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The Argentina minimum wage 2026 was established through Resolución Nº 9/2025, issued by the Consejo Nacional del Empleo, la Productividad y el Salario Mínimo, Vital y Móvil under the Ministry of Labor, as published in the Boletín Oficial.
Effective January 1, 2026, Argentina’s Salario Mínimo Vital y Móvil (SMVM) follows a phased adjustment schedule extending through August 2026. The resolution outlines multiple scheduled increases, with defined monthly and hourly rates.
For global employers and HR leaders managing talent in Argentina, understanding the phased structure of the 2026 minimum wage framework is essential for compliant payroll planning and cost forecasting.
What Is the Argentina Minimum Wage in 2026?
As of January 1, 2026, the official minimum wage in Argentina is:
- ARS $341,000 per month (full-time employees)
- ARS $1,705 per hour
The wage gradually increases through scheduled monthly tranches until reaching:
- ARS $376,600 per month by August 1, 2026
- ARS $1,883 per hour
Phased Minimum Wage Adjustments in 2026
Argentina’s 2026 minimum wage follows a structured monthly tranche system, spanning from November 2025 through August 2026.
According to Resolución Nº 9/2025:
- The adjustment includes ten scheduled raises
- The schedule progresses incrementally each month
- The final tranche becomes effective August 1, 2026
- The total cumulative increase across the cycle is approximately 14.7%
Below is the structured overview:
| Effective Date | Monthly Wage (ARS) | Hourly Wage (ARS) |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 1, 2025 | $328,400 | $1,642 |
| Dec 1, 2025 | $334,800 | $1,674 |
| Jan 1, 2026 | $341,000 | $1,705 |
| Feb 1, 2026 | $346,800 | $1,734 |
| Mar 1, 2026 | $352,400 | $1,762 |
| Apr 1, 2026 | $357,800 | $1,789 |
| May 1, 2026 | $363,000 | $1,815 |
| Jun 1, 2026 | $367,800 | $1,839 |
| Jul 1, 2026 | $372,400 | $1,862 |
| Aug 1, 2026 | $376,600 | $1,883 |
This means employers must update payroll configurations multiple times within the year to remain compliant.
Unlike one-step annual adjustments common in other LATAM jurisdictions, Argentina’s approach requires active monitoring of each effective date.
Who Does the Minimum Wage Apply to in Argentina?
The Argentina minimum wage (SMVM) applies to:
- Employees working under formal local employment contracts
- Full-time registered workers
- Nationwide employment relationships
The SMVM is established at the national level, meaning it applies uniformly across all provinces.
It applies to registered employees and does not directly regulate independent contractors or freelance arrangements.
Employers must ensure that base salary payments meet or exceed the applicable minimum threshold for each effective date within the 2026 schedule.
Why the Argentina Minimum Wage 2026 Matters for Employers
The phased Argentina minimum wage 2026 impacts several core HR and payroll areas:
1. Payroll Configuration
Each scheduled tranche requires payroll recalibration to ensure employees remain above the statutory floor.
2. Social Security Contributions
Minimum wage levels can influence certain contribution bases and compliance thresholds under Argentine labor law.
3. Severance and Employment Calculations
Minimum wage levels may serve as references in statutory calculations or thresholds.
4. Union-Linked Adjustments
Collective bargaining agreements may incorporate SMVM benchmarks when structuring wage negotiations.
Because the 2026 increase spans multiple months, failure to apply each tranche correctly may expose employers to:
- Wage underpayment risks
- Labor inspections
- Back-payment obligations
- Administrative penalties
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Impact on Payroll, EOR & Hiring Decisions
The Argentina minimum wage 2026 introduces operational complexity for foreign companies hiring remote or local teams.
Key considerations include:
Salary Band Compression Risk
Incremental increases can narrow the gap between junior and mid-level roles, affecting compensation structures.
Multi-Tranche Payroll Adjustments
Monthly updates require precise payroll tracking systems.
Cost Forecasting Complexity
Phased adjustments must be incorporated into annual budgeting models.
Remote Workforce Impact
Foreign companies employing Argentine talent must integrate the wage calendar into global payroll systems.
For companies hiring or employing talent in Argentina, understanding how the Argentina minimum wage 2026 affects payroll configuration and total employment costs is essential for compliant expansion.
Compliance Considerations for Foreign Companies
Argentina is known for frequent regulatory adjustments and wage reviews.
In 2026, employers must manage:
- Scheduled multi-month increases
- Inflation-sensitive wage policy environment
- Risks of misapplying effective dates
- Continuous compliance monitoring
Because the schedule spans from late 2025 through August 2026, companies onboarding talent mid-year must verify the correct applicable rate at the time of hire.
An Employer of Record (EOR) model can help ensure:
- Timely application of each tranche
- Accurate payroll processing
- Ongoing legal monitoring
- Reduced compliance exposure
Final Considerations
Argentina’s 2026 minimum wage framework reflects a structured, phased adjustment model that requires active compliance management.
For global HR leaders and finance teams, integrating the full adjustment calendar into payroll planning is essential to avoid underpayment exposure.
How Serviap Global Supports Compliant Hiring in Argentina
With over 15 years of experience across LATAM, Serviap Global supports companies expanding into Argentina through:
- Employer of Record (EOR) services
- Contractor of Record solutions
- Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO)
- Visa & Immigration support
Our team ensures that all scheduled minimum wage adjustments are implemented correctly within payroll systems, reducing compliance risk for international employers.
FAQs – Argentina Minimum Wage 2026
1. What is the Argentina minimum wage in 2026?
As of January 1, 2026, it is ARS $341,000 per month (ARS $1,705 hourly), increasing to ARS $376,600 per month (ARS $1,883 hourly) by August 1, 2026
2. Is the increase phased?
Yes. Resolución Nº 9/2025 establishes ten scheduled raises from November 2025 through August 2026
3. Does it apply nationwide?
Yes. The Salario Mínimo Vital y Móvil applies nationally across Argentina.
4. Does it affect severance calculations?
The SMVM may serve as a reference in certain statutory thresholds or employment-related calculations.
5. Are additional increases expected in 2026?
The official resolution establishes scheduled increases through August 2026. Any further adjustments would require a new resolution.
