Calculations based on different raise rates for the 2027 minimum wage, which millions of employees are awaiting, are on the agenda. Based on the 28,075.50 TL net wage applied in 2026, the new net wage in potential scenarios ranges between 36,048.94 TL and 37,536.94 TL.
However, the 33.7 percent rate that stands out in the calculations does not mean a finalized wage increase. This rate points to the increase in the resources allocated for the minimum wage tax exemption in the 2027 budget. As of October 24, 2026, no official raise rate or net minimum wage amount has been announced for 2027.
THREE CALCULATIONS ON THE TABLE
According to calculations reported by Dünya Ekonomi, if the 28.4 percent rate projected for year-end 2026 inflation in the Medium-Term Program is reflected in the minimum wage, the net wage rises to 36,048.94 TL. In this scenario, the monthly increase is approximately 7,973 TL. There is no legal obligation to equate the minimum wage increase to year-end inflation.
If a 30 percent raise is implemented, the net minimum wage rises to 36,498.15 TL. In this calculation, the monthly increase compared to the current wage is approximately 8,423 TL, while the amount is about 449 TL higher than the 28.4 percent scenario.
If the 33.7 percent increase in the tax exemption resource is reflected in wages at the same rate, the net minimum wage is calculated as 37,536.94 TL. In this scenario, it is stated that the gross wage will reach approximately 44,161 TL and the monthly increase in the net wage will be approximately 9,461 TL.
| Raise scenario | Net minimum wage | Approximate monthly increase |
|---|---|---|
| 28.4 percent | 36,048.94 TL | 7,973 TL |
| 30 percent | 36,498.15 TL | 8,423 TL |
| 33.7 percent | 37,536.94 TL | 9,461 TL |
BUDGET INCREASE IS NOT A RAISE DECISION
The resource to be allocated for the minimum wage tax exemption support in the 2027 budget is projected to rise to 1 trillion 460 billion TL. In the 2026 budget, 1 trillion 92 billion TL had been allocated for the same item. Although this increase rate is one of the indicators that can be taken as a reference in wage bargaining, it does not determine the minimum wage increase on its own.
Practices in past years also show that the budget increase and the wage raise do not overlap one-to-one. While the resource allocated to the tax exemption in the 2025 budget was increased by 25 percent, the minimum wage raise was 30 percent. In the 2026 budget, a 28.02 percent increase was projected for the same item, and a raise of approximately 27 percent was applied to the minimum wage.
The Minimum Wage Determination Commission, consisting of representatives from workers, employers, and the government, is expected to begin meetings in December. The new wage is expected to come into effect as of January 1, 2027, following the completion of the commission process.
In the meetings, in addition to inflation forecasts, the living conditions of employees, increases in mandatory expenses such as food, rent, and transportation, as well as employer costs are expected to be on the table.
News Source: 12punto
