"Two Strong Scenarios for Minimum Wage"

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November 4, 2025, is an important date for the minimum wage. After the inflation figures for October are announced, the last two data points needed to determine the year-end wage increase will be the inflation rates for November and December.

WHAT WILL THE MINIMUM WAGE BE IN 2025?

The rate of increase in the minimum wage will be finalized in December during meetings attended by labor union representatives and government officials. However, as the end of the year approaches, curiosity about what the minimum wage will be increases, and the total population affected by this is a separate topic of discussion.

According to the reported earnings subject to premiums to the Social Security Institution, there are approximately 7 million minimum wage earners in Turkey. Therefore, the minimum wage determined at the beginning of each year directly affects 7 million people. However, due to the fact that salaries in the private sector are also determined based on the minimum wage rate, the increase in the minimum wage becomes a matter that will affect almost all private sector employees. The minimum wage, which creates a multiplier effect on the markets and purchasing power, has become one of the main elements of the Turkish economy.

HOW MUCH IS THE MINIMUM WAGE?

According to the data prepared by the General Directorate of Labor Statistics, the net minimum wage is calculated by deducting 14% (2,800.35 TL) for social security premiums and 1% (200.03 TL) for unemployment insurance from 20,002.50 TL until the end of this year. Thus, after a total deduction of 3,000.38 TL from the minimum wage, the net amount remaining is 17,002.12 TL.

WHAT IS THE COST TO THE EMPLOYER?

For the gross minimum wage of 20,002.50 TL, employers pay a social security premium of 15.5% (3,100.39 TL). With an additional 2% (400.05 TL) unemployment insurance premium, the total cost of the minimum wage to the employer becomes 23,502.94 TL.

HOW MUCH WILL THE MINIMUM WAGE BE IN 2025?

There are two predictions on the table regarding the 2025 minimum wage. The first prediction is based on the current inflation, while the other is based on future inflation.

In the first prediction, the inflation rate for 2024 is expected to be approximately 43% as of December 31. If the current inflation rate is added to the 2024 net minimum wage of 17,002.12 TL, the minimum wage for 2025 is expected to be 24,313.03 TL. Signals are being given from the government side that there will not be an increase above the inflation rate for both the minimum wage and pensions. Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek stated that the inflation expectation for the end of 2024 is 41.5%, but that an increase of 17.5% is expected for the minimum wage in 2025. If the increase in the minimum wage is made according to the expected inflation rate, the minimum wage for 2025 will be set at 19,977.49 TL. However, labor unions and workers state that this amount is very low due to the decline in the purchasing power of minimum wage earners over the past year due to high inflation.