Overview of Salary Adjustments in Mexico
According to Michael Page’s 2026 Salary Guide, Mexican companies anticipate smaller salary adjustments in 2026 compared to those made in 2024. Only 62% of companies are certain about implementing salary increases, a decrease from the previous 78%.
Key Findings
- Reduced Salary Increases: Only 1% of workers are expected to receive a salary increase above 16%, according to the report.
- Projected Increases: Six out of ten companies project salary increases between 1% and 5%. This is a decrease from the previous year, where only 18% of organizations expected adjustments below 5%.
- Inflation-Level Adjustments: Most projections fall within inflation indices, indicating that employees do not anticipate salary or purchasing power growth. In some cases, it may even decrease depending on inflation data.
Impact on Specific Job Roles
Finance-related positions are expected to see better salary adjustments, with estimated increases between 10% and 15%. This accounts for half of the previous year’s estimations.
Javier Torre, General Director of PageGroup for Mexico and Central America, explains that these adjustments reflect the cautious approach of organizations due to various risks and limited movements in the market.
2024 Salary Adjustments: A Mixed Bag
In 2024, salary adjustments have not been ideal. Michael Page’s report indicates that only 52% of individuals received a salary increase this year, and half of them were due to inflation adjustments.
Oliver Odreman clarifies that this means half of the workforce did not receive a salary increase, leading to reduced purchasing power. Even among those who received inflation adjustments, there is no guarantee that their remuneration aligns with the rising cost of living.
“These adjustments are based on reference indices, not the actual country inflation rates,” Odreman explains.
The Lingering Dissatisfaction
Despite the uncertain salary adjustments, worker dissatisfaction with remuneration remains a constant.
- Low Satisfaction Levels: Four out of ten employees rate their satisfaction with salary as “regular,” indicating a lack of enthusiasm and, in some cases, dissatisfaction.
Odreman warns that employees who are not fully satisfied with their salaries may stay in their current positions due to unfavorable job market conditions. He emphasizes the importance of monitoring “regular” satisfaction levels, as this sentiment could lead to increased turnover or decreased commitment in the coming years.
