Mexico: jobs and pay

How many Mexicans work in the informal sector?

Mexico's labour informality rate was 55.0% in August 2026, according to INEGI's ENOE employment indicators of 25 September 2026. It was 54.8% in August 2025.

Labour informality covers people working without social security or legal protection, whether in unregistered businesses or as unprotected workers in formal firms, households or farms. Because more than half of workers fall in this group, the unemployment rate alone, 3.0% in August 2026, gives a limited picture of Mexico's labour market.

Official sources: INEGI: ENOE employment indicators, August 2026 (PDF)

How many formal jobs are registered with IMSS?

22,927,276 jobs were registered with the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) on 30 September 2026, the highest on record, according to IMSS release 539/2026. 128,803 jobs were added in September, 410,200 so far in 2026 and 355,594 over 12 months, an annual rise of 1.6%.

87.1% of registered jobs were permanent and 12.9% temporary. The average daily contribution wage was MX$666.0 in September 2026. IMSS figures count formal private-sector jobs registered for social security, so they leave out informal work and most public employees.

Official sources: IMSS: jobs registered, September 2026

What is the underemployment rate in Mexico?

Mexico's underemployment rate was 7.0% of employed people in August 2026, according to INEGI's ENOE employment indicators. The economically active population was 62.6 million, 1.3 million more than a year earlier, and the participation rate was 59.3%.

Underemployed people are those who have a job but need and are available to work more hours. INEGI also publishes a rate of critical employment conditions, based on hours and pay measured in minimum wages, which was 37.8% in August 2026.

Official sources: INEGI: ENOE employment indicators, August 2026 (PDF)

What is the retirement age in Mexico?

Under Mexico's Social Security Law, an IMSS-insured worker is entitled to an old-age (vejez) pension at 65, with at least 1,000 weekly contributions recognised by the IMSS, according to article 162, which was amended in December 2020. A worker who stops working from age 60 can claim the early-retirement (cesantía en edad avanzada) pension under article 154.

The law text published by the Chamber of Deputies shows the latest reform as 15 January 2026; its transitional articles should be checked for the rules that apply in a given year. Public employees are covered by the separate ISSSTE system, which has its own rules. Pensions for workers in the individual account system depend on what is saved in their retirement fund.

Official sources: Chamber of Deputies: Social Security Law (PDF)

What share of Mexicans are in the labour force?

59.3% of Mexicans aged 15 and over were in the labour force in August 2026, either working or looking for work, according to INEGI's ENOE employment indicators. The rate was 58.8% in August 2025.

INEGI's 2025 intercensal survey, which uses people aged 12 and over, found that 55 in 100 took part in economic activity: 41.0% of women and 70.6% of men (EIC 2025 results). The gap between women and men is one of the main features of Mexico's labour market.

Official sources: INEGI: ENOE employment indicators, August 2026 (PDF) · INEGI: Intercensal Survey 2025 (PDF)

What is Mexico's minimum wage?

According to the ILO, the statutory minimum wage in Mexico was 6,467 MXN a month (about $353) in 2024. That is the highest since at least 2012.

What is the average monthly salary in Mexico?

The ILO puts average monthly earnings of employees in Mexico at $551 a month in 2025. That is the highest since at least 2012. Latin America & Caribbean median: $523 a month; Mexico is 6th highest of 14. Of 57 countries with 2025 data, 40th highest.

What is Mexico's unemployment rate?

In 2025, the unemployment rate in Mexico was 2.7%, according to the ILO. No year since 2005 has been lower. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 6.0%, and Mexico placed 27th highest of 29. World rank, highest first: 148th of 174.

What is youth unemployment in Mexico?

In 2025, unemployment among 15 to 24 year olds in Mexico was 5.7%, according to the ILO. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 14.0%, and Mexico placed 26th highest of 29. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 144th highest.

What is the labour force participation rate in Mexico?

According to the ILO, the labour force participation rate in Mexico was 61.6% in 2025. The peak was 61.7% in 2023 and the low 56.4% in 2020. Latin America & Caribbean median: 63.4%; Mexico is 20th highest of 29. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 90th highest.

What share of women in Mexico are in the labour force?

According to the ILO, the labour force participation rate for women in Mexico was 47.5% in 2025. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 21st highest of 29 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 52.5%. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 121st highest.

What is the employment rate in Mexico?

In 2025, the employment to population ratio in Mexico was 60.0%, according to the ILO. Since 2005 it has ranged from 53.9% (2020) to 60.0% (2023). It is 14th highest of 29 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 59.4%. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 73rd highest.

How many workers in Mexico are self-employed or family workers?

The ILO puts the share of workers who are own-account or contributing family workers in Mexico at 25.3% in 2025. The peak was 28.7% in 2005 and the low 25.0% in 2018. Latin America & Caribbean median: 29.8%; Mexico is 18th highest of 29. Worldwide: 100th of 174.

How many people in Mexico are employees?

According to the ILO, the share of workers who are paid employees in Mexico was 69.2% in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2017, at 70.3%; its low point was 2005, at 66.3%. It is 13th highest of 29 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 64.8%. World rank, highest first: 80th of 174.