Minimum Wage Increase Details and Impact
As of January 1, 2026, the announced increase in the minimum wage takes effect. This means that no employer will be allowed to pay less than this reference amount.
In 2026, the general monthly minimum wage will be 9,582.47 pesos, while in the duty-free zone of the northern border it will be 13,409.80 pesos monthly.
The minimum wage serves as a benchmark to ensure that workers receive an income sufficient to cover basic needs.
Minimum Wage Recovery Policy
Since 2018, a policy has been in place to recover the purchasing power of the minimum wage. Since then, double-digit increases have been agreed upon. The goal during Claudia Sheinbaum’s six-year term is for the general minimum wage to be enough to purchase 2.5 basic food baskets.
With the increase taking effect on January 1, 2026, the general minimum wage will cover 2 basic food baskets. The 5% increase in the northern border region reflects that this target has already been achieved there.
Professional Minimum Wages Also Rise in 2026
Meanwhile, the minimum wages for 61 specialized occupations and activities listed will see a 13% increase in the general zone and a 5% rise in the northern border duty-free zone. These remunerations range from a monthly salary of 9,505.5 pesos for a poultry farm handler to 21,163.8 pesos monthly for written and graphic press reporters.
Employers who pay less than the professional minimum wage listed may also face fines and imprisonment, similar to cases involving the general and border minimum wages.
Only workers contracted at the minimum wage will see the increase reflected in their salaries. The rest of the workers’ raises depend on their employers. According to the Labor Secretariat, approximately 8.5 million working individuals will benefit from this wage increase.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the new general minimum wage in 2026? The new general monthly minimum wage is 9,582.47 pesos.
- What is the minimum wage in the northern border duty-free zone? The monthly minimum wage in the northern border duty-free zone is 13,409.80 pesos.
- Why was the minimum wage increased? The increase aims to recover the purchasing power of the minimum wage and ensure workers can cover their basic needs.
- Which professional minimum wages increased? Minimum wages for 61 specialized occupations and activities listed increased by 13% in the general zone and 5% in the northern border duty-free zone.
- How many workers will benefit from the wage increase? Approximately 8.5 million working individuals will be positively affected by the wage increase.
