France SMIC June 2026: What the New Minimum Wage Actually Pays Net vs Gross
The Rise: 2.41% From June 1, 2026
France raised the SMIC (salaire minimum interprofessionnel de croissance) by 2.41% on June 1, 2026. This was a mid-year adjustment, not the standard January revision.
The annual revision normally takes place in January. A separate mechanism allows for an earlier increase when the consumer price index rises by at least 2%. According to the French government, that threshold was crossed on May 13, 2026 - which triggered the automatic June 1 revalorisation.
Gross vs Estimated Net: The Numbers That Matter
When a French employer quotes a minimum-wage offer, they typically give the gross figure. What arrives in the employee's bank account is the estimated net. The government publishes both.
As of June 1, 2026:
| Previous rate | New rate | |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly gross | 12.02 euros | 12.31 euros |
| Monthly gross (35 hours) | 1,823.03 euros | 1,867.02 euros |
| Monthly net (estimated) | 1,443.11 euros | 1,477.93 euros |
The estimated net monthly increase is 34.82 euros. The government labels the net figure as an estimate - actual take-home pay can vary depending on individual circumstances. The gross figure, however, is a hard legal floor: no employer may pay below it, regardless of the form of remuneration.
How the SMIC Is Calculated
The standard January revision combines two criteria, according to the French government:
- The change in consumer prices for the bottom 20% of households
- Half the purchasing power gain recorded on hourly base wages for workers and employees
The mid-year mechanism is separate: it activates automatically when inflation crosses the 2% threshold. That is what happened on May 13, 2026, resulting in the June revision rather than a wait until January.
Mayotte: A Separate Floor
Mayotte, France's overseas territory, operates under its own SMIC rate. As of June 1, 2026, the gross hourly rate in Mayotte is 9.56 euros, corresponding to 1,449.93 euros per month gross. The net monthly increase there was 34.88 euros.
Reading a French Job Offer: What to Check
Job listings in France almost always state a gross salary. The figures above are the reference point for minimum-wage roles. A few practical points when reviewing an offer:
- If a full-time position on a 35-hour week quotes a gross monthly salary at or near 1,867.02 euros, the estimated take-home is around 1,477.93 euros net - and the government flags this as an estimate.
- If a listing states a monthly salary without specifying gross or net, ask. The gap is substantial and the distinction matters when comparing offers.
- The 35-hour week is the reference for the monthly SMIC figures. The hourly rate of 12.31 euros applies regardless of working pattern.
Browsing current job listings on NewLuxJob gives you a direct view of where roles in France sit relative to these figures across sectors and experience levels.
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