Mexico formal employment falls in July 2026

Mexico's formal employment saw a monthly decline of 19,550 positions in July 2026, according to the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS). This 0.1% decrease is attributed to seasonal factors, including the end of the school year and the downward phase of the agricultural cycle.

Despite the monthly dip, the country has added 243,078 formal jobs so far in 2026. Notably, digital platform workers contributed significantly to this growth; 17% of new jobs created this year are associated with digital platforms. ManpowerGroup analysts noted that without the inclusion of platform workers, the net loss in traditional formal employment would have been considerably more severe.

Regional performance varied significantly. Campeche experienced the largest annual drop in formal employment at 7.3%, while Querétaro saw a monthly decline of 2,682 jobs. In Ciudad Juárez, the manufacturing sector led a monthly loss of 568 jobs. Conversely, Baja California and Oaxaca showed strong annual growth exceeding 5.5%.

On a positive note, the average contribution salary reached a historic high of $673.9. Total affiliated workers reached 22,760,154, the highest figure for any July on record.