19.10.2026 17:22
Millions of workers have set their sights on the 2027 minimum wage increase. If a 25 percent increase is made to the minimum wage, which is currently 28,075 lira net, the net wage will rise to 35,094 lira; if a 28.4 percent increase—the inflation forecast in the Medium-Term Program—is made, it will rise to 36,049 lira; and if a 30 percent increase is made, it will rise to 36,498 lira. The Minimum Wage Determination Commission will determine the new minimum wage in December.
With just weeks left until the new year, the rate of increase to be made to the minimum wage is being wondered about. Based on the 25 percent, 28.4 percent, and 30 percent increase possibilities on the agenda, the new amounts the minimum wage will receive have been calculated.
HOW MUCH IS THE MINIMUM WAGE RIGHT NOW?
In 2026, the minimum wage is applied as 33 thousand 30 lira gross and 28 thousand 75 lira 50 kuruş net. The wage, which entered into force on January 1, 2026, had been increased by 27 percent compared with the previous year. Since minimum wage earners are exempt from income tax and stamp tax, the net wage is calculated by deducting the 15 percent insurance and unemployment insurance premium deduction from the gross wage.
35 THOUSAND 94 LIRA WITH A 25 PERCENT INCREASE
If a 25 percent increase is made to the minimum wage, the gross wage will rise to 41 thousand 287 lira 50 kuruş, and the net wage will rise to 35 thousand 94 lira 38 kuruş. In this scenario, the amount that will go into the minimum wage earner's pocket will increase by 7 thousand 18 lira per month.
36 THOUSAND 49 LIRA WITH A 28.4 PERCENT INCREASE
If an increase is made at the 28.4 percent inflation rate envisaged for the end of 2026 in the Medium-Term Program (OVP), the gross minimum wage will rise to 42 thousand 410 lira 52 kuruş, and the net minimum wage will rise to 36 thousand 48 lira 94 kuruş. In this case, the increase in the net wage will be 7 thousand 973 lira.
36 THOUSAND 498 LIRA WITH A 30 PERCENT INCREASE
In the 30 percent increase scenario, the gross minimum wage will reach 42 thousand 939 lira, and the net minimum wage will reach 36 thousand 498 lira 15 kuruş. In this scenario, the net wage will increase by 8 thousand 422 lira per month.
INFLATION AT 29.73 PERCENT
According to Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) data, annual inflation was 29.73 percent in September. The OVP envisages end-of-2026 inflation at 28.4 percent and end-of-2027 inflation at 21 percent. In the Central Bank's October Market Participants Survey, the end-of-2026 inflation expectation was 29.63 percent.
According to Türk-İş data, in September the hunger threshold for a family of four was calculated as 37 thousand 800 lira, and the poverty threshold as 123 thousand 130 lira.
THE DECISION WILL COME IN DECEMBER
The new minimum wage will be determined after the meetings to be held in December by the Minimum Wage Determination Commission, composed of worker, employer, and government representatives. The commission's meeting calendar has not yet been announced. Last year, the negotiations were held between December 12 and 23.
THESE PAYMENTS WILL ALSO INCREASE
The increase to be made to the minimum wage will also affect many payments tied to the wage. The lower and upper limits of unemployment benefits, sickness and temporary incapacity allowances, maternity leave payments, payments made to mothers working part-time, certain severance and notice pay calculations, intern wages, optional insurance and general health insurance premiums, and the income thresholds for certain social assistance will also change according to the new minimum wage.