The national minimum wage will be increased from $15,000 to $16,000 per 40-hour work week, effective June 1, 2025, representing a 6.7 per cent increase.
Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, made the announcement during his contribution to the 2025/26 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on Thursday (March 20).
He said the increase reinforces the Government’s commitment to improving the livelihood of Jamaica’s lowest paid workers while ensuring economic stability.
“Our nation thrives on the dedication and resilience of our workforce, especially those who contribute daily in essential but oftentimes under-appreciated roles. From household workers and artisans, to labourers, store clerks and security personnel, these individuals form the backbone of our economy, supporting industries that drive national development and prosperity,” Mr. Holness said.
He noted that the Administration has increased the minimum wage by 158 per cent over nine years, raising it gradually from $6,200 per 40-hour work week in 2016.
“Cumulative inflation over that period remains well below this rate and even in United States dollars, this adjustment represents significant real growth in earnings for minimum wage workers,” he pointed out.
Dr. Holness stressed that the Government is intent on creating prosperity for Jamaica and Jamaicans.
“This Government remains committed to supporting our hard-working citizens, ensuring fair wages and improving living standards for all Jamaicans as we move forward together towards a more prosperous future,” he declared.
This is the fourth consecutive year that the Government has announced an increase in the minimum wage.
In 2022, the minimum wage moved from $7,000 to $9,000 per 40-hour work, a 28.5 per cent hike.
A year later in 2023, Government increased the figure from $9,000 to $13,000 per 40-hour work week and last year (2024), the minimum wage was raised from $13,000 to $15,000 per 40-hour work week.
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