Uruguay's national minimum wage 2026: how much it is
The national minimum wage is the legal floor for a full-time job. In 2026 it's $24,572 from January and $25,383 from July. What it means and why your pay is usually higher — with the official source.
The national minimum wage (SMN) is the lowest salary the law allows for a full-time job. It isn't what most people earn — sector minimums are usually higher — but it's the floor reference. Here's how much it is in 2026 and what you need to know.
What the national minimum wage is
It's the legal minimum (monthly) for a full-time job, below which no employer may pay. The Executive sets it by decree and it's updated periodically.
How much it is in 2026
From 1 January 2026 the SMN is $24,572 nominal per month, a 4.1% increase. It's set by an Executive decree:
Per the Executive decree:
«se fija el Salario Mínimo Nacional en $ 24.572»
In English: the National Minimum Wage is set at $24,572
MTSS — National Minimum Wage 2026https://www.gub.uy/ministerio-trabajo-seguridad-social/comunicacion/noticias/salario-minimo-nacional-24572-desde-1o-enero-2026It rises again in July
The same decree set a second adjustment: from 1 July 2026 an additional 3.3% increase applies, taking the SMN to $25,383 nominal per month.
Per day and per hour
For jobs paid by the day or the hour, the monthly SMN is divided: by 25 for the daily wage and by 200 for the hourly value.
Your pay is usually higher
Note: the SMN is only the absolute floor. Most activities have their own minimum wage by category, set in the Consejos de Salarios (wage councils), almost always above the SMN. If you're an employee, check your sector's award. The collective-bargaining framework is Law 10,449:
Law No. 10,449 (Wage Councils) — Parliamenthttps://parlamento.gub.uy/documentosyleyes/leyes/ley/10449At a glance
| Item | 2026 value |
|---|---|
| SMN from January | $24,572 / month |
| SMN from July | $25,383 / month |
| Daily wage | SMN ÷ 25 |
| Hourly value | SMN ÷ 200 |
In short: the 2026 national minimum wage is $24,572 (January) and $25,383 (July). It's the legal floor; your sector minimum is usually higher. Check your payslip against your wage council's award.