Chile’s Government Highlights Historic Minimum Wage Increase and Economic Growth Potential

El Ciudadano

Original article: «Es posible crecer económicamente mientras mejoramos la calidad de vida de las familias trabajadoras»: Gobierno destacó alza histórica del sueldo mínimo

The administration of President Gabriel Boric showcased the historic increase in the minimum wage, effective from January 2026, through its social media platforms.

«The minimum wage, which was $350,000 in May 2022, will rise to $539,000, marking a record cycle of wage increases,» officials from La Moneda stated.

«This demonstrates that it is possible to achieve economic growth while enhancing the quality of life for working families,» added a post published on the government’s account on platform X, highlighting that «this achievement results from social dialogue and the agreements developed collaboratively, reflecting the approach that defines and strengthens the work of the Government of Chile.»

Minister Camila Vallejo emphasized that «as of January 1, the minimum wage has risen to $539,000; pensions will also see an increase thanks to the rise in the Guaranteed Minimum Income for 1.2 million pensioners and due to life expectancy adjustments for 950,000 women; in April, the workweek will be reduced to 42 hours, and due to the Mining Royalty and the copper boom, the state is projected to receive additional revenues of at least $2.6 billion, according to estimates.»

Vallejo also noted that «inflation has reached 3.4%, its lowest level in four years; we have achieved the lowest country risk in 18 years and set record exports.»