Mexico formal employment reaches historic high of 22.78 million in June 2026

The Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) reported that formal employment in Mexico reached a record 22,779,704 jobs at the end of June 2026, the highest count for a June month on record. The agency added 61,023 new formal jobs in June, bringing the total for the first half of the year to 262,628 positions. Over the previous 12 months, 454,038 jobs were created, a 2.0 % annual increase.

Unemployment fell to 2.7 %, the second‑lowest rate among the 38 OECD economies, just behind Japan. The average daily base salary for IMSS‑affiliated workers rose to 669.1 pesos, a nominal increase of 6.4 % year‑on‑year, outpacing inflation. Productivity grew 1.96 % annually, well above the OECD average of 0.62 %.

The OECD Employment Outlook 2026 highlighted Mexico’s strong performance in real wages, noting a 15.1 % rise since early 2021 and a 3.9 % annual increase, the fastest among member countries. The minimum wage increased 122 % from 2021 levels.

Regional data showed Baja California leading national job creation with 76,048 new positions, while Zacatecas added 1,034 formal jobs. Digital platforms contributed 40,496 of the June hires, and 237,000 platform workers now have full social‑security coverage under a new scheme launched in 2024.

President Claudia Sheinbaum and IMSS director Zoé Robledo presented the figures as evidence of a “virtuous circle” where higher wages and expanding formal employment reinforce each other and boost social protection for millions of families.