SMIC 2026 : Net, Gross, Monthly and Annual Amounts
15 June 2026 · 7 min reading time
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The SMIC, or Salaire Minimum Interprofessionnel de Croissance, is the legal minimum wage benchmark in France. It sets the minimum level of pay an employee must receive. Expressed as gross SMIC, net SMIC and an hourly rate, it determines both the amount shown on the payslip before social security contributions are deducted and the salary actually received by the employee.
In this guide, we recap the SMIC amounts applicable since June 1, 2026: hourly, monthly and annual amounts, in both gross and net terms. This new 2.41% increase brings the gross monthly SMIC to €1,867.02 for a full-time 35-hour week and the indicative net monthly SMIC to €1,477.93.
We also look back at the evolution of the SMIC in 2026, which was marked by an initial increase on January 1, followed by an automatic mid-year adjustment linked to inflation.
💡 Updated net minimum wage amount as of June 15, 2026.The 2026 net SMIC: €1,477.93 per month, or €9.74 per hour, since June 1, 2026.This amount corresponds to the net salary received by a full-time employee working 35 hours per week, after social security contributions have been deducted. It represents a net increase of €34.82 per month compared with the amount applicable between January and May 2026.
The gross monthly SMIC now stands at €1,867.02 since June 1, 2026.
What is the SMIC?
Definition: Salaire Minimum Interprofessionnel de Croissance (SMIC)
The SMIC, or Salaire Minimum Interprofessionnel de Croissance, is much more than just a figure shown on a payslip. It is one of the cornerstones of the French economy, guaranteeing employees a minimum income and providing an essential layer of social protection, while also playing a key role in the fight against wage inequality.
By setting a threshold below which no employer can pay an employee, the SMIC acts as a form of social and economic safety net, especially in sectors where margins are often tight.
From SMIG to SMIC
1950 to 1970: The historical evolution of the minimum wage
Before the SMIC was created in 1970, France introduced the SMIG, or Salaire Minimum Interprofessionnel Garanti, in 1950. When it was introduced, the hourly rate of the SMIG was set at around 64 francs, or 78 francs for residents of Paris, in the currency of the time. These later became known as “old francs” after the 1960 monetary reform.
Although these amounts may seem low today, they represented major social progress at the time, guaranteeing a legal minimum income for all workers for the first time.
1970: The SMIC replaces the SMIG
Over the years, the SMIG was subject to regular increases to reflect changes in the cost of living. However, it did not take economic growth and inflation into account dynamically enough.
This is why, in 1970, the SMIG was replaced by the SMIC. The new system introduced not only the concept of “growth” into the name of the minimum wage, but also a more systematic revaluation mechanism, based on inflation, changes in purchasing power and other factors.
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. It guarantees a minimum standard of living and helps reduce wage gaps.
This historical evolution, from the SMIG to the SMIC, illustrates how the French state has gradually refined and strengthened wage protection mechanisms to support economic and social change.
Which employees benefit from the SMIC?
The answer is simple: all adult workers. Later in this article, we will also see that the SMIC is used to determine the pay of minor workers and apprentices.
A history marked by regular adjustments
Since its creation in 1970, the minimum wage has been adjusted regularly to keep pace with inflation and preserve employees’ purchasing power. More recently, in November 2024, a 2% increase brought the gross hourly amount to €11.88, or around €1,801.80 gross per month for a full-time contract.
These measures reflect the government’s intention to help stabilise household finances while adjusting the minimum wage to fluctuating economic conditions and inflation levels.
A different impact for employers and employees
SMIC increases have different implications depending on the stakeholders concerned. For employees, each increase can help improve their quality of life and their ability to cover everyday expenses. For employers, particularly small businesses or labour-intensive sectors such as restaurants or retail, these adjustments can put additional pressure on labour costs. This raises complex questions about the balance between economic competitiveness and social justice.
SMIC increase on June 1, 2026: +2.41% now applied
Since June 1, 2026, the SMIC has increased by 2.41%. The gross hourly rate has therefore risen from €12.02 to €12.31, while the gross monthly SMIC has reached €1,867.02 for a full-time 35-hour working week. This increase represents an additional €43.99 gross per month compared with the amount applicable between January and May 2026.
In net terms, the indicative monthly minimum wage has risen from €1,443.11 to €1,477.93, meaning an additional €34.82 net per month. The net hourly SMIC now stands at €9.74. These amounts apply to adult employees paid at the minimum wage, excluding special cases such as Mayotte, minor employees and certain work-study contracts.
However, this is not a discretionary government “boost”. This increase is automatic: it applies when the consumer price index has risen by at least 2% since the last change in the SMIC. The SMIC had already been increased on January 1, 2026; with this new June rise, its amount has therefore increased again during the year.
What is the net SMIC amount since June 1, 2026?
- Net hourly SMIC: €9.74 per hour.
This amount corresponds to the indicative net pay per hour worked, after social security contributions have been deducted.
- Net monthly SMIC (35 hours/week): €1,477.93 per month.
Calculated on the basis of a full-time contract, this amount represents the indicative net monthly salary received by the employee. Before the June 1, 2026 increase, the net monthly SMIC was €1,443.11, meaning a net increase of €34.82 per month.
- Net annual SMIC: €17,735.19 per year.
By adding together the monthly net salary over the year, we obtain the indicative annual net salary for a full-time employee paid at the SMIC.
What is the gross SMIC amount since June 1, 2026?
- Gross hourly SMIC: €12.31
This amount corresponds to the gross hourly wage before social security deductions.
- Gross monthly SMIC (35 hours/week): €1,867.02
Calculated on the basis of a full-time contract, this amount represents the minimum gross monthly salary applicable since June 1, 2026.
By comparison, the gross monthly SMIC was €1,823.03 between January and May 2026, meaning a gross increase of €43.99 per month.
- Gross annual SMIC: €22,404.20
These amounts correspond to a full-time 35-hour working week. To compare with other working hours, you can also consult our calculations for the SMIC for 20 hours per week and the SMIC for 30 hours per week.
SMIC amount in Mayotte
Since June 1, 2026, specific amounts apply in Mayotte. The gross hourly SMIC is set at €9.56, or €1,449.93 gross per month for a full-time 35-hour working week.
This difference is explained by the specific system applicable in Mayotte, even though the Mahoran SMIC is gradually moving closer to the national level.
Evolution of the gross SMIC from 2020 to 2026
| Year | Gross monthly SMIC (€) |
|---|---|
| Since 01/06/2026 | 1,867.02 |
| 2026 (January to May) | 1,823.03 |
| 2025 | 1,801.80 |
| 2024 (after November 1) | 1,801.80 |
| 2024 | 1,766.92 |
| 2023 (after May 1) | 1,747.20 |
| 2023 | 1,709.28 |
| 2022 (after August 1) | 1,678.95 |
| 2022 (after May 1) | 1,645.58 |
| 2022 | 1,603.12 |
| 2021 (after October 1) | 1,589.47 |
| 2021 | 1,554.58 |
| 2020 | 1,539.42 |
Evolution of the net SMIC from 2020 to 2026
| Year | Net monthly SMIC (€) |
|---|---|
| Since 01/06/2026 | 1,477.93 |
| 2026 (January to May) | 1,443.11 |
| 2025 | 1,426.30 |
| 2024 (after November 1) | 1,426.30 |
| 2024 | 1,398.98 |
| 2023 (after May 1) | 1,383.08 |
| 2023 | 1,353.07 |
| 2022 (after August 1) | 1,329.05 |
| 2022 (after May 1) | 1,302.64 |
| 2022 | 1,269.02 |
| 2021 (after October 1) | 1,258.22 |
| 2021 | 1,230.60 |
| 2020 | 1,218.60 |
What is included, or not included, in the SMIC amount?
| Pay component | Included in gross SMIC? |
|---|---|
| Basic salary | ✅ Yes |
| Overtime | ❌ No |
| Performance or target-based bonuses | ❌ No |
| Meal allowance or transport allowance | ❌ No |
| Benefits in kind, such as housing or meals | ✅ Yes, when valued |
| Seniority, hazard or attendance bonuses | ❌ No |
| Premiums for night work, Sunday work or public holidays | ❌ No |
| Activity bonus paid by the CAF | ❌ No |
What salary for 39 hours at the gross SMIC?
For a working time of 39 hours per week, meaning 4 hours of overtime per week, the gross SMIC salary is increased in accordance with French overtime rules. Hours worked beyond the 35th hour per week are paid with an overtime premium of 10% to 25%, depending on the rules applicable in the company or the collective bargaining agreement.
With a gross hourly SMIC set at €12.31 since June 1, 2026, an employee working 39 hours per week can earn around €2,134 gross per month, assuming a 25% overtime premium.
SMIC for minors in 2026
Minors may receive a specific SMIC, generally lower than the adult employee rate when they have less than 6 months of professional experience in their sector of activity. This reduction depends on their age and applies only under the conditions provided for by the French Labour Code.
16-year-old minor
For employees under the age of 17, the gross hourly SMIC may be set at 80% of the gross hourly SMIC applicable to adults, i.e. €9.85 gross per hour since June 1, 2026.
17-year-old minor
Employees aged 17 may receive a gross hourly SMIC set at 90% of the gross hourly SMIC applicable to adults, i.e. €11.08 gross per hour since June 1, 2026.
Special case of apprentices
Apprentices also benefit from a specific SMIC-based pay structure, which varies according to their age and year of training. The further an apprentice progresses in their training, the closer their pay gets to the SMIC applicable to adult employees. For example, an apprentice aged over 26 must be paid at least the SMIC. By contrast, a 19-year-old apprentice in the first year of an apprenticeship receives a percentage of the SMIC, according to the rules specific to apprenticeship contracts.
Difference between net SMIC and gross SMIC
It is essential to distinguish between the gross SMIC and the net SMIC, two fundamental concepts in pay and employment. The gross SMIC is the minimum wage amount before any social security contributions are deducted. It is the figure initially shown on the employee’s payslip. The net SMIC, on the other hand, is the amount actually received by the employee after mandatory social security contributions have been deducted.
Which social security contributions are deducted from the gross SMIC?
Calculating the net SMIC involves deducting various social security contributions, including:
- Employee contributions: used to finance social security, including health insurance, maternity, workplace accidents, family benefits and pensions.
- CSG and CRDS: the Contribution Sociale Généralisée and the Contribution au Remboursement de la Dette Sociale, which help finance France’s social protection system.
Calculating the net SMIC
The exact calculation of the net SMIC is complex because it takes many factors into account, such as the employee’s age, family situation and type of employment contract. Online salary calculators can be used to estimate the net SMIC based on these different criteria.
SMIC and collectively agreed minimum wage: what should you remember?
No employer can pay an employee below this legal threshold.
However, in some sectors, collective bargaining agreements set a minimum wage. This generally depends on the job classification, qualification level, seniority or specific duties. It can therefore vary from one sector to another, such as construction, transport, hotels and restaurants or large-scale retail.
👉 If the collectively agreed minimum wage is higher than the SMIC, the more favourable amount applies.
👉 If the collectively agreed minimum wage is lower than the SMIC, the SMIC takes precedence. The employee must receive at least the SMIC, in accordance with the principle of favourability under French labour law.
Example: if the collective pay scale sets a minimum wage of €1,820 gross per month but the SMIC has been set at €1,867.02 gross since June 1, 2026, the employer must pay the difference to reach the legal SMIC.
What are the risks for an employer who pays a salary below the SMIC?
Paying a salary below the SMIC is a breach of labour law and exposes the employer to clear penalties. For a first offence, the employer may be fined €1,500 under Article R. 3233-1 of the French Labour Code. In the event of a repeat offence, this fine is increased to €3,000. Failure to comply with the SMIC can also damage the company’s reputation and create a tense social climate, negatively affecting productivity and team cohesion. It is therefore essential for every employer to comply strictly with the SMIC in order to avoid these financial and legal consequences.
Comparison with minimum wages in Europe
In Europe, France is among the countries with one of the highest gross minimum wages. However, when adjusted for the cost of living and social contributions, the differences become more nuanced. For example, Luxembourg has a gross minimum wage of around €15 per hour, far above the French level, while countries such as Bulgaria and Hungary remain well below this level.
These disparities reflect deep differences, not only in economic terms, 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 a Salario Mínimo Interprofesional (SMI), created in 1963. In 2025, the SMI was set at €1,134 gross per month, paid over 14 monthly instalments. This amount is reviewed annually to keep pace with inflation, helping ensure 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 stood at €2,070 gross per month for workers aged 21 and over. Adjustments to the Minimumloon are made twice a year, allowing it to respond more quickly to economic changes and inflation.
Belgium
In Belgium, the Regulated Minimum Wage has been in force since 1945. In 2025, it was set at €1,955 gross per month. This amount is reviewed annually through negotiations involving unions and employers, ensuring continued adaptation to economic and social conditions.
Italy
Italy does not have a fixed national minimum wage. However, some sectors have their own minimum rates set by collective bargaining agreements. In 2025, these wages varied by industry, with regular updates based on sector-level agreements and specific economic conditions.
Sweden
Sweden stands out because it has no legal minimum wage. Wages are determined through collective bargaining between trade unions and employers. This flexible model allows pay to be adapted to the economic realities of each sector while maintaining strong social protection for workers.
Calculating the SMIC: Methodology and implications
The calculation of the SMIC in France is based on rigorous mechanisms governed by law. Two main criteria are taken into account: inflation, measured by the consumer price index, and changes in the average wages of blue-collar and white-collar workers. This method ensures that the minimum wage follows economic fluctuations and preserves employees’ purchasing power.
In addition, the government can decide to apply an additional “coup de pouce”, or discretionary boost, as an exceptional measure in response to specific social or economic contexts. The process therefore sits at the intersection of technical and political considerations.
Future outlook: Towards an indexed SMIC?
The idea of indexing the SMIC to broader criteria than inflation and average wages is gaining ground in public debate. Some economists and trade unionists argue for structural reform, where the minimum wage would be linked to indicators such as national productivity or the real cost of living in different regions. Such a measure would allow the SMIC amount to be adjusted more precisely to local economic realities, but it also raises questions about implementation and potential disparities.
The minimum guaranteed amount in 2026
Finally, alongside the SMIC, it is also important to know the minimum guaranteed amount, known in French as the minimum garanti or MG. This amount was also revalued on June 1, 2026, rising to €4.35. It should not be confused with a “mini-wage”: the MG is mainly a reference value used to assess certain amounts, such as benefits in kind for meals in sectors like hotels and restaurants.
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