Minimum Wage in Argentina: Rates, Trends & Compliance

What Is the Minimum Wage in Argentina?

The minimum wage in Argentina is set by the National Minimum Wage Council (Consejo Nacional del Salario Mínimo, Vital y Móvil).

As of January 2026, Argentina's minimum wage rates are as follows:

• National Monthly Minimum Wage: ARS 341,000This is the statutory minimum wage applicable to all workers nationwide.
• Hourly Minimum Wage: Approximately ARS 1,705, based on the standard legal work schedule.

These rates are part of a new series of scheduled increases approved for 2026, with monthly adjustments running from January through August 2026. Under the current schedule, the minimum wage increases as follows:

• January 2026: ARS 341,000 per month
• February 2026: ARS 346,800 per month
• March 2026: ARS 352,400 per month
• April 2026: ARS 357,800 per month
• May 2026: ARS 363,000 per month
• June 2026: ARS 367,800 per month
• July 2026: ARS 372,400 per month
• August 2026: ARS 376,600 per month (latest scheduled increase)

These adjustments reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to respond to inflation and preserve workers’ purchasing power. However, despite the increases, the real value of the minimum wage continues to be significantly impacted by Argentina’s high inflation rates, and it remains well below estimated living wage levels.

Minimum Wage in Argentina Based on Region

The national minimum wage applies across Argentina, but there are also collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) that set specific minimum wages for various industries or regions. The collective agreements may set higher wages depending on the sector.

Average vs Reasonable vs Typical Minimum Wages

When discussing wages in Argentina, it’s important to distinguish between the statutory minimum wage, the income required to meet basic living costs, and the wages typically paid in practice. High inflation and sectoral differences mean these figures can vary significantly.

Average Minimum Wage: This is the official, government-set minimum wage, decided by the National Minimum Wage Council (Consejo Nacional del Salario Mínimo, Vital y Móvil). In 2026, the minimum wage starts at ARS 341,000 per month in January and gradually increases to ARS 376,600 per month by August. This is the legal wage floor that applies across the country.

Reasonable Minimum Wage: A “reasonable” minimum wage looks at whether someone can realistically cover basic living costs like food, rent, transportation, and healthcare. In Argentina, this number is much higher than the legal minimum. For 2026, estimates of a living or reasonable wage are over ARS 1,200,000 per month, which shows just how wide the gap is – largely because of ongoing inflation.

Typical Minimum Wage: The typical minimum wage reflects what workers usually earn in practice, which often depends on the industry and location. Many jobs pay more than the legal minimum, especially in sectors like technology, finance, and professional services, where wages are pushed up by demand, skills, and collective agreements. On the other hand, lower-paid or informal sectors tend to sit much closer to the statutory minimum.

How Does Minimum Wage Apply to Different Workers in Argentina?

In Argentina, the minimum wage applies to most employees, but there are variations based on employment type.

Full-Time Employee Wages

Full-time employees are entitled to the full statutory minimum wage, which ranges from ARS 341,000 per month as of January 2026 and increases to ARS 376,600 per month by August 2026, in line with the government’s scheduled adjustments.

Part-Time Employee Wages

Part-time employees are entitled to wages that are proportional to the minimum wage for full-time workers, based on the hours they work. This means that part-time workers will earn a fraction of the full minimum wage depending on their working hours.

Interns and Trainees

Interns and trainees in Argentina may not be entitled to the minimum wage if they are working as part of a formal internship or training agreement. However, stipends or a reduced wage may be provided, especially in the case of internships required for educational purposes.

Expats

Expatriates working in Argentina are also entitled to the national minimum wage. However, some exemptions may apply depending on the employment contract or industry-specific regulations, particularly for highly skilled expatriates working under international agreements.

Minimum Wage for Top Paying Roles in Argentina

While Argentina has a national minimum wage, it’s mostly a legal safety net. For higher-paying roles, actual salaries are usually driven by market demand, skills, and industry standards – and they tend to sit well above the minimum wage. Here’s how that plays out for some top roles in practice:

   
• Chief Executive Officer (CEO): The minimum wage doesn’t really apply to CEOs, since executive compensation is negotiated individually. That said, it still matters indirectly for things like taxes and social security contributions. In 2026, CEOs in Argentina commonly earn ARS 3,000,000 to 8,000,000+ per month, depending on company size, sector, and whether the firm operates internationally.
• Doctors: In Argentina, Doctors earn far more than the minimum wage due to the level of training required and consistent demand for healthcare services. In 2026, doctors working in hospitals or private practices typically earn ARS 1,500,000 to 3,000,000 per month, with specialists and private practitioners often earning significantly more.
• Software Engineers: In tech, minimum wage laws are mostly irrelevant because salaries are set by market competition and skill level. As of 2026, software engineers in Argentina usually earn ARS 1,800,000 to 4,500,000+ per month, especially in roles tied to international clients, remote work, or high-demand technologies.