Phnom Penh: Congratulations to the Royal Government of Cambodia for raising the minimum wage for 2026, which has been increased from $208 to $210 for workers in the textile, garment, footwear, and travel and bag sectors, to be implemented from January 2026 onwards.
On the morning of September 17, 2025, the National Minimum Wage Council, 4th mandate, held its final meeting at the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training to discuss the possibility of deciding the minimum wage for workers in the textile, garment, footwear, and travel and bag sectors for 2026.
Through a total of 23 meetings, representatives of the workers and employers clearly understood the situation regarding the possible impact of the US tariff, the competitiveness and status of Cambodia’s minimum wage compared to some countries, and the actual situation of the labor market for 2025 and 2026.
The representatives of the employers requested to keep the minimum wage figure unchanged, while the representatives of the workers did not object to this proposal and requested the Royal Government to examine the possibility of increasing the proposal of the representatives of the employers, in accordance with the provisions of the Minimum Wage Law.
In this spirit, the National Minimum Wage Council proposed a figure of 208 (two hundred eight) US dollars to His Excellency President Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, for review and decision.
Based on the report and further discussions with relevant parties, the Prime Minister has decided to add US$2 to the National Minimum Wage Council’s figure of US$208, making the minimum wage for workers in the textile, garment, footwear, and travel and bag industries for 2026 US$210 (two hundred and ten) per month, effective January 1, 2026.
Including other benefits, workers will receive a minimum wage of between US$227 and US$238 per month.
Despite the uncertain economic situation and many countries in the region not increasing the minimum wage, the Royal Government of Cambodia has increased the minimum wage for workers, whether small or large, to help ease the burden on workers.
