NGM: The minimum wage will increase by 11 percent in 2026, and the guaranteed minimum wage by 7 percent

As a result of the unanimous agreement of the government and the employee and employer interest groups, the minimum wage has increased by 11 percent, to 322,800 forints, while the guaranteed minimum wage has increased by 7 percent, increased to 373,200 forints – the statement said.

They added: thanks to the increase, those earning the minimum wage will receive a gross monthly income of approximately 32,000 forints, and skilled workers employed on the guaranteed minimum wage will receive a gross monthly income of 24,400 forints.

The government remains committed to continuously increasing wages, especially the lowest wages – they emphasized.

According to the statement, raising the minimum wage and the guaranteed minimum wage above inflation will not only increase the income of employees, but also have a significant impact on higher wages, contributing to further wage growth and strengthening the financial security of families. The combination of subdued inflation, tax cuts and January wage increases will ensure that real wages will continue to rise dynamically in 2026, especially among those with lower incomes.

They emphasized that the government has consistently supported raising minimum wages in recent years.

By way of comparison, they wrote: while the purchasing power of the minimum wage decreased during the socialist government, it doubled between 2010 and 2025. With the increase effective from January 1, 2026, the minimum wage has increased by 339 percent and the guaranteed minimum wage by 317 percent compared to 2010, meaning that both wage categories have more than tripled.

They pointed out that in parallel with the minimum wage increase, the amount of several social benefits will also increase, including jobseeker’s allowance, sick pay, Gyes and Gyed, and public employment wages will also increase.

“The government’s goal remains unchanged: in the next period, the minimum wage should reach 1,000 euros and the gross average salary should reach 1 million forints, strengthening the respect for those who live from work and the financial security of Hungarian families”

– the ministry wrote.