On October 8, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security published the minimum wage standards for all provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities across the country, with data current as of October 1, 2026.

In terms of the monthly minimum wage standard, Shanghai ranks first nationwide with a standard of 2,740 yuan. In terms of the hourly minimum wage standard, Beijing ranks first nationwide with a standard of 27.7 yuan.

What exactly is a minimum wage standard?

The minimum wage standard refers to the lowest labor remuneration that an employer is legally required to pay, provided that the worker has performed normal labor within statutory working hours or within the working hours stipulated in a labor contract signed in accordance with the law. It generally takes two forms: the monthly minimum wage standard and the hourly minimum wage standard.

If a worker has performed normal labor within statutory working hours or within the working hours stipulated in a labor contract signed in accordance with the law, and the employer pays the worker a wage below the locally published minimum wage standard, this constitutes an illegal act. If a worker fails to perform normal labor within statutory working hours or within the working hours stipulated in a labor contract signed in accordance with the law due to personal reasons, then the minimum wage standard payment provisions do not apply to that worker's wages.

Does the minimum wage standard include social insurance contributions and overtime pay?

According to the Provisions on Minimum Wages, when a worker performs normal labor, the wage that the employer should pay the worker must not fall below the local minimum wage standard after excluding the following items: (1) wages for extended working hours; (2) allowances for special working environments and conditions such as middle shifts, night shifts, high temperatures, low temperatures, underground work, and toxic or hazardous conditions; (3) welfare benefits for workers as stipulated by laws, regulations, and national provisions.

Many regions stipulate that the minimum wage standard includes the basic pension insurance, medical insurance, unemployment insurance, housing provident fund, and other expenses paid by the worker personally.

If an employer violates the regulations, how can workers protect their rights?

If an employer violates the minimum wage standard payment regulations, workers may report and complain to the local human resources and social security department, or apply for mediation, arbitration, or file a lawsuit in accordance with the law.