Guangdong Province has officially announced an increase to its minimum wage standards, as detailed in a recent government notice. The new rates will take effect on September 1, 2026, applying to all full-time and part-time workers in the province. The adjustment introduces three distinct wage tiers based on regional economic conditions, with significant increases compared to the current levels.
Under the new classification, Guangzhou and Shenzhen fall into the top tier. The monthly minimum wage in Guangzhou is set at 2,680 yuan, while Shenzhen's rate is 2,700 yuan. For part-time workers in these cities, the hourly minimum wage is 25.4 yuan. The second tier, covering cities like Zhuhai, Foshan, Dongguan, and Zhongshan, adopts a monthly minimum of 2,300 yuan, with an hourly rate of 21.9 yuan for part-time positions. The third tier, applicable to 14 other cities including Shantou, Shaoguan, and Huizhou, sets the monthly minimum at 2,040 yuan, with an hourly rate of 20.2 yuan for part-time work.
The notice mandates that employers ensure all workers who provide normal labor receive at least the local minimum wage, paid on time and in full, without any deductions or unjustified delays. It also extends protections to workers in new forms of employment that may not fit traditional labor relationship definitions. Additionally, for piece-rate workers, wages must be calculated based on reasonable labor quotas and piece rates, ensuring the total pay meets or exceeds the applicable minimum wage standard.
Separately, the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region will adjust its minimum wage starting October 1, 2026. The new monthly minimums are set at three levels: 2,270 yuan, 2,080 yuan, and 1,930 yuan. Hourly rates for part-time workers in these tiers are 22.7 yuan, 20.8 yuan, and 19.3 yuan, respectively. These figures include the employee's share of social insurance premiums and housing fund contributions but exclude overtime pay, shift differentials, and special work environment allowances.
Guizhou Province has also finalized its minimum wage adjustments. The new monthly minimums are 2,130 yuan for the first-tier region, 1,980 yuan for the second-tier, and 1,890 yuan for the third-tier. For part-time workers, hourly minimums are set at 22.4 yuan, 20.8 yuan, and 19.8 yuan, respectively. These rates include the employee's social insurance and housing fund contributions but exclude overtime pay, special work condition subsidies, and other statutory benefits. The hourly rate for part-time work also includes the employer's contributions to basic pension and medical insurance.
These standards apply to all enterprises, individual economic organizations, private non-enterprise units, government agencies, institutions, social organizations, and the workers they employ within the respective regions. Labour authorities are tasked with monitoring compliance and taking action against any violations of the new wage regulations.