If you are looking for the minimum wage in India, you have arrived at a pivotal moment. As of late 2025, the landscape of salaries in India has shifted significantly with the implementation of the new Code on Wages, which officially replaced the old laws in November 2025.
For employees and employers alike, the big question isn't just "how much?" it's about understanding the "Floor Wage" set by the center and how each state adds its own cost-of-living adjustments.
Broadly speaking, the minimum wage in India per month for unskilled workers now ranges from roughly ₹10,000 in smaller states to over ₹18,000 in metro hubs like Delhi and Karnataka.
If you are a daily wager, the minimum wage in India per day is calculated simply: take the monthly rate and divide it by 26 (accounting for your weekly off).
Minimum Wage In All The States In India
| State | skill level | per day | per month |
| Karnataka | Highly Skilled | 552.17 | 14,356.29 |
| Skilled | 501.97 | 13,051.17 | |
| Semi-Skilled | 456.34 | 11,864.70 | |
| Andhra Pradesh | Highly Skilled | - | 13,713.30 |
| Semi-skilled | - | 13,081.45 | |
| Skilled | - | 13,688.98 | |
| Unskilled | - | 12,394.29 | |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Unskilled | 210.00 | 6,300.00 |
| Semi-Skilled | 220.00 | 6,600.00 | |
| Skilled | 230.00 | 6,900.00 | |
| Assam | Unskilled | 447.60 | 13,427.92 |
| Semi-skilled | 568.72 | 17,061.64 | |
| Skilled | 593.97 | 17,819.10 | |
| Highly Skilled Workers | 631.38 | 18,941.28 | |
| Bihar | Unskilled | 424.00 | 11,024.00 |
| Semi-Skilled | 440.00 | 11,440.00 | |
| Skilled | 536.00 | 13,936.00 | |
| Highly Skilled | 654.00 | 17,004.00 | |
| Chandigarh | Unskilled | 554.00 | 14,394.00 |
| Semi-skilled | 565.60 | 14,709.83 | |
| Highly Skilled | 571.39 | 14,857.04 | |
| skilled | 567.08 | 14,746.56 | |
| Chhattisgarh | Unskilled | 310.00 | 8,060.00 |
| Skilled | 365.00 | 9,490.00 | |
| Highly Skilled | 395.00 | 10,270.00 | |
| Semi-skilled | 335.00 | 8,710.00 | |
| Dadra and Nagar Haveli | Unskilled | 441.00 | 12,649.00 |
| Semi-Skilled | 452.00 | 12,935.00 | |
| Skilled | 462.00 | 13,195.00 | |
| Daman and Diu | Unskilled | 441.00 | 12,649.00 |
| Semi-Skilled | 452.00 | 12,935.00 | |
| Skilled | 462.00 | 13,195.00 | |
| Delhi | Unskilled | 710.00 | 18,456.00 |
| Semi-skilled | 784.00 | 20,371.00 | |
| Skilled | 861.25 | 22,387.25 | |
| Goa | Unskilled | 571.84 | 14,867.77 |
| Semi-skilled | 623.50 | 16,211.00 | |
| Skilled | 666.00 | 17,316.00 | |
| Gujarat | Unskilled | 495.00 | 12,870.00 |
| Semi-Skilled | 505.50 | 13,143.00 | |
| Skilled | 516.50 | 13,429.00 | |
| Haryana | unskilled | 433.64 | 11,274.60 |
| Semi-skilled | 508.78 | 13,228.17 | |
| Skilled | 513.96 | 13,363.04 | |
| highly skilled | 527.51 | 13,715.18 | |
| Himachal Pradesh | Unskilled | 409.50 | 12,285.00 |
| Semi-skilled | 444.00 | 13,320.00 | |
| Jammu and Kashmir | Unskilled | 311.00 | 8,086.00 |
| Semi-Skilled | 400.00 | 10,400.00 | |
| Skilled | 483.00 | 12,558.00 | |
| Highly Skilled | 500.50 | 13,013.00 | |
| Jharkhand | Unskilled | 446.00 | 11,605.00 |
| Semi-skilled | 468.00 | 12,177.00 | |
| Skilled | 617.00 | 16,051.00 | |
| Highly Skilled | 712.00 | 18,512.00 | |
| Ladakh | Unskilled | 450.00 | - |
| Skilled | 575.00 | - | |
| Highly Skilled | 835.00 | - | |
| Madhya Pradesh | Unskilled | 368.27 | 9,575.00 |
| Semi-skilled | 406.58 | 10,571.00 | |
| Skilled | 472.85 | 12,294.00 | |
| Highly Skilled | 535.35 | 13,919.00 | |
| Maharashtra | Unskilled | 501.00 | 13,039.00 |
| Semi-skilled | 534.00 | 13,874.00 | |
| Skilled | 563.00 | 14,650.00 | |
| Manipur | unskilled | 400.00 | 12,000.00 |
| skilled | 440.00 | 13,200.00 | |
| Semi-skilled | 440.00 | 13,200.00 | |
| highly skilled | 480.00 | 14,400.00 | |
| Meghalaya | Unskilled | 541.00 | - |
| Semi-skilled | 583.00 | - | |
| Skilled | 624.00 | - | |
| Highly Skilled | 665.00 | - | |
| Mizoram | Unskilled | 420.00 | - |
| Semi-Skilled | 460.00 | - | |
| Skilled Grade-II | 650.00 | - | |
| Nagaland | Unskilled | 176.00 | 5,280.00 |
| Semi-Skilled | 210.00 | 6,300.00 | |
| Skilled | 235.00 | 7,050.00 | |
| Odisha | Unskilled | 462.00 | - |
| Semi-skilled | 512.00 | - | |
| Skilled | 562.00 | - | |
| Highly Skilled | 612.00 | - | |
| Punjab | Unskilled | 438.06 | 11,389.64 |
| Semi-Skilled | 468.06 | 12,169.64 | |
| Skilled | 502.56 | 13,066.64 | |
| Highly Skilled | 542.25 | 14,098.64 | |
| Rajasthan | Unskilled | 285.00 | 7,410.00 |
| Semi-skilled | 297.00 | 7,722.00 | |
| Skilled | 309.00 | 8,034.00 | |
| Highly Skilled | 359.00 | 9,334.00 | |
| Sikkim | Unskilled | 500.00 | - |
| Semi-Skilled | 520.00 | - | |
| Tamil Nadu | highly skilled | 549.82 | 14,298.86 |
| Semi-skilled | 530.51 | 13,796.86 | |
| Skilled | 534.78 | 13,907.76 | |
| unskilled | 532.78 | 13,855.69 | |
| Telangana | Highly skilled | 537.85 | 13,984.11 |
| Semi-Skilled | 500.30 | 13,008.04 | |
| skilled | 545.66 | 14,187.39 | |
| unskilled | 499.31 | 12,982.30 | |
| Tripura | Semi-skilled | - | 8,934.81 |
| Skilled | - | 9,907.63 | |
| Unskilled | - | 8,282.96 | |
| Uttar Pradesh | Unskilled | 423.88 | 11,021.00 |
| Semi-skilled | 466.27 | 12,123.00 | |
| Skilled | 522.31 | 13,580.00 | |
| Uttarakhand | Semi-skilled | - | 13,888.00 |
| Skilled | - | 14,275.00 | |
| Unskilled | - | 12,465.00 | |
| West Bengal | Highly Skilled | 514.20 | 13,369.00 |
| Skilled | 467.38 | 12,151.75 | |
| Semi-Skilled | 424.87 | 11,046.50 | |
| Unskilled | 386.28 | 10,043.25 |
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Minimum wage in Uttar Pradesh
The rates here are surprisingly uniform compared to other large states. UP doesn't break things down into complex zones like Maharashtra; instead, the focus is on the "Class of Employment" (Unskilled, Semi-Skilled, Skilled).
As of October 2025, the monthly wage for an unskilled worker in a shop sits at roughly ₹11,021. The state updates its Dearness Allowance (VDA) strictly every April and October to match inflation.
Minimum wage in Gujarat
Gujarat is an industrial powerhouse, so its wage structure is designed to keep factories running smoothly.
They split the state into Zone I (big cities and municipal corporations) and Zone II (everywhere else). A key part of your paycheck here is the "Special Allowance," which is a variable component added to the basic wage.
This ensures that workers in expensive hubs like Surat or Ahmedabad get slightly more to cover rent.
Minimum wage in Maharashtra
If you work in Maharashtra, your minimum wage depends entirely on your location. The state uses a 3-Zone system. Zone I includes Mumbai and its suburbs, where the cost of living is sky-high, pushing the minimum wage for unskilled labor to over ₹13,600.
In contrast, rural areas (Zone III) have lower baselines. The VDA here changes every 6 months, so you will see your salary fluctuate slightly in January and July.
Minimum wage in Haryana
Haryana pays some of the best rates in North India, largely due to its proximity to Delhi (NCR).
They categorize workers into groups like "A," "B," and "C" based on specific technical skills for example, a highly skilled electrician falls into a different bracket than a general helper.
With the rate for unskilled workers crossing ₹11,200, it remains a competitive market for labor.
Minimum wage in West Bengal
In West Bengal, the system is divided simply into Zone A (urban areas like Kolkata and Durgapur) and Zone B (rural).
The state lists huge numbers of "scheduled employments," from bakeries to tanneries, each with its own slight variation. However, the baseline for Zone A shops is the most common reference point.
The Bengal state recently updated rates in July 2025 to help workers cope with rising food prices.
Minimum wage in Karnataka
Karnataka is unique because its "Variable Dearness Allowance" (VDA) is massive. While the "basic" wage might look low, the VDA component (adjusted annually in April) bumps the total gross salary significantly, making it one of the highest paying states (over ₹17,000 for Zone I).
This is to account for the high cost of living in tech hubs like Bengaluru.
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Minimum wage in Rajasthan
Rajasthan links its wages directly to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) points. When the index jumps, the wage follows.
The state has distinct notifications for its heavy industries like stone mining and tourism. Interestingly, the gap between a "skilled" and "highly skilled" worker here is quite wide, incentivizing workers to get certified in their trade.
Minimum wage in Punjab
Punjab structures its wages around "Staff Categories" (A, B, C, D) alongside standard skill levels. This helps clarify pay for office roles vs. factory roles.
The rates are pegged to the All India CPI, meaning inflation in the wider economy directly triggers a pay raise here. The March 2025 update brought a decent hike to align with neighboring Haryana.
Minimum wage in Kerala
Kerala has always been a high-wage state due to strong social welfare policies. The wages here (often ₹600-700+ per day) are strictly enforced.
The state calculates its own "Cost of Living Index" rather than just relying on the national one. This results in a higher baseline pay, even for agricultural and general workers, compared to the rest of India.
Minimum wage in Odisha
Odisha covers a vast array of jobs under its 91 "Scheduled Employments." Whether you work in a cinema or a construction site, there is a legal minimum for you.
The VDA is revised to offset inflation, and the state has been progressively increasing the rate for "Highly Skilled" workers to support its growing mining and metal sectors.
Minimum wage in Bihar
Bihar’s strategy is to offer a competitive "highly skilled" rate (over ₹17,000) to retain talent that usually migrates to other states.
While the unskilled rate remains moderate, the semi-annual revisions (April/Oct) ensure that the wages don't lose value against inflation.
Minimum wage in Jharkhand
Given its mining background, Jharkhand classifies wages by Area A, B, and C. Area A covers the industrial mining towns where daily expenses are high.
The state recently updated these figures in late 2025, ensuring that workers in the "civic body" limits get paid significantly more than those in rural belts.
Minimum wage in Uttarakhand
Here, geography is everything. The state sets different rates for "plains" versus "hills" (often defined by town populations over 1 lakh).
Living in a tourist hill station is expensive, so the wages there are higher. The April 2025 update standardized the rates for clerical staff across these regions.
Minimum wage in Andhra Pradesh
Andhra follows a Zone I, II, III structure. Zone I covers major municipal corporations like Visakhapatnam.
The wage includes a "Cost of Living Allowance" (CLA) which acts just like VDA. The government is strict about these zones; moving just a few kilometers out of a city limit can legally change the minimum wage tier.
Minimum wage in Assam
Assam has to balance two worlds: the massive tea garden workforce and the urban commercial sector. The rates listed (starting around ₹10,343) apply generally to shops and establishments.
Recent hikes in late 2024 were aimed at closing the gap between tea plantation wages and commercial wages.
Minimum wage in Chhattisgarh
This state zones its wages based on industrial development (Zones A, B, C). Zone A includes heavy industrial areas like Bhilai.
The government reviews the VDA twice a year. If you work in a steel plant region, your minimum wage is legally higher than if you work in a strictly agricultural zone.
Minimum wage in Goa
Goa has a high base wage due to its tourism-driven economy. The cost of living is higher here than in many other small states. The "General Category" wage covers most service jobs.
The split is generally between coastal/urban zones and the rural interior, but the gap isn't huge.
Minimum wage in Telangana
Telangana distinguishes sharply between "City" (Hyderabad/Warangal) and "Rural" areas. The rates for "Shops and Commercial Establishments" are very competitive to attract labor.
The October 2025 revision adjusted the VDA to reflect the growing inflation in its metro areas.
Minimum wage in Himachal Pradesh
In Himachal, the conversation is usually about the Daily Wage. A key feature is the "Tribal Area Allowance" an extra 25% added to the wage for those working in difficult terrains like Lahaul-Spiti.
This recognizes the hardship of living and working in high-altitude zones.
Minimum wage in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu has a complex system with 4 zones (A to D) and industry-specific dearness allowances. For example, the calculation for a tailor might differ slightly from a shop assistant based on the specific industry's CPI notification.
The base rates are solid, but the VDA makes up a significant portion of the take-home pay.
Minimum wage in Madhya Pradesh
MP follows a centralized policy with consistent revisions in April and October. The state uses a standard formula linked to the Labour Bureau's index.
The rates are moderate, designed to balance worker welfare with industrial growth. They have specific rates for unique local industries like slate pencil manufacturing.
Minimum wage in Arunachal Pradesh
This state has a unique system where minimum wage can be linked to years of service. A worker with 5-10 years of experience has a higher legal minimum than a fresher.
This helps retain workers in a region where migration is common.
Minimum wage in Manipur
Manipur sets rates for very specific business types You’ll see separate notifications for "Grocery Shops" versus "Furniture Marts." This removes ambiguity for small business owners.
The rates are generally updated annually or biannually.
Minimum wage in Meghalaya
Meghalaya keeps it simple: four clear tiers from unskilled to highly skilled. There are no complex zones.
This transparency makes it easier for workers to know their rights. The wages are decent, reflecting the cost of essentials in the hill state.
Minimum wage in Mizoram
Mizoram respects skill. The wage structure differentiates between "Grade I" and "Grade II" skilled workers.
With a high literacy rate, the state ensures that skilled labor in handloom and agriculture is paid a premium over basic unskilled work.
Minimum wage in Nagaland
Nagaland often has a lower "official" notification rate, but the actual market rate is higher due to labor scarcity. The official rate serves as a floor for government contracts.
Daily wage rates are the standard way people discuss pay here.
Minimum wage in Sikkim
Sikkim has one of the highest daily wage floors in the Northeast. The government sets a flat daily rate (e.g., ₹500+ for unskilled), which makes calculation easy.
They also mandate an "Altitudinal Allowance" for work at specific heights, ensuring safety and fair pay for dangerous work.
Minimum wage in Tripura
Tripura relies heavily on the CPI points system. Every 6 months, the government calculates the rise in inflation points and adjusts the "Dearness Allowance" automatically.
This protects the purchasing power of workers in tea estates and towns alike.
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How is minimum wage regulated
With the full implementation of the Code on Wages, 2019 (effective Nov 21, 2025), the regulatory landscape has been simplified.
- Floor Wage: The Central Government sets a national "Floor Wage." No state can set a wage below this number.
- Code on Wages: This new code subsumes the old Minimum Wages Act, 1948. It mandates that wages must be paid timely and covers all employees, not just those in "scheduled" industries.
- VDA: The Variable Dearness Allowance is the most critical part of your pay. It is reviewed every 6 months (usually April and October) to ensure your salary keeps up with the price of gas, food, and rent.
Understanding the minimum wage in India is about more than just compliance; it’s about ensuring fair livelihoods in a rapidly growing economy. As we move through 2025, the shift toward the new Code on Wages signals a stricter, more unified approach to labor rights.
For employers, the key takeaway is agility. With the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) changing every six months (typically in April and October), payroll isn't a "set it and forget it" task. Falling behind on these updates can lead to heavy penalties under the new laws.
For employees, knowledge is power. Whether you are a skilled technician in Pune or a daily wager in Jharkhand, knowing your legal baseline empowers you to negotiate better and ensures you aren't underpaid.
