Expectations for the minimum wage hike are becoming clear: Experts reach a consensus

The process of determining the minimum wage in Turkey is returning to the agenda with the Minimum Wage Determination Commission meeting to be held in December. This meeting will directly affect not only the millions of people working for minimum wage but also salary determination processes in the private sector.

The inflation rate remains at the center of wage negotiations this year as well. The Central Bank's inflation target for 2026 was announced as 16 percent, with a forecast range of 13-19 percent. This situation suggests that the hike rate could take shape within the 20-30 percent band.

Social Security Institution (SGK) expert İsa Karakaş predicts that the minimum wage could reach around 28,500 TL with a hike between 25-30 percent. Economist Filiz Eryılmaz states that a hike rate between 23-26 percent is coming to the fore and expresses that a welfare share could be added on top of the Central Bank's upper band target. Social security expert Özgür Erdursun also suggests that the minimum wage could approach the 28,000 TL level.

According to the experts' calculations, the hike rates and the corresponding minimum wage figures are as follows: 26,745 TL with a 21% hike, 27,630 TL with a 25% hike, and 28,735 TL with a 30% hike. These scenarios indicate that the minimum wage for 2026 could be in the 28,000 TL band.

The meeting that the Minimum Wage Determination Commission will hold in December will determine the final figure. This decision will continue to shape the economic agenda before the new year and will be a development that millions of employees are eagerly awaiting.

News Source: 12punto