SMIC increase in 2026: what are the expected amounts ?
14 November 2025 · 4 min reading time
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See job offersAs January 1st, 2026 approaches, the question of the 2026 minimum wage (SMIC) is increasingly present in public debate. Several economic media outlets are already mentioning a possible SMIC increase estimated between 1.2% and 1.4%, even though the government has not yet confirmed any official amount. These early projections are based on the recent evolution of inflation and on the work of the expert group responsible each year for assessing whether a potential “coup de pouce”, that is, an additional raise beyond the automatic increase set by the Labour Code, may be justified.
This upcoming change to the minimum wage directly affects millions of workers, including temporary workers supported by Staffmatch, as well as many employers who will need to adjust their pay grids and payroll systems from January 2026 onward. Even a moderate SMIC increase impacts the monthly salary, hourly rate and living standards of many categories of employees. In this context, it becomes essential to anticipate the next revaluation in order to understand its consequences on contracts, remuneration and HR practices.
An estimate based on inflation and wage trends
Early analyses reported by the economic press suggest that the 2026 SMIC increase should remain moderate. This projection is mainly rooted in the gradual slowdown of inflation and the evolution of the basic hourly wage in lower-skilled sectors, two key components of the formula defined by the Labour Code to calculate the annual revaluation of the minimum wage.
Over the coming months, the SMIC expert group will rely on these indicators to refine its annual opinion. Current trends point to a more contained increase than those seen between 2022 and 2024, a period marked by significantly higher inflation.
What could the 2026 net SMIC amount be?
If current forecasts are confirmed, the 2026 SMIC could reach approximately €12.04 gross per hour, representing a monthly gross salary of about €1,827 for full-time work. In net terms, this would correspond to a net salary of around €1,440 to €1,460, depending on applicable contributions. These figures remain estimates for now.
When will the official amount be announced?
The new SMIC amount will only be confirmed once the official decree is published, usually at the end of November or early January. This decree specifies the exact monthly gross SMIC, hourly SMIC and the revaluation applicable on January 1st, 2026. Until then, any figures shared publicly must be considered provisional, even if widely relayed. Employees, temporary workers and employers will therefore have to wait for the decree to know the final framework applicable from January 1st.
A possible bonus increase still uncertain
As every year, the question of an exceptional bonus increase (“coup de pouce”) arises. The government may decide on an additional increase, sometimes discussed in public debate as a simple “boost”, to further support the living standards of workers earning the legal minimum wage. For now, no indication suggests that an extra raise beyond the automatic revaluation is planned. The final decision will depend on the economic situation at the end of the year, particularly wage evolution, price trends and political priorities.
What are the consequences for employers when the 2026 SMIC comes into effect?
An immediate rise in labour costs from January 1st, 2026
For employers, this revaluation represents an increase in labour costs for all positions paid at the minimum hourly rate. Even if the expected raise remains modest, it may have a direct impact on sectors where a large share of the workforce is paid close to the SMIC.
A necessary update of payroll tools and contracts
With the application of the new amount, employers must ensure that their payroll software, ongoing contracts and job offer templates correctly integrate the future hourly and monthly SMIC. An incomplete update by January 1st could lead to non-compliance with Labour Code requirements and require payroll adjustments as early as the first month of the year. The decree published in late November or early January will formalise these values and allow companies to update their settings accordingly.
A potential adjustment of internal pay grids
The SMIC increase does not affect only minimum-wage positions.
When the difference between the SMIC and wages slightly above it becomes too small, some companies need to revise their internal pay scales to maintain coherent progression between job levels. This effect is particularly visible in operational jobs and entry-level roles, where a SMIC increase can lead to a broader adjustment of salary structures.
What will change for apprentices and work-study students in 2026?
A wage automatically revalued on January 1st, 2026
Apprentice pay and work-study salaries are calculated as a percentage of the SMIC. As soon as the 2026 minimum wage takes effect, the salary paid in these contracts will automatically increase, since it depends on the hourly and monthly gross SMIC set by the decree. This revaluation will apply from January 1st, 2026, regardless of the sector or year of training.
A raise that improves the living standards of young learners
Even if the expected SMIC increase remains moderate, it represents an immediate boost for young workers whose budget often relies on a limited hourly income. This evolution can ease expenses related to studies, transport or housing. For many apprentices, this monthly increase has a concrete impact on their standard of living.
What could change for employees in 2026?
A direct effect on jobs most exposed to the minimum wage
The 2026 SMIC revaluation will have a direct impact on employees whose wages are indexed to the legal minimum, particularly in sectors where many hires are made at or near the hourly minimum. Hospitality, food service, retail and logistics are likely to be among the first affected. For these workers, the new amount applied from January 2026 will immediately raise their take-home pay.
Varying impacts depending on the sector
The effects of the SMIC increase will not be uniform. In sectors facing strong cost competition or tighter margins, the revaluation could influence hiring policies or speed up certain salary adjustments. Conversely, sectors where wages already exceed the minimum may feel a more limited impact. These differences highlight the varying economic situations across industries and companies.
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