SMIC 2026 : Net, Gross, Monthly and Annual Amounts
22 January 2026 · 7 min reading time
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See job offersThe SMIC, or Salaire Minimum Interprofessionnel de Croissance, is the legal benchmark in France, setting the minimum level of pay an employee must receive. Expressed as a gross SMIC, a net SMIC, and an hourly rate, it determines not only the amount shown on the payslip before social contributions are deducted, but also the salary actually received and the applicable hourly wage.
In this guide, we recap the SMIC amounts in January 2026 (hourly and monthly, gross and net) following the +1.18% increase applied with no discretionary “top-up” at the start of the year.
💡 Net SMIC amount (as of 21 January 2026)The net SMIC amounts to €1,443.11 per month (i.e., €9.52 per hour) in January 2026 for a full-time employee (35 hours per week), after social contributions are deducted, an increase of more than €16 per month compared with 2025.
The monthly gross SMIC amounts to €1,823 as of 1 January 2026.
What is the SMIC?
Definition: Salaire Minimum Interprofessionnel de Croissance (SMIC)
The SMIC, or Salaire Minimum Interprofessionnel de Croissance, is much more than a simple figure printed on a payslip. It is a cornerstone of the French economy, guaranteeing a minimum income for employees and providing essential social protection, while playing a key role in combating wage inequalities.
By setting a threshold below which no employer may pay an employee, the SMIC acts as a social and economic safety net, especially in sectors where margins are often tight.
From the SMIG to the SMIC
1950 to 1970: Historical evolution of the minimum wage
Before the creation of the SMIC in 1970, France introduced the SMIG (Salaire Minimum Interprofessionnel Garanti) in 1950. When it was implemented, the SMIG hourly rate was set at around 64 francs (or 78 francs for residents of Paris) at the time (later referred to as “old francs” after the 1960 monetary reform).
Even if these amounts may seem low today, they represented real social progress at the time, guaranteeing for the first time a legal minimum income floor for all workers.
1970: the SMIC replaces the SMIG
Over the years, the SMIG was subject to gradual revaluations to keep up with the cost of living. However, it did not sufficiently take economic growth and inflation into account in a dynamic way.
That is why, in 1970, the SMIG was replaced by the SMIC, which introduced not only the notion of “growth” in its name, but also a more systematic revaluation mechanism (indexation to inflation, adjustments based on changes in purchasing power, etc.).
2026: The SMIC as a pillar of social policy
Today, the SMIC continues to play a central role in France’s social and economic landscape, guaranteeing a minimum standard of living and playing a key role in reducing pay gaps.
This historical evolution, from the SMIG to the SMIC, illustrates how the French state has progressively refined and strengthened wage-protection mechanisms to support changes in the economy and society.
Which employees benefit from the SMIC?
The answer is simple: all adult workers. Later in the article, we will see that the SMIC is also used to determine the pay of minor workers and people in apprenticeships.
An evolution marked by regular adjustments
Since its creation in 1970, the minimum wage has undergone periodic adjustments to keep up with inflation and maintain employees’ purchasing power. More recently, in November 2024, a 2% revaluation raised the gross hourly rate to €11.88, i.e. around €1,801.80 gross per month for a full-time contract.
These measures reflect the government’s intention to stabilize household finances while adjusting the minimum wage to fluctuating economic dynamics and the inflation rate.
A differentiated impact on employers and employees
The increase in the SMIC has varied implications depending on the stakeholders involved. For employees, each increase represents an opportunity to improve their quality of life and their ability to cope with everyday expenses. For employers, especially in small businesses or labor-intensive sectors such as food service or retail, these adjustments can lead to increased pressure on labor costs. This raises complex questions about the balance between economic competitiveness and social justice.
What is the SMIC amount in 2025?
In November 2024, the SMIC was increased by 2% to adapt to economic developments and guarantee adequate purchasing power for workers. In 2025, no new adjustment is planned, ensuring continuity of the wage conditions established by this revaluation.
What is the net SMIC amount in December 2025?
- Net hourly SMIC (January 2026): €9.52 per hour.
This amount corresponds to net pay per hour worked, once social contributions have been deducted.
- Net monthly SMIC (January 2026) (35 hours/week): €1,443.11 per month.
Calculated on the basis of full-time work (35 hours per week), this amount represents the net monthly salary received by the employee. By comparison, the net monthly SMIC was €1,398.69 before November 2024, i.e. an increase of €27.61.
- Net annual SMIC (January 2026): €17,317.39 per year.
By cumulating the net monthly salary over the year, you obtain the approximate net annual salary.
What is the gross SMIC amount in December 2025?
- Gross hourly SMIC: €12.02
This amount corresponds to gross pay per hour worked, before social deductions.
- Gross monthly SMIC (35 hours/week): about €1,823.03
Calculated on the basis of full-time work (35 hours per week), this amount represents the monthly gross salary.
By comparison, the gross monthly SMIC was €1,766.92 before November 2024, i.e. an increase of €34.88.
- Gross annual SMIC in January 2026: €21,876.40 (i.e. an increase of about €418.08 compared with 2024)
What will the SMIC amount be in January 2026?
As of 1 January 2026, the SMIC is increased by +1.18%, with no additional discretionary “top-up”: the rise corresponds only to the automatic adjustment provided for by the revaluation rules.
This revaluation is based on a simple logic: preserving the purchasing power of employees paid at the SMIC. It notably takes into account inflation measured on the spending of the lowest-income 20% of households, and it also includes a share of the evolution of base wages (blue-collar workers and employees). In other words, when prices increase, the SMIC is adjusted to limit the loss of purchasing power, which explains its change on 1 January 2026.
SMIC amount in Mayotte
As of 1 January 2026, a specific rule applies: the Mayotte minimum wage must progressively converge toward the national level and reach 87.5% of the net SMIC applicable in mainland France (and in the other relevant territories). As a result, amounts increase: the gross hourly SMIC rises to €9.33 and the full-time gross monthly SMIC to €1,415.05, up from €1,361.97 previously, i.e. an increase of 3.90%.
Gross SMIC evolution from 2020 to 2026
| Year | Gross Monthly Minimum Wage(en €) |
|---|---|
| 2026 (to date) | 1823,03 |
| 2025 | 1801,80 |
| 2024 (After November 1st) | 1801,80 |
| 2024 | 1766,92 |
| 2023 (After May 1st) | 1747,2 |
| 2023 | 1709,28 |
| 2022 (After August 1st) | 1678,95 |
| 2022 (After May 1st) | 1645,58 |
| 2022 | 1603,12 |
| 2021 (After October 1st) | 1589,47 |
| 2021 | 1554,58 |
| 2020 | 1539,42 |
Evolution of the Net Minimum Wage from 2020 to 2025
| Year | Monthly Net Minimum Wage (SMIC)(en €) |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 1443,11 |
| 2025 | 1426,30 |
| 2024 (After November 1st) | 1426,30 |
| 2024 | 1398,98 |
| 2023 (After May 1st) | 1383,08 |
| 2023 | 1353,07 |
| 2022 (After August 1st | 1329,05 |
| 2022 (After May 1st) | 1302,64 |
| 2022 | 1269,02 |
| 2021 (After October 1st) | 1258,22 |
| 2021 | 1230,6 |
| 2020 | 1218,6 |
What is (or isn’t) included in the SMIC amount?
| Type of Compensation | Included in gross SMIC? |
|---|---|
| Base salary | ✅ Yes |
| Overtime pay | ❌ No |
| Performance or target-based bonuses | ❌ No |
| Meal or transport allowances | ❌ No |
| Benefits in kind (housing, food, etc.) | ✅ Yes (if monetized) |
| Seniority, risk, or attendance bonuses | ❌ No |
| Night, Sunday, or public holiday pay increases | ❌ No |
| Activity bonus (paid by CAF) | ❌ No |
What salary for 39 hours at the gross SMIC?
For a working time of 39 hours per week, i.e. 4 overtime hours weekly, the gross SMIC salary is increased in accordance with French overtime rules. Hours beyond the 35th weekly hour are paid with a 10% to 25% premium. Therefore, for a 39-hour week, the employee will receive a monthly salary of about €2,059 (assuming a 25% premium).
SMIC for minors in 2025
Minors benefit from a specific SMIC, generally lower than that of adults, taking into account their status and the regulations in force. In 2025, the gross and net SMIC for minors were adjusted to reflect economic developments while complying with legal provisions.
16-year-old minor
For employees under 17, the gross hourly SMIC is set at 80% of the adult gross hourly SMIC, i.e. €9.61 as of 1 January 2026. After social contributions are deducted, the net hourly SMIC for a 16-year-old minor is about €7.50.
17-year-old minor
Employees aged 17 benefit from a slightly higher gross hourly SMIC, set at 90% of the adult gross hourly SMIC, i.e. €10.81 as of 1 January 2026. Their net hourly SMIC then amounts to about €8.45.
Special case: apprentices
It is important to note that apprentices also benefit from a specific SMIC, which varies depending on age and year of apprenticeship. The further an apprentice progresses in their program, the closer their salary gets to the adult SMIC. For example, an apprentice over 26 will have the same hourly rate as a “standard” employee paid at the SMIC. By contrast, a 19-year-old apprentice in the first year of their program would earn about 43% of the SMIC, i.e. around €775.
Distinction between net SMIC and gross SMIC
It is essential to distinguish gross SMIC from net SMIC, two fundamental concepts in pay. Gross SMIC is the minimum wage amount before any social contributions are deducted. It is the figure that initially appears on the employee’s payslip. Net SMIC, on the other hand, corresponds to the amount actually received by the employee after mandatory social contributions are withheld.
Which social contributions are deducted from the gross SMIC?
Calculating net SMIC involves deducting various social contributions, including:
- Employee contributions: intended to fund social security (health, maternity, workplace accidents, etc.), family benefits, and retirement.
- CSG and CRDS: the Contribution Sociale Généralisée and the Contribution au Remboursement de la Dette Sociale, which contribute to financing social protection.
Net SMIC calculation
The exact calculation of net SMIC is complex, as it takes into account multiple factors such as the employee’s age, family situation, and type of employment contract. Online salary simulators make it possible to estimate net SMIC based on these different parameters.
SMIC and collectively agreed minimum wage: what should you remember?
No employer may pay an employee below this legal threshold.
However, in some sectors, collective bargaining agreements set a collectively agreed minimum. This generally depends on job classification, qualification level, seniority, or specific duties. It can therefore vary from one sector to another (e.g.: construction, transport, hospitality/food service, large-scale retail, etc.).
👉 If the collectively agreed minimum is higher than the SMIC, the more favorable amount applies.
👉 If the collectively agreed minimum is lower than the SMIC, then the SMIC prevails. The employee must receive at least the SMIC, in accordance with the principle of favorability set out in the French Labor Code.
Example: if the sector pay scale provides a minimum of €1,750 gross/month but the SMIC is set at €1,801.80, the employer must pay the difference to reach the legal SMIC.
What risks does an employer face if they pay a salary below the SMIC amount?
Paying a salary below the SMIC is an offence under labor law and exposes the employer to clear sanctions. From the first offence, the employer faces a €1,500 fine (French Labor Code, art. R. 3233-1). In the event of a repeat offence, this fine rises to €3,000. Non-compliance with the SMIC can also harm the company’s reputation and create a tense social climate, negatively affecting productivity and team cohesion. It is therefore essential for any employer to comply strictly with the SMIC to avoid these financial and legal consequences.
Comparison with European minimum wages
In Europe, France is among the countries where the gross minimum wage is one of the highest. However, when adjusted for the cost of living and social charges, the gaps become more pronounced. For example, Luxembourg offers a gross minimum wage of around €15 per hour, well above the French level, while countries such as Bulgaria or Hungary remain significantly lower.
These disparities reflect deep differences not only economically, but also in the political choices that shape the role of the minimum wage in each country.
Here are several examples of minimum wages abroad:
Spain
Spain has the Salario Mínimo Interprofesional (SMI), created in 1963. In 2025, the SMI is set at €1,134 gross per month, paid over 14 monthly payments. This amount is revised annually to follow inflation, guaranteeing a decent standard of living for workers while supporting domestic consumption.
Netherlands
In the Netherlands, the Minimumloon has been in place since 1969. In 2025, it amounts to €2,070 gross per month for workers aged 21 and over. Minimumloon adjustments take place twice a year, allowing greater responsiveness to economic changes and inflation.
Belgium
In Belgium, the Salaire Minimum Réglementé has been in force since 1945. In 2025, it is set at €1,955 gross per month. This amount is revised annually through multi-party negotiations between unions and employers, ensuring continuous adaptation to economic and social conditions.
Italy
Italy has no fixed national legal minimum wage. However, certain sectors have their own minima set by collective agreements. In 2025, these wages vary by industry, with regular revisions based on sector agreements and specific economic conditions.
Sweden
Sweden stands out for having no legal minimum wage. Wages are determined through collective bargaining between unions and employers. This flexible model allows pay to adapt to the economic realities of each sector while ensuring robust social protection for workers.
SMIC calculation: methodology and implications
SMIC calculation in France relies on rigorous mechanisms set by law. Two main criteria are taken into account: inflation, measured by the consumer price index, and the evolution of average wages for blue-collar workers and employees. This method ensures that the minimum wage follows economic fluctuations, thereby preserving employees’ purchasing power.
In addition, the government may decide on an extra discretionary “top-up” (“coup de pouce”), an exceptional measure to respond to specific social or economic contexts. This process therefore sits at the intersection of technical and political considerations.
Future outlook: toward a more broadly indexed SMIC?
The idea of indexing the SMIC on broader criteria than inflation and average wages is gaining ground in public debates. Some economists and trade unionists argue for a structural reform in which the minimum wage would be linked to indicators such as national productivity or the real cost of living across different regions. Such a measure would make it possible to adjust the SMIC more precisely to local economic realities, but it also raises questions about implementation and potential disparities.
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