Minimum Wage in France: Rates, Trends & Compliance

What Is the Minimum Wage in France?

As of January 1, 2026, France’s minimum wage – known as the Salaire Minimum Interprofessionnel de Croissance (SMIC) – is set at €12.02 per hour (gross). For a full-time employee working the standard 35-hour workweek, this equates to a gross monthly salary of €1,823.03. After deductions for social contributions, the net monthly minimum wage is estimated at approximately €1,443.11.

In U.S. dollars – using an early-2026 exchange rate of roughly €1 ≈ $1.18 USD – this corresponds to about $14.20 per hour and $2,150 per month, though actual amounts may vary depending on exchange-rate fluctuations.

How Does Minimum Wage Apply to Different Workers in France?

The application of the minimum wage in France varies across different categories of workers, including full-time employees, part-time employees, interns and trainees, and expatriates.

Full-Time Employee Wages

Full-time employees are entitled to the standard minimum wage of €12.02 per hour. However, certain industries may have collective bargaining agreements that set higher minimum wages based on factors such as qualifications and job responsibilities.

Part-Time Employee Wages

Part-time employees are entitled to the same hourly minimum wage as full-time employees, ensuring equal pay for equal work. Their total compensation is proportional to the number of hours worked.

Interns and Trainees

Interns in France are not classified as employees and therefore do not receive a salary. Instead, they are entitled to a financial compensation known as gratification minimale. As of January 1, 2026, the legal minimum is €4.50 per hourfor internships lasting more than two months (over 308 hours). Public organizations must pay at least this amount, while private organizations may offer higher compensation under collective agreements.

Expatriates

Expatriates working in France are subject to the same minimum wage laws as local employees. There is no different minimum wage for foreigners in France.

Factors Influencing Minimum Wage in France

France’s minimum wage – known as the SMIC – isn’t a fixed number that stays the same year after year. While it sets a national floor for pay, several factors influence how it’s applied and how often it’s adjusted, helping ensure wages keep up with real-world economic conditions.

Industry-Specific Variations

Although the SMIC establishes the legal minimum, many industries pay more. Collective bargaining agreements (conventions collectives) often set higher minimum wages depending on the role, required qualifications, or level of experience. In sectors facing skills shortages or higher demand, employers frequently offer wages above the SMIC to attract talent.

Economic Conditions

To protect workers’ purchasing power, the SMIC is tied to inflation. When the cost of living rises, the minimum wage can increase automatically. This helps ensure that minimum-wage earners aren’t disproportionately affected by price increases.

Government Policies and Legislation

The French government reviews the SMIC every year, with a scheduled adjustment on January 1 and the option to introduce additional increases if economic conditions warrant it. In January 2026, the SMIC was revalued in line with inflation and broader wage trends to help maintain living standards.

Minimum Wage History and Trends in France

France’s minimum wage – the SMIC – is regularly adjusted to reflect economic conditions and government policy. In January 2024, the gross hourly SMIC stood at €11.65, before rising to €11.88 in November 2024 following an exceptional inflation-linked increase.

It was subsequently revalued again on January 1, 2026, bringing the gross hourly rate to €12.02. These increases highlight the government’s ongoing effort to protect workers’ purchasing power amid rising living costs.

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