
In France, the minimum wage, known as SMIC (Salaire Minimum Interprofessionnel de Croissance), is adjusted every year, typically changing on January 1st. However, this did not happen this year. The minimum wage will remain at the level set on November 1, 2024.
A recent increase in the minimum wage by the government exceeded the inflation rate used to calculate required increases, so the wage could not be raised again with the new year.
The minimum wage in France follows the principle of “equal pay for equal work,” meaning discrimination based on gender, age, or other factors is prohibited.
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What is the minimum wage in France in 2025?
The current monthly minimum wage in France is €1,801.80 gross, which equals €1,426.30 net. The hourly minimum wage is €11.88 gross. As mentioned earlier, this rate applies from November 1, 2024, and is calculated based on a standard 35-hour workweek.
The minimum wage was raised from €1,766.92 gross per month and €11.65 gross per hour. In 2023, the monthly minimum wage was €1,747.20 gross, and the hourly wage was €11.52 gross. In 2022 – €1,678.95, €11.07; in 2021 – €1,589.47, €10.48; in 2020 – €1,539.42, €10.15.
Who is subject to the minimum wage?
Workers in any industry cannot be paid less than the statutory minimum wage. These regulations apply not only to French companies but also to Polish companies (e.g., recruitment agencies) that send their employees to work in France.
The amount of €1,801.80 gross is the statutory minimum wage, which applies to employees over the age of 18, regardless of the type of work, and employers cannot pay their employees less than this wage.
However, young people under the age of 17 receive lower rates than the statutory minimum wage.
Part-time workers cannot receive wages lower than the hourly national minimum wage.
Working Hours in France
According to French law, the maximum working hours in any company are 35 hours per week, with a maximum of 10 hours per working day. A minimum rest period of 11 hours is required between two consecutive working days, and a break lasting at least 20 minutes is mandatory after 6 hours of work.
Payroll Contributions
- Employer contributions include various social security contributions, including pension, health insurance, unemployment insurance, workplace accidents, and others. The total employer contribution burden typically ranges from 31.56% to 54.11% of the employee’s salary, depending on the industry, type of employment, and salary level.
- Employee contributions include health insurance, pension, unemployment contributions, and others. The total cost of employee contributions typically amounts to about 30.23% of the gross salary.
- Personal income tax in France is calculated based on progressive rates. The rates can range from 0% to 45%, depending on the income. Additionally, factors such as family status (e.g., number of children) and spouse’s income can affect the tax rate.
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