2026 Minimum Wage Negotiations and Hike Expectations
In line with the economic management's macroeconomic targets, the reference baseline for the minimum wage negotiations to be held at the end of the year is projected to be in the 25-30 percent band.
Following the announcement of the economic management's end-of-year macroeconomic targets for 2026, it is projected that the reference baseline for the minimum wage negotiations starting at the end of the year will form in the 25-30 percent band.
Inflation Data and Targets
According to TURKSTAT data in August 2026, consumer inflation increased by 1.84 percent monthly and stood at 31.51 percent on an annual basis. In the announced Medium-Term Program (MVP), end-of-year inflation was projected at 28.4 percent.
In the Inflation Report shared by CBRT Governor Fatih Karahan, the end-of-year expectation was recorded as 28 percent, while in the Market Participants Survey, it was recorded as 29.43 percent.
Current Minimum Wage Status
The currently implemented net minimum wage of 28,075 Turkish Lira and 50 kurus stands at a gross level of 33,030 TL. This amount creates a total cost of 40,874 TL for the employer.
Hike Scenarios and New Salaries
In the 20 percent hike scenario, the net minimum wage rises to 33,690 TL and 60 kurus. In the 25 percent hike scenario, the net wage reaches 35,094 TL and 38 kurus.
In the 30 percent hike scenario, the net minimum wage increases to 36,498 TL and 15 kurus, and the scenarios on the table point to these figures.
Commission Process and Calendar
The minimum wage figure will be determined by the 15-member Minimum Wage Determination Commission, consisting of worker, employer, and government representatives hosted by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. The process is planned to start in the first week of December.