New wage hike method on the table for 2026 minimum wage
As millions of employees wonder what the minimum wage will be in 2026, it is reported that a different approach will be taken regarding the wage hike method this year. Before the figures are announced at the end of December, a new formula from the government has come to the agenda.
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While uncertainty continues regarding what the 2026 minimum wage will be, this wage is being closely monitored as it serves as a reference for both private sector employees and other salary increases. The first meetings are expected to begin in the coming weeks.
Economic management is signaling that the "hike based on targeted inflation" policy applied last year may change this time. The minimum wage, which was increased by 30 percent to 22,104 TL last year, will be determined by a different calculation method in the new period.
MIDDLE-GROUND FORMULA COMES TO THE FORE
Initial information emerging from Ankara's political circles points out that economic management and the relevant ministries are close to deciding on a "middle-ground" formula. In the technical evaluations conducted by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security and the Ministry of Treasury and Finance, it is stated that both targeted inflation and realized inflation rates will be taken into account together in minimum wage negotiations.
In this context, it is on the agenda to use the 2025 realized inflation data to be announced by the Turkish Statistical Institute on January 3, along with the 2026 target inflation average projected in the Medium-Term Program, as a reference.
According to the Medium-Term Program, the targeted inflation is 16 percent, while the Central Bank projects the year-end figure to be in the 31-33 percent band. The hike rate is expected to be shaped according to the average of these two data points. Thus, it is planned to increase the new minimum wage to the level of 27,630 TL with an increase of approximately 25 percent.
The final decision, which millions are waiting for, will be clarified with the announcement to be made at the end of December.