Recently, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security published minimum wage standards for all provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities across the country (as of October 1, 2026). Among them, Shanxi's monthly minimum wage standards are: 2,350 yuan for the first tier, 2,250 yuan for the second tier, and 2,150 yuan for the third tier; hourly minimum wage standards are: 25.3 yuan for the first tier, 24.2 yuan for the second tier, and 23.3 yuan for the third tier. Details are as follows: In terms of monthly minimum wage standards, Shanghai ranks first nationwide with 2,740 yuan; in terms of hourly minimum wage standards, Beijing ranks first nationwide with 27.7 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 when a worker has provided normal labor within statutory working hours or within working hours stipulated by a legally signed labor contract. It generally takes two forms: the monthly minimum wage standard and the hourly minimum wage standard. If an employer pays a worker less than the locally announced minimum wage standard when the worker has provided normal labor within statutory working hours or within working hours stipulated by a legally signed labor contract, it constitutes a violation of the law. If a worker fails to provide normal labor during statutory working hours or working hours stipulated by a legally signed labor contract due to personal reasons, their wages are not subject to the minimum wage standard payment provisions.

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

According to the Provisions on Minimum Wages, when a worker provides normal labor, the wages payable by the employer to the worker, after excluding the following items, must not be lower than the local minimum wage standard: (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 stipulated by laws, regulations, and national provisions. Many regions stipulate that the minimum wage standard includes expenses paid by workers themselves for basic pension insurance, medical insurance, unemployment insurance, housing provident fund, and other items.

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

If an employer violates the minimum wage standard payment regulations, workers may 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.