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Mexico Average Salary for 2024

The average monthly salary in Mexico in 2024 is about USD $883, and the average yearly salary is approximately USD $10,696.

Key Takeaways

  • Mexico’s average salary is influenced by a complex set of economic factors.
  • Variations in salary are observed across different regions and sectors within Mexico.
  • Education and work experience play significant roles in determining individual salaries.

Average Salary in Mexico

The average salary figures in Mexico vary across regions, with some cities and sectors reporting higher compensation than others. This section offers a closer look at the median salary nationwide, typical monthly earnings, and the average annual salary increase.

Median Salary Across the Country

The median salary serves as a valuable indicator of the middle-point of the pay scale in a country, with half of all workers earning less and the other half earning more. In Mexico, differences in pay are noticeable when comparing urban areas to rural regions. For example, a report by Statista indicates that Baja California has one of the highest average monthly salaries among Mexican states.

Average Monthly Salary

On average, Mexican workers earn widely salaries depending on their occupation and location within the country. According to 2022 data, some states reported higher numbers, such as Baja California’s approximation of 18,000 MXN monthly. The Time Doctor blog detailed the variations in significant cities, pointing out that salaries in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey are typically higher than in other regions.

Average Annual Salary Increase

Workers in Mexico experience an average salary increase indicative of economic trends and inflation adjustments. For 2023, this increase was estimated to be around 3% across various job sectors, as highlighted in a comprehensive overview by Mint Salary. This growth rate mirrors global average increments, showing that Mexico’s salary trends are keeping pace with broader economic patterns.

Minimum Wage Policies

The minimum wage in Mexico is a crucial economic indicator that reflects government policy and regional economic conditions. The federal government sets these wages to ensure a baseline standard for workers nationwide.

Daily Minimum Wage

For 2023, Mexico set the general daily minimum wage at MXN 207.44. This shows a significant increase of 20%, up from the 2022 rate. In the Northern Border Zone, a particular economic area, the daily minimum is even higher, standing at MXN 312.41 to account for the cost of living differences and economic activity in that region. The Mexperience website offers a detailed view of these changes.

Salary Comparison by Region

Wages in Mexico can vary widely from one region to another. For instance, the average salary in large metropolitan areas such as Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey typically averages around MXN 44,600. In contrast, in tourist areas like Cancun, the average is approximately MXN 38,900. These discrepancies highlight the importance of considering local economic conditions when discussing wages. 

Salary by Sector

Salaries in Mexico vary significantly across different sectors, each offering a unique range of incomes depending on skill level, demand, and economic contribution.

Manufacturing Industry

In the manufacturing industry, a worker’s income can be affected by their specific role and the type of manufacturing they’re involved in. On average, incomes here trend lower compared to the U.S., with factory workers making approximately USD 4.90/hour. This industry often includes both skilled and unskilled labor, contributing to the broad salary range within the sector.

Service Industry

The service industry, which encompasses customer service and hospitality roles, can offer a wide salary range. Salaries are influenced by location, service type, and customer interaction level. For instance, the average income in urban centers like Mexico City may be higher due to increased cost of living and service demand.

Transportation Sector

Salaries in the transportation sector reflect the essential nature of these jobs. The range of employment covers various positions, from drivers to logistical support. Transport workers’ compensation is determined by factors such as type of transport, distance covered, and the goods or individuals being transported.

Technology Sector

In the rapidly growing technology sector, salaries are typically higher, reflecting the specialized skills required. IT professionals benefit from the growing demand for tech solutions in Mexico. Salary ranges here can also be broad, with entry-level technicians earning differently from highly experienced software developers or IT project managers.

Income Disparities

In Mexico, income disparities are evident through a persistent gender wage gap and distinctive earnings across different income percentiles. Salary data fundamentally reflects these inequalities among the working population.

Gender Wage Gap

The gender wage gap in Mexico is a significant aspect of income disparities. In some sectors, men earn considerably more than women for comparable jobs. A glaring example of this is in the information and mass media sector, where for every 100 Mexican pesos earned by a man, a woman earns substantially less for the same position, indicating pronounced income inequality between genders. This disparity underscores the prevalent issues of gender-based income inequality within the country’s labor market (Mexico: gender pay gap by sector 2022).

Income Percentiles

When assessing the income percentiles, the division of earnings in Mexico showcases stark contrasts. As of 2021, the bottom 50 percent of income earners, including those earning below the median, earned only a modest sum on average when adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP). This further elucidates the wide economic rift between different socioeconomic groups within Mexico, with a substantial portion of the population earning less than the median income level (Income by percentile Mexico 2021).

Salary Determinants

Various factors heavily influence earnings in Mexico, with education, experience, and the nature of one’s occupation playing pivotal roles in determining salary levels.

Education and Earnings

In Mexico, an individual’s education level is closely linked to earning potential. Individuals holding higher education degrees often earn more than those without such qualifications. For instance, employees with a university degree can expect to earn significantly more than those who have only completed secondary education. According to the data, an individual with tertiary education could see a salary increase of over 50% compared to someone without.

Experience and Years of Service

Experience and years of service also dictate salary outcomes in the Mexican job market. Generally, the more years an individual has worked in a particular field, the higher their earnings. Employees classified as senior professionals or those who have advanced to executive levels tend to have a higher salary than their junior counterparts, reflecting the added value of their experience.

Occupation and Responsibilities

The type of occupation and the responsibilities it entails are critical factors in salary determination. For example, jobs in the technology and finance sectors tend to command higher salaries than those in other fields due to the specialized skills required. Conversely, occupations with fewer requirements or responsibilities may offer lower compensation levels. Those with strategic leadership roles or complex job responsibilities also attract higher salaries.

Regional Salary Variations

In Mexico, the disparity in earnings between various regions can be substantial. Factors contributing to these variations include industrial development, cost of living, and economic opportunities often concentrated in urban areas and specific states.

Urban vs Rural Salary Differences

Urban areas in Mexico typically offer higher average wages than rural regions. The concentration of industries and services in cities drives up the labor demand, which can lead to higher salaries. For example, technology and finance sectors based in metropolitan areas significantly outpace the earnings of those in agriculture-dominant rural zones.

Notable Regional Variances

Certain states and cities within Mexico exhibit noticeable differences in average income. States bordering the United States, such as Baja California, report a higher monthly average wage, reaching approximately 18,000 Mexican pesos. Moreover, the capital city of Mexico has a higher salary scale than the rest of the country, mirroring the economic activity and job opportunities. Cities with high tourism influx, like Cancun, also experience elevated salaries, reflecting the lucrative nature of the tourism industry. The salary explorer provides a comprehensive overview of how salaries vary across different careers and regions within Mexico.

Additional Compensation

When considering the overall remuneration for employees in Mexico, it is essential to look beyond the base salary. Additional compensation, such as overtime, commissions, and benefits, play a significant role in an individual’s earnings.

Overtime and Commissions

Employees in Mexico may receive overtime pay if they work beyond their standard working hours. Overtime is typically paid at a higher rate, often double the regular hourly wage for any hours worked past the norm. In specific sectors, commissions form a substantial part of compensation, with sales positions frequently offering commission structures that significantly bolster earnings based on performance.

Benefits and Vacation

New Mexico employers must offer certain benefits, which often include health insurance and a retirement savings plan. Housing allowances or subsidies are also sometimes provided, especially with expatriate or high-level positions. Employees are entitled to a vacation period and the amount of vacation time increases with the length of service at a company.

Salary Negotiation Practices

Effective salary negotiation is critical for employees to receive fair compensation for their roles and qualifications. Employers expect candidates to negotiate their salary and additional benefits. Prospective employees often discuss the base salary and other forms of compensation, such as bonuses or benefits, during the hiring process. Employers often leave room for negotiation in their initial pay offers.

In Mexico, additional compensation is vital to an individual’s total earning potential. Awareness of the typical practices around overtime, commissions, and benefits can help employees and employers navigate salary discussions effectively.

Educational Influence on Salary

In Mexico, as in many countries, an individual’s education level significantly impacts their earning potential. Salaries tend to increase with the advancement of educational qualifications, mirroring the global trend that sees education as a catalyst for economic mobility.

High School Diploma: Individuals with a high school diploma often engage in entry-level jobs. These positions are typically at the lower end of the salary spectrum. For example, a customer support position may pay around 15,319 MXN monthly.

College Education: Entering the workforce with a college degree can improve earning prospects. Some technical and skilled roles requiring a college degree might offer better compensation than jobs requiring only a high school education.

Bachelor’s Degree: When individuals hold a bachelor’s degree, a significant jump in salary is often observed. For instance, professionals like software engineers earning about 30,000 MXN monthly have invested in undergraduate studies.

Advanced Degrees: Those with master’s degrees or Ph.D. credentials can expect even higher salaries, reflecting the specialized knowledge and skills acquired. Advanced degrees increase competitiveness in the job market, leading to positions that often command higher wages due to the expertise required.

Education LevelComparison by Salary
High SchoolEntry-level positions with a lower salary range
CollegeSkilled/technical roles, moderate salary
Bachelor’sProfessional roles, higher salary
Master’s/Ph.D.Specialized roles, potentially the highest salary

Individuals who have invested in education beyond a bachelor’s, particularly in majors with a high demand, such as those in the STEM fields, often have an even more significant salary advantage. The correlation between advanced degrees and higher salaries is clear when considering roles such as IT managers who command a monthly average wage of 40,000 MXN, which indicates this trend.

Work Experience Impact

Work experience significantly influences an individual’s salary in Mexico. As employees amass years of experience, they often observe a corresponding increase in their compensation. Here’s how experience levels typically affect salary:

  • Starting Salary: Entry-level positions command a lower salary due to limited experience. New entrants to the job market should anticipate a starting salary governed by industry standards and minimum wage regulations.

  • Incremental Growth: As one gains experience, the salary often sees a natural progression. For instance, individuals with two to five years of experience may see modest salary increments reflective of their growing expertise.

  • Years of Experience: Those with significant experience, typically over ten years, can expect a more substantial salary increase. Seasoned professionals possess valuable industry insights and skills that justify higher compensation.

Salary Increment Percentage:

  • 1-5 Years: The salary increment percentage for employees with one to five years of experience might be moderate.
  • 5-10 Years: A higher increment percentage is often observed for those who have reached the mid-career stage, with five to ten years of experience.
  • 10+ Years: Employees with over ten years of work history can negotiate for a sizeable increase, reflecting their seasoned expertise and industry knowledge.

In summary, a worker’s salary in Mexico will likely grow with each added year of work, aligning with the value and skills they bring to their employers.

Employment and Salary Trends

In Mexico, the employment landscape has exhibited a steady increase in both the workforce size and salary figures. Mexican workers have seen a progressive change in their earning potential, particularly since the upward movement in wages from earlier in the decade.

Working Conditions
The working conditions in Mexico vary significantly across industries. However, a concerted effort has been made to improve labor laws and working conditions, which inevitably impact salaries.

Salary Data
Recent salary data suggests that there has been a consistent rise in wages. According to research, a Mexican worker’s average annual salary was reported to be around 399,000 MXN (Time Doctor).

Hourly Wage
The hourly wage in Mexico is tied closely to the minimum wage policies and has seen increments over recent years. However, there is still a significant gap when compared to international standards.

Median Salary
The median salary in Mexico provides an insightful glimpse into the average earning power of the workforce. As of 2023, the median has improved, reflecting the country’s economic development.

Salary Increment Percentage
Regarding annual salary increments, Mexican employees have witnessed salary increment percentages that speak favorably about the country’s economic health. Employers often determine these increments based on various factors, including market research and individual performance.

Pay Scale
The pay scale in Mexico is influenced by various factors, from geographical location to individual sectors, with specific industries experiencing higher wages than others. This variation underscores the necessity of comprehensive data to understand the full scope of Mexico’s employment and salary trends.

Collectively, these indicators offer a professional perspective on the financial trajectory of Mexico’s workforce.

Milly is an international lawyer and tech entrepreneur who has advised companies on expanding globally for over 5 years. She is an advocate of remote hiring and regularly consults on future of work matters. Milly founded RemotePad to help employers learn more about building and growing international teams.

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