The minimum wage in Mexico saw an increase in both the general rate and the rate for the Northern Border Free Zone. As a freelancer, it’s important to stay informed about every economic aspect of the country—whether you have employees or offer services to companies that follow labor regulations.

Neither of those apply to you?

Even so, this information can serve as a reference to establish negotiable rates for your contracts. Plus, it helps you make financial decisions based on data that brings stability to your life project.

Minimum Wage in Mexico 2025: Current Rates, Zones, Calculation, and Its Effects

What Is the Minimum Wage and Who Sets It?

It is the lowest amount an employer is legally required to pay a worker for their labor.

According to Article 90 of the Federal Labor Law, this amount is intended to cover the basic needs of a head of household—not only materially but also socially and culturally—while also ensuring the mandatory education of their children.

As a self-employed individual, it’s essential to know the 2025 minimum wage in order to correctly calculate severance pay and other matters. Whether you provide services to a company or lead a small team.

Who Determines the Minimum Wage in Mexico?

The 2024 minimum wage in Mexico is a measure regulated by the Federal Labor Law. However, the entity responsible for determining it is the National Minimum Wage Commission (Conasami).

This body is made up of employers, workers, and government representatives. Every year, they meet to discuss, approve, and regulate minimum wages in the country.

In addition to submitting wage increase proposals, they analyze several key economic factors. These include inflation, economic growth, cost of living, and the basic needs of workers.

Another key factor is the UMA, an economic indicator that ensures wage increases do not affect other obligations.

Once the wage is set, it is published in the DOF (Official Gazette of the Federation), informing all labor market stakeholders about the new minimum wage.

Daily and Monthly Minimum Wage in 2025

The minimum wage increase in Mexico for 2025 was 12% for both zones: the general area and the Northern Border Free Zone (ZLFN).

The current rates came into effect in January 2025 and are as follows:

There are also professional minimum wages, which apply to more than 61 legally regulated occupations or trades. For example:

Check the full official table here.

Why Did It Increase by 12% in 2025?

The increase is due to two key factors:

1. Independent Recovery Amount (MIR): A fixed adjustment aimed at recovering the purchasing power of the wage. In 2025, the MIR is 12.85 MXN for the general minimum wage and 19.36 MXN for the ZLFN.

2. Fixation Increase: An additional percentage increase of 6.5% over 2024 wages, which applies to both zones.

This increase was approved by CONASAMI on December 4, 2024, and published in the Official Gazette for implementation on January 1, 2025.

The reasons?

• Annual inflation in 2024 closed at 4.21%, according to CEFP figures.

• The government’s goal is to reach the equivalent of 2.5 basic food baskets by the end of the current administration, according to the official statement.

In short, the goal is to improve workers' quality of life.

How to Calculate Your Real Salary in Mexico

The real salary is what you can estimate based on your gross income (before taxes).

Monthly Amount Calculation

Formula: Daily wage × number of working days in the month.

Example:

• General monthly wage: 278.80 × 30 days = 8,364.00 MXN.

• ZLFN monthly wage: 419.88 × 30 days = 12,596.40 MXN

For labor purposes, Mexico considers a standard month as 30 days, even if the calendar month has 28, 29, or 31 days.

Daily Amount Calculation

If you know how much you earn per month but want to determine your daily income, use this formula: Monthly wage ÷ 30 days.

Let’s say you earn 10,500 MXN: 10,500 ÷ 30 = 350.00 MXN per day.

If you need to calculate your wage for legal purposes, you must use the Integrated Daily Salary (IDS).

Considerations

Several factors can affect the result, for example:

• Part-time work. If you work part-time or only on specific days, the calculation changes.

Let’s say you work as a waiter only 15 days/month and receive the general wage, the calculation would be:

278.80 × 15 days = 4,182.00 MXN.

• Overtime. Overtime is paid with surcharges and is added to the monthly income.

• Holidays or mandatory rest days. If you work those days, they must be paid double or triple. If not, they’re already included in the standard monthly calculation (30 days).

Additionally, ISR, IMSS contributions, and other withholdings apply to the gross monthly salary.

Impact on Companies and Workers

Salary increases have been key to reducing poverty in the country, according to estimates from CONASAMI between 2018 and 2022.

Therefore, the 2025 minimum wage increase has implications that go beyond a simple wage adjustment:

For workers

It represents direct progress in their quality of life, as a higher salary means greater purchasing power. Consequently, they can better cover basic needs and reduce reliance on external support.

The MIR, in turn, ensures fairer and more equitable working conditions for all employees. Furthermore, the IMSS can provide greater social protection to workers by adjusting contributions and benefits.

For companies

The increase requires adjustments in payroll, IMSS contributions, and the calculation of benefits such as:

• Aguinaldo (year-end bonus).

• Vacation and vacation premium.

• INFONAVIT and AFORE contributions

• Integrated Daily Salary (SDI) calculation

Not to mention that the new minimum wage raises the base hiring cost. This forces employers to review staffing budgets, salary scales, and service contracts.

New Changes for Digital Platforms

A key point in 2025 is the new regulations related to the Labor Reform for Digital Platforms.

Essentially, it establishes that apps like Uber and Rappi must register drivers and delivery workers with the IMSS if they earn at least the minimum wage. This means they will have to take on responsibilities similar to any employer, such as paying IMSS contributions, vacation days, and aguinaldo.

Historical Evolution of the Minimum Wage in Mexico

Since 2018, the minimum wage in Mexico has seen consecutive and significant increases.

Annual Increases Since 2018:

Minimum Wage Comparison: Mexico vs. Other Countries

If you work as a freelancer, staying up to date with these wage changes is essential—especially if you manage a team. It will help you comply with your obligations as outlined by the law.

It can also be useful if you’re employed under a labor contract or when setting your own rates as a freelancer. It's even crucial for planning your life project with greater security and foresight.

In any case, with DolarApp, you can receive payments in USDc. And if you want to convert those funds to Mexican pesos, you’ll be able to do so quickly and at a fair exchange rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum hourly wage in Mexico?

The general minimum hourly wage is approximately 34 Mexican pesos. This is based on the current daily rate of 278.80 MXN, considering a standard 8-hour workday.

What’s the difference between the general and professional minimum wage?

The general wage applies to most workers. The professional wage, however, focuses on specific regulated trades or occupations and is typically higher due to their level of specialization.

How often is it updated? Is it retroactive?

The minimum wage in Mexico is updated every January 1st by CONASAMI agreement. It is not retroactive; it only applies from the date it comes into effect.

Can companies pay less or more than the minimum wage?

They cannot legally pay less, as the minimum wage is a mandatory baseline. However, they can pay more if the position warrants it or if agreed upon in a contract.