Affecting millions of employees: 3 different minimum wage hike scenarios on the table

Expectations for raises are steadily increasing for millions of retirees, civil servants, and employees ahead of the new year. While retirees and civil servants will receive their first salary increases in January 2026, the minimum wage for workers will be redetermined.

While SSK and Bağ-Kur retirees await the 6-month inflation data that will be decisive in salary increases, civil servants and civil servant retirees will reflect the inflation difference in addition to the 11 percent increase guaranteed by the collective bargaining agreement onto their salaries.

The year-end inflation forecast in the Medium-Term Program was announced as 28.5 percent. While this rate is a harbinger of different raise rates for civil servants, retirees, and employees, it will also be a reference point for the minimum wage.

THE DETERMINING EFFECT OF THE MINIMUM WAGE

The minimum wage directly affects not only employees but also many items in Turkey such as social assistance, unemployment benefits, BES deductions, and voluntary insurance. The minimum wage, which was applied as a net 22,104 TL and a gross 26,005 TL in 2025, will be re-evaluated with the commission meeting to be held in December.

SCENARIOS STANDING OUT IN RAISE RATES

In past years, minimum wage increases mostly occurred above inflation. A similar approach is expected to come to the agenda this year as well.

The three strong hike scenarios on the table are as follows:

20 percent raise: Gross 31,206 TL – Net 26,525 TL

30 percent raise: Gross 33,807 TL – Net 28,736 TL

35 percent raise: Gross 35,107 TL – Net 29,841 TL

FINAL DECISION RESTS WITH THE COMMISSION

The Minimum Wage Determination Commission, which will convene in December, will clarify these figures that closely concern millions of workers and, indirectly, all citizens.

The expectation is that the new increase will be above inflation. However, the exact rate will be announced after the commission negotiations.