What Is the Minimum Wage in Mexico?
Understand Mexico's minimum wage: explore its structure, current rates by region and occupation, and the determination process.
Mexico maintains a minimum wage, which is a fundamental labor right established within the Mexican Constitution. This wage serves as a baseline for worker compensation across the country. It undergoes regular review and adjustment to reflect economic conditions and support the purchasing power of employees.
Understanding Mexico’s Minimum Wage Structure
Mexico’s minimum wage system is structured to account for varying economic conditions across different regions and occupations. This framework includes a general minimum wage that applies broadly, alongside specific rates for certain geographic areas and specialized professions.
The general minimum wage applies to most of the country, providing a standard baseline for daily earnings. However, Mexico also recognizes distinct economic zones, primarily the Free Zone of the Northern Border. This zone, encompassing municipalities along the U.S. border, has a higher minimum wage to reflect differing economic realities and cost of living in those areas.
Beyond regional variations, certain professions and trades are assigned specific minimum wage rates, often exceeding the general minimum wage. These professional minimum wages are established for roles requiring specialized skills, training, or particular responsibilities. Examples of such professions include masons, barbers, and journalists.
Current Minimum Wage Rates by Zone and Profession
As of January 1, 2025, Mexico’s general daily minimum wage has been updated. For the majority of the country, designated as the General Minimum Wage Zone, the daily rate is MXN $278.80.
In the Free Zone of the Northern Border, which includes municipalities along the U.S. border, the daily minimum wage is set at a higher rate. Workers in this specific economic region receive MXN $419.88 per day.
Professional minimum wages, covering 61 distinct professions, trades, and special jobs, also saw a 12% increase for 2025. For instance, journalists are set to earn MXN $624.30 per day. Construction workers, including those in masonry and bulldozer operation, will see daily wages ranging from MXN $300.18 to MXN $340.04. Domestic workers also have an updated daily salary of MXN $303.07.
The Process of Minimum Wage Determination
The National Minimum Wage Commission (Comisión Nacional de los Salarios Mínimos – CONASAMI) is the tripartite body responsible for setting and adjusting minimum wages in Mexico. This commission comprises representatives from employers, labor unions, and the federal government, ensuring a consensual approach to wage decisions.
Minimum wage rates are typically reviewed and adjusted on an annual basis, with changes usually taking effect on January 1st.
During its review, CONASAMI considers several factors to determine appropriate adjustments. These factors include the inflation rate, broader economic conditions such as gross domestic product (GDP) growth and employment rates, the cost of living, and the Independent Recovery Amount (MIR).