Minimum Wages in Maharashtra

Rates in force

Minimum wages in Maharashtra

In force from 1 July 2026
Valid until 31 December 2026
Revised twice a year (1 January and 1 July)

Checked against the notification on 2 November 2026

Lowest monthly minimum wage₹12,962Unskilled · Zone III · ₹498.54 a day

Monthly minimum wage by skill level and zone

Skill level	Zone I	Zone II	Zone III
Unskilled	₹14,155₹544.42 a day	₹13,559₹521.5 a day	₹12,962₹498.54 a day
Semi-skilled	₹14,990₹576.54 a day	₹14,394₹553.62 a day	₹13,798₹530.69 a day
Skilled	₹15,766₹606.38 a day	₹15,170₹583.46 a day	₹14,574₹560.54 a day

₹12,962 = basic ₹8,828 + VDA (dearness allowance) ₹4,134

BasicVDA

Applies to: Shops and commercial establishments. Notification: Commissioner of Labour notification No. …/office-10/7997 dated 05.08.2026 (special allowance for July–December 2026).

All rates, with daily rates and the basic and VDA split

Category	Zone	Basic / month	VDA / month	Per day	Per month
Unskilled	Zone I	₹10,021	₹4,134	₹544.42	₹14,155
Unskilled	Zone II	₹9,425	₹4,134	₹521.5	₹13,559
Unskilled	Zone III	₹8,828	₹4,134	₹498.54	₹12,962
Semi-skilled	Zone I	₹10,856	₹4,134	₹576.54	₹14,990
Semi-skilled	Zone II	₹10,260	₹4,134	₹553.62	₹14,394
Semi-skilled	Zone III	₹9,664	₹4,134	₹530.69	₹13,798
Skilled	Zone I	₹11,632	₹4,134	₹606.38	₹15,766
Skilled	Zone II	₹11,036	₹4,134	₹583.46	₹15,170
Skilled	Zone III	₹10,440	₹4,134	₹560.54	₹14,574

The special allowance is ₹4,134 a month in every zone from 1 July 2026 (up from ₹3,900).
Zone I: municipal corporations and nearby industrial areas. Zone II: A and B class municipal councils. Zone III: the rest of the state.
Highly skilled workers are paid at least the skilled rate. Daily rate = monthly rate ÷ 26.

Sources: English translation of revised DA/Special Allowance notification w.e.f. 01.07.2026 to 31.1 · SGCMS - Minimum rate of wages Maharashtra August 2026 · dcpsol - Maharashtra Minimum Wages VDA Notification July 2026

Calculate in-hand salary Automate wage compliance

Under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, Maharashtra fixes minimum wages bi-annually based on Consumer Price Index (CPI) changes.

Importance of Minimum Wage Revision

Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) adjusts for inflation. The bi-annual updates ensure wages mirror economic realities, maintaining workers’ purchasing power and aligning with industrial costs

Enforcement & Workers’ Rights

Employers must comply with skill-based wage bands.
Workers underpaid can file complaints with Labour Commissioners. Inspectors hold the power to use penalties and recover back-wages

Implications for Stakeholders

Employers: Update payroll systems and ensure compliance to avoid penalties.
Workers & Unions: Stay informed on wage bands, report violations through proper channels.
Government & NGOs: Strengthen inspection mechanisms and awareness campaigns to improve compliance.

FAQs

Minimum wages in Maharashtra: FAQs

What is the minimum wage in Maharashtra in 2026?

From 1 July 2026, the minimum wage for an unskilled worker in Maharashtra is ₹12,962 a month (₹498.54 a day) in the lowest-paid zone and up to ₹14,155 in the highest; for a skilled worker it is from ₹14,574 a month. These are the rates for shops and commercial establishments.

How often are minimum wages revised in Maharashtra?

Maharashtra revises its minimum wages twice a year (1 January and 1 July). The rates on this page are in force from 1 July 2026 to 31 December 2026.

Does the minimum wage in Maharashtra include VDA?

Yes. The minimum wage is the basic rate plus the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA), which is revised with the consumer price index. Employers must pay at least the total of the two.

What happens if an employer pays less than the minimum wage in Maharashtra?

Paying less than the minimum wage is an offence under the Code on Wages, 2019: a fine of up to ₹50,000, and for a repeat offence within five years, imprisonment of up to three months, a fine of up to ₹1,00,000, or both. The worker can also claim the shortfall. Overtime must be paid at least at twice the normal rate.

How can I make sure payroll in Maharashtra follows the latest minimum wages?

Check each employee's gross wages against the rate for their skill level and zone every time Maharashtra revises its rates. Payroll software such as Zimyo can apply the new rates and flag anyone paid below them.

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