Store Managers can also receive an additional £4 per hour while running a store. London allowances are available for some salaried management roles, while warehouse and transport rates can differ by region.
Anyone considering a vacancy should therefore check the current Aldi recruitment listings rather than assuming the standard Store Assistant rate applies to every position.
How Has Aldi Pay Changed?
Aldi has repeatedly increased frontline pay during the past few years.
| Effective Date | National Starting Rate | M25 Starting Rate |
|---|---|---|
| June 2024 | £12.40 | £13.65 |
| March 2025 | £12.75 | £14.05 |
| September 2025 | £13.02 | £14.35 |
| March 2026 | £13.35 | £14.71 |
| April 2026 | £13.50 | £14.88 |
The September 2025 increase is notable because Aldi initially planned a lower rise before increasing the final rate to £13.02 nationally and £14.35 within the M25.
This history also explains why searches for the Aldi pay rise can produce different figures. A rate reported early in the year may have been replaced only weeks or months later.
How Does Aldi Pay Compare With Other Supermarkets?
Aldi remains towards the top of the major supermarket pay rates publicly confirmed for 2026.
| Supermarket | Standard 2026 Rate | London/M25 Rate | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aldi | £13.50 | £14.88 | 1 April |
| Lidl | £13.45 | £14.80 | 1 March |
| M&S | £13.41 | £14.74 | 1 April |
| Tesco | £13.28 | £14.55 | 29 March |
| Waitrose | £13.25 | £14.80 | 1 April |
| Sainsbury's | £13.23 | £14.54 | March |
| Asda | £13.10 | £14.35 | 5 July |
| Co-op | £13.04 | — | 1 April |
| Morrisons | £13.00 | — | 20 July |
| Iceland | Up to £12.71* | Up to £13.99* | Current Job Listings |
*Iceland recruitment listings show age and location-dependent ranges rather than one universal rate, so the figures are not directly comparable with Aldi’s standard starting rate.
Asda’s current rates and phased increases can be compared in more detail through the Asda pay rise 2026 update.
Morrisons is also due to raise its established Customer Assistant rate from £13.00 to £13.11 on 26 October 2026, under its three-stage pay deal.
Why Is Aldi Increasing Pay While Expanding?
Higher wages are not occurring in isolation. Aldi is simultaneously investing heavily in its UK store network. The retailer plans to open around 40 new stores during 2026, backed by more than £370 million for new openings.
This sits within a wider £1.6 billion investment programme covering 2026 and 2027, which includes plans for roughly 80 new stores, existing store upgrades and distribution infrastructure.
Competitive pay can support that expansion by helping recruit workers for new stores and reducing the costs associated with high staff turnover.
The wider labour market is more complicated. ONS figures published in September show UK unemployment at 4.9% in May to July 2026, while vacancies fell to 702,000 in June to August.
ONS employer feedback also indicates that some smaller businesses are limiting recruitment because labour costs have increased.
Employers are also absorbing the £12.71 National Living Wage and adapting to changes introduced under the Employment Rights Act 2025, including reforms to Statutory Sick Pay and other employment protections during 2026.
This creates a balancing act. Higher wages can improve recruitment and retention, but they also increase operating costs and place greater pressure on productivity.
Does The Aldi Pay Rise Mean Higher Grocery Prices?
A pay rise increases labour costs, but it does not automatically mean shoppers will see an equivalent increase in grocery prices.
Supermarket pricing is influenced by numerous factors, including supplier costs, energy, transport, rent, food commodity prices, wage costs and competition between retailers.
Aldi has continued to invest in both employee pay and its store network while maintaining its low-price business model. There is therefore no evidence that the 2026 Aldi pay rise can be directly linked to a specific increase in customers’ grocery bills.
For the business, the calculation is broader. Paying more may increase immediate employment costs, but stronger staff retention can reduce recruitment and training costs and support productivity as the store network grows.
Does Aldi Pay Differ Across England, Scotland, Wales And Northern Ireland?
Aldi does not advertise separate standard Store Assistant rates for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Instead, the main geographic distinction is whether the job is located inside the M25.
Employees outside the M25 generally receive the £13.50 national starting rate, including qualifying jobs in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Eligible jobs inside the M25 receive the higher £14.88 starting rate.
Workers should still check the individual vacancy because particular roles, shift premiums and regional warehouse or transport arrangements can differ.
What Should Aldi Employees Check On Their Payslip?
Employees affected by the Aldi pay rise should check:
- Basic Hourly Rate: Confirm £13.50 nationally or £14.88 inside the M25 where the standard Store Assistant rate applies
- Length-Of-Service Rate: Check whether any higher rate due through service has been applied
- Paid Breaks: Confirm paid working-time arrangements match the contract
- Night Premiums: Check additional payments where the role includes qualifying night work
- Bank Holiday Pay: Store Assistant recruitment information advertises 50% additional pay for qualifying bank holiday hours
- Location: Make sure the correct national or M25 pay structure has been used
- Apprentice Status: Confirm the correct Aldi apprentice rate and statutory minimum entitlement
Conclusion
The latest Aldi pay rise leaves Store Assistant pay at £13.50 per hour nationally and £14.88 inside the M25 as of September 2026, rising to £14.47 and £15.20 with length of service.
The most important correction to earlier reporting is the investment figure. Aldi’s January package was valued at £36 million, but the subsequent April increase took its total 2026 colleague pay investment to £42 million.
Aldi is also paying Store Apprentices well above the statutory apprentice minimum, offering paid breaks worth around £1,500 annually to the average store colleague and recruiting across a much wider range of higher-paid management, warehouse and transport positions.
With 40 new stores targeted for 2026 and a £1.6 billion two-year investment programme underway, pay remains closely connected to Aldi’s wider recruitment and expansion strategy.
FAQs
What Is Aldi Paying Per Hour In 2026?
Store Assistant pay starts at £13.50 per hour nationally and £14.88 inside the M25. Rates can rise to £14.47 and £15.20 with length of service.
Did Aldi Staff Get Two Pay Rises In 2026?
Yes. Store Assistant rates first increased on 1 March and were increased again from 1 April 2026.
Has Aldi Announced Another Pay Rise For September 2026?
No further Store Assistant pay increase had been announced as of 19 September 2026. The April rates remain the latest confirmed figures.
How Much Did Aldi Invest In The 2026 Pay Rise?
The January package was initially described as a £36 million investment. After the April uplift was announced, Aldi said its total 2026 colleague pay investment was £42 million.
How Much Do Aldi Apprentices Earn?
Store Apprentices receive £12.02 per hour outside the M25 and £13.22 inside the M25 under the rates announced for 2026.
Does Aldi Pay More Than The National Living Wage?
Yes. Aldi’s £13.50 national Store Assistant rate is 79p above the statutory £12.71 National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over in 2026.
Do Aldi Employees Get Paid Breaks?
Yes. Aldi says it provides paid breaks to store colleagues, with its latest pay announcement valuing the benefit at approximately £1,500 a year for the average store colleague.
