The government approved on Thursday an increase in the guaranteed minimum gross country-wide salary to 4,325 lei per month, starting from July 1, 2026, according to an announcement by the Ministry of Labor. Currently, the minimum wage is 4,050 lei gross.
The increase represents a rise of 275 lei gross, equivalent to a 6.8% advance from the current level.
After taxes and applying a deduction of 200 lei, the net minimum wage will reach approximately 2,699 lei, which means an increase of 125 lei in hand for employees.
Additionally, starting from July 2026, the hourly rate of the minimum wage will be 25.949 lei/hour, calculated for a full working schedule of 166.667 hours per month, on average.
Minister of Labor: Work must be respected, not exploited
The Minister of Labor, Petre-Florin Manole, stated that the increase in the minimum wage is a necessary measure to protect employees with low incomes.
"I fought for the increase in the minimum wage because I know that, for hundreds of thousands of Romanians, this is not just an economic indicator, but the income on which their daily lives depend. We are talking about people who work honestly and deserve to live with dignity from their work.
The increase in the minimum wage means more security, greater purchasing power, and a barrier against abuse and undeclared work. I supported this measure because I believe that work must be respected, not exploited. And our role is to be on the side of those who work, to offer them protection and the chance for a better life," Manole said.
Over 1.7 million employees will benefit
According to the Ministry of Labor, currently 831,382 employees are paid the guaranteed minimum gross wage. After the increase in July, approximately 1,759,027 employees will directly benefit from the minimum wage hike.