The federal government published this Wednesday (24) the decree that defines the 2026 minimum wage at R$1,621. The new value comes into force on January 1st of next year, according to the text published in the Official Gazette of the Union.
The minimum wage adjustment represents an increase of R$103 compared to the current minimum wage, which is R$1,518. In percentage terms, the correction corresponds to approximately 6.8%.
According to the government, the calculation of the 2026 minimum wage took into account the inflation accumulated in the 12 months up to November, measured by the National Consumer Price Index (INPC). Furthermore, the formula considered the valuation rule that also incorporates the performance of the economy.
How is the minimum wage adjusted?
Although the 2024 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) recorded growth above 3%, the real gain in the national floor remained limited by the rules of the new fiscal framework. This model imposes restrictions on the real increase in public expenditure, including the adjustment of the minimum wage.
After applying the legal criteria, the final value was rounded to R$1,621, consolidating the new national floor valid from 2026.
The minimum wage serves as a direct reference for around 60 million Brazilians. Among those impacted are formal workers, retirees, pensioners and beneficiaries of social programs linked to the national minimum wage.
