On October 8, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security website published the minimum wage standards for all provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities across the country (as of October 1, 2026).

In terms of monthly minimum wage standards, Shanghai ranks first nationwide with a standard of 2,740 yuan; in terms of hourly minimum wage standards, Beijing ranks first nationwide with a standard of 27.7 yuan.

Among them, Anhui Province's first-tier monthly minimum wage standard is 2,320 yuan, and the first-tier hourly minimum wage standard is 23 yuan.

What is the minimum wage standard?

The minimum wage standard refers to the minimum labor remuneration that an employer is legally required to pay under the premise that a worker has provided normal labor within statutory working hours or within the working hours agreed upon in a legally signed labor contract. It generally takes two forms: the monthly minimum wage standard and the hourly minimum wage standard.

If a worker has provided normal labor within statutory working hours or within the working hours agreed upon in a legally signed labor contract, and the wages paid by the employer to the worker are below the locally published minimum wage standard, this constitutes an illegal act.

If a worker fails to provide normal labor during statutory working hours or during the working hours agreed upon in a legally signed labor contract due to personal reasons, then the minimum wage standard payment provisions do not apply to their wages.

Does the minimum wage standard include social insurance premiums and overtime pay?

According to the Provisions on Minimum Wages, under the condition that a worker provides normal labor, the wages that an employer should pay to the worker must not be lower than the local minimum wage standard after excluding the following items: (1) wages for extended working hours; (2) allowances for special working environments and conditions such as middle shifts, night shifts, high temperatures, low temperatures, underground work, and toxic or harmful conditions; (3) welfare benefits for workers as stipulated by laws, regulations, and national provisions.

Many regions stipulate that the minimum wage standard includes the basic pension insurance, medical insurance, unemployment insurance, housing provident fund, and other expenses paid by the worker personally.

How can workers defend their rights if an employer violates the regulations?

If an employer violates the minimum wage standard payment regulations, workers can report and complain to the local human resources and social security department, or apply for mediation, arbitration, or file a lawsuit in accordance with the law.