Hourly minimum compensation

Chile's hourly minimum compensation rule establishes the lowest wage that employers must pay workers for their labor. As of May 1, 2025, the monthly minimum wage for workers aged 18 to 65 years is CLP 529,000. This figure applies to standard full-time employment and serves as the baseline for calculating wages across most sectors of the Chilean economy.

The rule covers all workers in Chile's formal employment sector, including both private and public employees, with limited exceptions for certain apprenticeships and specialized roles. The minimum wage applies on a monthly basis and is adjusted periodically to reflect inflation and cost-of-living changes. Workers below the minimum wage threshold are entitled to receive the statutory minimum, regardless of their employment contract terms or industry classification.

The governing authority for Chile's minimum wage is the Chilean Senate (Senado de la República), which reviews and approves wage adjustments through legislative processes. The Ministry of Labor and Social Security (Ministerio del Trabajo y Previsión Social) enforces compliance and investigates violations.

The May 1, 2025 increase to CLP 529,000 represents the most recent statutory adjustment. Previous increases occur annually, typically aligned with inflation indices and economic conditions assessed by the government.

Employers and payroll teams must ensure all workers aged 18 to 65 receive at minimum CLP 529,000 monthly. Payroll records must document compliance with this threshold. Non-compliance carries penalties including back-wage liability and administrative fines. Organizations operating in Chile should monitor official government announcements for future adjustments, as minimum wage changes are implemented regularly.