Mexico is attracting more and more people who want to settle there, particularly because of its cost of living, which is often considered affordable compared to Europe or North America. However, it is essential to understand local salary levels before moving there, investing there, or working there.
The concept of average wages in Mexico is often a source of debate, particularly when compared to North American or European standards. The disparities remain significant, and the COVID-19 pandemic has further weakened the labor market, with a direct impact on wages and employment conditions.
It is also important to clearly distinguish between the minimum wage and the average wage:
- The minimum wage is the legally mandated minimum amount that an employer must pay.
- The average wage represents the average of the earnings received by workers over a given period.
In this guide, discover key statistics on salaries in Mexico, as well as an overview of compensation in several high-demand industries.
What is the average salary in Mexico?
As in most countries, wages in Mexico vary widely depending on several factors:
- The Profession
- The Experience
- Job Type
- Hours
- The City
- The Company
The statutory minimum wage serves as a benchmark, but it does not, on its own, reflect the reality of the labor market.
According to the Mexican Ministry of Labor, effective January 1, 2021, the minimum wage was increased by 15% to:
- 141.7 Mexican pesos per day
- That's about 7.13 USD per day
Using this minimum wage as a baseline, several recruitment agencies and specialized platforms estimate the average salary to be approximately:
- 427.25 MXN per day
- That is, approximately 21.49 USD
This amounts to approximately:
- 9,405 MXN per month (nearly 470 USD)
- 112,860 MXN per year (nearly 5,655 USD)
The increase in the minimum wage in early 2021 helped boost average earnings in the formal sector.
However, a large part of the Mexican economy remains informal.
According to data reported by Data Mexico:
- The average wage in informal jobs is reportedly about 4,550 MXN
- Approximately 28.4% of the population is believed to be engaged in informal or unspecified work
What is the average salary for the most in-demand jobs in Mexico?
With the growth of remote work and digitalization, several sectors are experiencing strong demand in Mexico.
1. Healthcare workers
Medical and paramedical staff remain in particularly high demand.
In particular, the country lacks:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- From lab technicians
- Hospital staff
The average salary in this sector generally ranges from:
- Between 8,000 and 12,000 MXN per month
2. Software Developers
The digital transformation of Mexican companies has significantly increased the demand for developers.
The candidates we are seeking will work primarily on:
- Web Applications
- In-house software
- Digital platforms
- Online Services
The average salary for these positions is approximately:
- 14,000 MXN per month
3. Digital Marketing
Digital marketing is one of the fastest-growing sectors.
In particular, companies are looking for:
- Marketing analysts
- Content creators
- Community Managers
- Digital Project Managers
- SEO and social media specialists
The observed compensation levels generally range between:
- Between 6,000 and 12,000 MXN per month
4. Customer Service
The growth of e-commerce has increased the need for customer service.
Companies are hiring candidates with the following qualifications:
- To support users
- To answer questions
- To handle customer requests
- To provide sales follow-up
Salaries in this sector generally range from:
- 6,000 to 9,000 MXN per month
Salaries and Quality of Life in Mexico
As is the case everywhere in the world, wage levels have a direct impact on quality of life.
According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the average quality of life in Mexico is estimated at:
- 6.5 out of 10
Among the main points that come up regularly are:
- The security level
- The crime rate
- Purchasing Power
Despite this, several regions in Mexico continue to attract expatriates thanks to:
- Cost of Living
- On the climate
- Gastronomy
- The country's cultural richness
Conclusion
The average salary in Mexico remains below European or North American standards, but it must be analyzed in light of the local cost of living and the country’s significant economic disparities.
The healthcare, digital technology, and customer service sectors currently offer some of the best job opportunities.
Before working or moving to Mexico, it is essential to compare salary levels with the actual cost of living in the target region.
