2025.12.2316:49:17UTC+00Turkey Raises Minimum Wage by 27% in 2026

In 2026, Turkey saw a 27% year-over-year increase in the gross minimum monthly wage, raising it to 33,030 Turkish lira (netting 28,075 Turkish lira, or $655). This adjustment broadly aligns with inflation projections and highlights the government's efforts to manage price increases while bolstering household incomes. In Turkey, more than a third of the workforce is paid the minimum wage, which also sets a benchmark for private-sector salary discussions. The wage increment is a politically charged issue, with criticism from opposition parties and labor groups like Turk-Is targeting the wage structure and its diminishing value due to high inflation. Since 2023, the authorities have aimed to temper domestic demand and reduce inflation through stricter credit controls and elevated borrowing costs while allowing wages to grow in line with anticipated price increases. Although inflation has decreased from its previous peak of 75%, it still significantly exceeds the central bank’s 5% target. Projections suggest a year-end inflation rate of around 31% for 2025, with a hopeful reduction to 16% in 2026.