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Mexico’s minimum wage surges to third-highest in Latin America

From rock-bottom to near the top: Mexico’s wage policies rewrite its economic story. How did a nation once lagging behind Haiti now outpace nearly all of Latin America?

The image shows a poster with a map of Latin America, with the provinces of Mexico highlighted in...
The image shows a poster with a map of Latin America, with the provinces of Mexico highlighted in yellow. The text on the poster provides further information about the region.

Mexico’s minimum wage surges to third-highest in Latin America

Mexico has climbed the rankings for minimum wage levels in Latin America and the Caribbean. Once among the lowest in the region, the country now holds third place. This marks a significant shift from its position just a few years ago.

In the past, Mexico’s minimum wage was the lowest in the region. During the neoliberal era, it even fell below Haiti’s. By 2025, however, the country had risen to sixth place.

Recent increases have pushed Mexico further up the list. It now stands third, with only Uruguay and Chile offering higher minimum wages. The rise reflects a steady improvement in wage policies over time.

The latest figures show Mexico’s minimum wage surpassing most of its neighbours. Only two countries in the region pay more. This change highlights a clear upward trend in labour compensation across the nation.

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