Kerala follows the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, setting bi-annual revisions based on CPI trends. The latest adjustment, effective April 1, 2025, notified on May 31, 2025, revises basic pay, dearness allowance, and introduces special allowances across employment categories (shops, commercial, plantations, IT).
Wages by Grade & District
For Shops & Commercial Establishments (e.g., Cochin, Thiruvananthapuram), monthly pay (basic + DA + special allowance) currently ranges:
- Special Grade: ₹9,330 + ₹5,330 + ₹200 = ₹14,860
- Grade A (e.g., Head Clerk, Electrician): ₹9,120 + ₹5,330 + ₹200 = ₹14,650
- Grade B (Clerk, Cashier): ₹8,910 + ₹5,330 + ₹200 = ₹14,440
- …continuing down to Grade E: ₹8,280 + ₹5,330 + ₹200 = ₹13,810.
This reflects a substantial DA infusion, often nearly equaling the basic wage.
Minimum Wages in Kerala 2025
Kerala categorizes roles into:
Grade | Skill Level | Example Roles |
Special | Highly skilled & managerial | Managers, Supervisors |
A | Skilled | Electricians, Carpenters |
B | Semi-skilled | Typists, Machine Operators |
C | Clerical/basic skilled | Shop Assistants, Clerks |
D | Low-skilled | Attenders, Watchmen |
E | Unskilled | Sweepers, Helpers |
These standards extend across sectors, from plantation and hospitality to software establishments.
Minimum Wages in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Grade | Total Per Month | Minimum Wages General | Minimum Wages IT |
Special | Rs. 14,504.00 | Rs. 14,704.00 | Rs. 0.00 |
Grade A | Rs. 14,294.00 | Rs. 14,494.00 | Rs. 24,944.00 |
Grade B | Rs. 14,084.00 | Rs. 14,284.00 | Rs. 23,564.00 |
Grade C | Rs. 13,874.00 | Rs. 14,074.00 | Rs. 22,314.00 |
Grade D | Rs. 13,664.00 | Rs. 13,864.00 | Rs. 21,174.00 |
Grade E | Rs. 13,454.00 | Rs. 13,654.00 | Rs. 20,134.00 |
Grade F | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 19,184.00 |
Grade G | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 18,734.00 |
Grade H | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 17,084.00 |
Grade I | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 16,724.00 |
Minimum Wages in Kollam, Kerala
Grade | Total Per Month | Minimum Wages General | Minimum Wages IT |
Special | Rs. 14,348.00 | Rs. 14,548.00 | Rs. 0.00 |
Grade A | Rs. 14,138.00 | Rs. 14,338.00 | Rs. 24,788.00 |
Grade B | Rs. 13,928.00 | Rs. 14,128.00 | Rs. 23,408.00 |
Grade C | Rs. 13,718.00 | Rs. 13,918.00 | Rs. 22,158.00 |
Grade D | Rs. 13,508.00 | Rs. 13,708.00 | Rs. 21,018.00 |
Grade E | Rs. 13,298.00 | Rs. 13,498.00 | Rs. 19,978.00 |
Grade F | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 19,028.00 |
Grade G | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 18,578.00 |
Grade H | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 16,928.00 |
Grade I | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 16,568.00 |
Minimum Wages in Punalur, Kerala
Grade | Total Per Month | Minimum Wages General | Minimum Wages IT |
Special | Rs. 14,166.00 | Rs. 14,366.00 | Rs. 0.00 |
Grade A | Rs. 13,956.00 | Rs. 14,156.00 | Rs. 24,606.00 |
Grade B | Rs. 13,746.00 | Rs. 13,946.00 | Rs. 23,226.00 |
Grade C | Rs. 13,536.00 | Rs. 13,736.00 | Rs. 21,976.00 |
Grade D | Rs. 13,326.00 | Rs. 13,526.00 | Rs. 20,836.00 |
Grade E | Rs. 13,116.00 | Rs. 13,316.00 | Rs. 19,796.00 |
Grade F | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 18,846.00 |
Grade G | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 18,396.00 |
Grade H | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 16,746.00 |
Grade I | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 16,386.00 |
Minimum Wages in Pathanamthitta, Kerala
Grade | Total Per Month | Minimum Wages General | Minimum Wages IT |
Special | Rs. 14,660.00 | Rs. 14,860.00 | Rs. 0.00 |
Grade A | Rs. 14,450.00 | Rs. 14,650.00 | Rs. 25,100.00 |
Grade B | Rs. 14,240.00 | Rs. 14,440.00 | Rs. 23,720.00 |
Grade C | Rs. 14,030.00 | Rs. 14,230.00 | Rs. 22,470.00 |
Grade D | Rs. 13,820.00 | Rs. 14,020.00 | Rs. 21,330.00 |
Grade E | Rs. 13,610.00 | Rs. 13,810.00 | Rs. 20,290.00 |
Grade F | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 19,340.00 |
Grade G | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 18,890.00 |
Grade H | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 17,240.00 |
Grade I | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 16,880.00 |
Minimum Wages in Alappuzha, Kerala
Grade | Total Per Month | Minimum Wages General | Minimum Wages IT |
Special | Rs. 14,296.00 | Rs. 14,496.00 | Rs. 0.00 |
Grade A | Rs. 14,086.00 | Rs. 14,286.00 | Rs. 24,736.00 |
Grade B | Rs. 13,876.00 | Rs. 14,076.00 | Rs. 23,356.00 |
Grade C | Rs. 13,666.00 | Rs. 13,866.00 | Rs. 22,106.00 |
Grade D | Rs. 13,456.00 | Rs. 13,656.00 | Rs. 20,966.00 |
Grade E | Rs. 13,246.00 | Rs. 13,446.00 | Rs. 19,926.00 |
Grade F | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 18,976.00 |
Grade G | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 18,526.00 |
Grade H | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 16,876.00 |
Grade I | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 16,516.00 |
Minimum Wages in Kottayam, Kerala
Grade | Total Per Month | Minimum Wages General | Minimum Wages IT |
Special | Rs. 14,764.00 | Rs. 14,964.00 | Rs. 0.00 |
Grade A | Rs. 14,554.00 | Rs. 14,754.00 | Rs. 25,204.00 |
Grade B | Rs. 14,344.00 | Rs. 14,544.00 | Rs. 23,824.00 |
Grade C | Rs. 14,134.00 | Rs. 14,334.00 | Rs. 22,574.00 |
Grade D | Rs. 13,924.00 | Rs. 14,124.00 | Rs. 21,434.00 |
Grade E | Rs. 13,714.00 | Rs. 13,914.00 | Rs. 20,394.00 |
Grade F | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 19,444.00 |
Grade G | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 18,994.00 |
Grade H | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 17,344.00 |
Grade I | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 16,984.00 |
Minimum Wages in Mundakayam, Kerala
Grade | Total Per Month | Minimum Wages General | Minimum Wages IT |
Special | Rs. 15,102.00 | Rs. 15,302.00 | Rs. 0.00 |
Grade A | Rs. 14,892.00 | Rs. 15,092.00 | Rs. 25,542.00 |
Grade B | Rs. 14,682.00 | Rs. 14,882.00 | Rs. 24,162.00 |
Grade C | Rs. 14,472.00 | Rs. 14,672.00 | Rs. 22,912.00 |
Grade D | Rs. 14,262.00 | Rs. 14,462.00 | Rs. 21,772.00 |
Grade E | Rs. 14,052.00 | Rs. 14,252.00 | Rs. 20,732.00 |
Grade F | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 19,782.00 |
Grade G | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 19,332.00 |
Grade H | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 17,682.00 |
Grade I | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 17,322.00 |
Minimum Wages in Idukki/Munnar, Kerala
Grade | Total Per Month | Minimum Wages General | Minimum Wages IT |
Special | Rs. 13,958.00 | Rs. 14,158.00 | Rs. 0.00 |
Grade A | Rs. 13,748.00 | Rs. 13,948.00 | Rs. 24,398.00 |
Grade B | Rs. 13,538.00 | Rs. 13,738.00 | Rs. 23,018.00 |
Grade C | Rs. 13,328.00 | Rs. 13,528.00 | Rs. 21,768.00 |
Grade D | Rs. 13,118.00 | Rs. 13,318.00 | Rs. 20,628.00 |
Grade E | Rs. 12,908.00 | Rs. 13,108.00 | Rs. 19,588.00 |
Grade F | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 18,638.00 |
Grade G | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 18,188.00 |
Grade H | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 16,538.00 |
Grade I | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 16,178.00 |
Minimum Wages in Ernakulam, Kerala
Grade | Total Per Month | Minimum Wages General | Minimum Wages IT |
Special | Rs. 13,802.00 | Rs. 14,002.00 | Rs. 0.00 |
Grade A | Rs. 13,592.00 | Rs. 13,792.00 | Rs. 24,242.00 |
Grade B | Rs. 13,382.00 | Rs. 13,582.00 | Rs. 22,862.00 |
Grade C | Rs. 13,172.00 | Rs. 13,372.00 | Rs. 21,612.00 |
Grade D | Rs. 12,962.00 | Rs. 13,162.00 | Rs. 20,472.00 |
Grade E | Rs. 12,752.00 | Rs. 12,952.00 | Rs. 19,432.00 |
Grade F | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 18,482.00 |
Grade G | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 18,032.00 |
Grade H | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 16,382.00 |
Grade I | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 16,022.00 |
Minimum Wages in Chalakudy, Kerala
Grade | Total Per Month | Minimum Wages (General) | Minimum Wages (IT) |
Special | Rs. 14,634.00 | Rs. 14,834.00 | Rs. 0.00 |
Grade A | Rs. 14,424.00 | Rs. 14,624.00 | Rs. 25,074.00 |
Grade B | Rs. 14,214.00 | Rs. 14,414.00 | Rs. 23,694.00 |
Grade C | Rs. 14,004.00 | Rs. 14,204.00 | Rs. 22,444.00 |
Grade D | Rs. 13,794.00 | Rs. 13,994.00 | Rs. 21,304.00 |
Grade E | Rs. 13,584.00 | Rs. 13,784.00 | Rs. 20,264.00 |
Grade F | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 19,314.00 |
Grade G | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 18,864.00 |
Grade H | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 17,214.00 |
Grade I | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 16,854.00 |
Minimum Wages in Thrissur, Kerala
Grade | Total Per Month | Minimum Wages (General) | Minimum Wages (IT) |
Special | Rs. 13,646.00 | Rs. 13,846.00 | Rs. 0.00 |
Grade A | Rs. 13,436.00 | Rs. 13,636.00 | Rs. 24,086.00 |
Grade B | Rs. 13,226.00 | Rs. 13,426.00 | Rs. 22,706.00 |
Grade C | Rs. 13,016.00 | Rs. 13,216.00 | Rs. 21,456.00 |
Grade D | Rs. 12,806.00 | Rs. 13,006.00 | Rs. 20,316.00 |
Grade E | Rs. 12,596.00 | Rs. 12,796.00 | Rs. 19,276.00 |
Grade F | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 18,326.00 |
Grade G | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 17,876.00 |
Grade H | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 16,226.00 |
Grade I | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 15,866.00 |
Minimum Wages in Palakkad, Kerala
Grade | Total Per Month | Minimum Wages (General) | Minimum Wages (IT) |
Special | Rs. 13,906.00 | Rs. 14,106.00 | Rs. 0.00 |
Grade A | Rs. 13,696.00 | Rs. 13,896.00 | Rs. 24,346.00 |
Grade B | Rs. 13,486.00 | Rs. 13,686.00 | Rs. 22,966.00 |
Grade C | Rs. 13,276.00 | Rs. 13,476.00 | Rs. 21,716.00 |
Grade D | Rs. 13,066.00 | Rs. 13,266.00 | Rs. 20,576.00 |
Grade E | Rs. 12,856.00 | Rs. 13,056.00 | Rs. 19,536.00 |
Grade F | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 18,586.00 |
Grade G | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 18,136.00 |
Grade H | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 16,486.00 |
Grade I | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 16,126.00 |
Minimum Wages in Malappuram, Kerala
Grade | Total Per Month | Minimum Wages (General) | Minimum Wages (IT) |
Special | Rs. 14,062.00 | Rs. 14,262.00 | Rs. 0.00 |
Grade A | Rs. 13,852.00 | Rs. 14,052.00 | Rs. 24,502.00 |
Grade B | Rs. 13,642.00 | Rs. 13,842.00 | Rs. 23,122.00 |
Grade C | Rs. 13,432.00 | Rs. 13,632.00 | Rs. 21,872.00 |
Grade D | Rs. 13,222.00 | Rs. 13,422.00 | Rs. 20,732.00 |
Grade E | Rs. 13,012.00 | Rs. 13,212.00 | Rs. 19,692.00 |
Grade F | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 18,742.00 |
Grade G | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 18,292.00 |
Grade H | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 16,642.00 |
Grade I | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 16,282.00 |
Minimum Wages in Kozhikode, Kerala
Grade | Total Per Month | Minimum Wages (General) | Minimum Wages (IT) |
Special | Rs. 14,530.00 | Rs. 14,730.00 | Rs. 0.00 |
Grade A | Rs. 14,320.00 | Rs. 14,520.00 | Rs. 24,970.00 |
Grade B | Rs. 14,110.00 | Rs. 14,310.00 | Rs. 23,590.00 |
Grade C | Rs. 13,900.00 | Rs. 14,100.00 | Rs. 22,340.00 |
Grade D | Rs. 13,690.00 | Rs. 13,890.00 | Rs. 21,200.00 |
Grade E | Rs. 13,480.00 | Rs. 13,680.00 | Rs. 20,160.00 |
Grade F | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 19,210.00 |
Grade G | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 18,760.00 |
Grade H | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 17,110.00 |
Grade I | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 16,750.00 |
Minimum Wages in Wayanad or Meppadi, Kerala
Grade | Total Per Month | Minimum Wages (General) | Minimum Wages (IT) |
Special | Rs. 13,568.00 | Rs. 13,768.00 | Rs. 0.00 |
Grade A | Rs. 13,358.00 | Rs. 13,558.00 | Rs. 24,008.00 |
Grade B | Rs. 13,148.00 | Rs. 13,348.00 | Rs. 22,628.00 |
Grade C | Rs. 12,938.00 | Rs. 13,138.00 | Rs. 21,378.00 |
Grade D | Rs. 12,728.00 | Rs. 12,928.00 | Rs. 20,238.00 |
Grade E | Rs. 12,518.00 | Rs. 12,718.00 | Rs. 19,198.00 |
Grade F | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 18,248.00 |
Grade G | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 17,798.00 |
Grade H | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 16,148.00 |
Grade I | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 15,788.00 |
Minimum Wages in Kannur, Kerala
Grade | Total Per Month | Minimum Wages (General) | Minimum Wages (IT) |
Special | Rs. 14,634.00 | Rs. 14,834.00 | Rs. 0.00 |
Grade A | Rs. 14,424.00 | Rs. 14,624.00 | Rs. 25,074.00 |
Grade B | Rs. 14,214.00 | Rs. 14,414.00 | Rs. 23,694.00 |
Grade C | Rs. 14,004.00 | Rs. 14,204.00 | Rs. 22,444.00 |
Grade D | Rs. 13,794.00 | Rs. 13,994.00 | Rs. 21,304.00 |
Grade E | Rs. 13,584.00 | Rs. 13,784.00 | Rs. 20,264.00 |
Grade F | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 19,314.00 |
Grade G | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 18,864.00 |
Grade H | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 17,214.00 |
Grade I | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 16,854.00 |
Minimum Wages in Kasargod, Kerala
Grade | Total Per Month | Minimum Wages (General) | Minimum Wages (IT) |
Special | Rs. 15,076.00 | Rs. 15,276.00 | Rs. 0.00 |
Grade A | Rs. 14,866.00 | Rs. 15,066.00 | Rs. 25,516.00 |
Grade B | Rs. 14,656.00 | Rs. 14,856.00 | Rs. 24,136.00 |
Grade C | Rs. 14,446.00 | Rs. 14,646.00 | Rs. 22,886.00 |
Grade D | Rs. 14,236.00 | Rs. 14,436.00 | Rs. 21,746.00 |
Grade E | Rs. 14,026.00 | Rs. 14,226.00 | Rs. 20,706.00 |
Grade F | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 19,756.00 |
Grade G | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 19,306.00 |
Grade H | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 17,656.00 |
Grade I | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 0.00 | Rs. 17,296.00 |
Why the Revision?
The wage update reflects Kerala’s CPI trend, DA rates effectively doubled basic wages in some cases. The aim: safeguard workers’ earnings amid rising living costs.
Rights & Enforcement
- Employers must comply legally; underpayment can invite penalties and back-wage orders per Section 20 of the Act.
- Kerala’s Labour Department publishes sectoral notifications and offers an online compliance/ grievance portal.
On-the-Ground Realities
- Reddit users highlight significant underpayment among health workers:
“Asha workers … spend eight hours daily … for all that … get an honorarium of just Rs 7000. Way way below the minimum wages.”
- Informal daily wages: ₹800–1,500 for construction; ₹300–400 for tea estate and delivery roles.
- Kerala attracts migrant labour due to comparatively high pay, ₹400–900/day, though they contribute little to direct tax revenues.
Key Takeaways
- As of April 2025, pay scales range from ₹13,810 (Grade E) to ₹14,860 (Special) per month.
- DA now equals or exceeds the basic wage, increasing workers’ earnings significantly.
- Despite this, substantial underpayment persists in informal and health sectors.
- Strengthening inspection, awareness, and grievance mechanisms remains vital.
Stakeholder Implications
- Employers: Update payroll systems; leverage compliance portal; avoid legal repercussions.
- Workers & Unions: Know your grade, use online platforms to claim dues.
- Government & NGOs: Increase outreach, especially among Asha, Anganwadi, domestic, and migrant workers.
Conclusion
Kerala leads in combining legal rigor and a generous DA mechanism. But the true transformation lies in enforcing wage laws beyond formal sectors, especially among overlooked frontline and migrant workers. Only then will fair pay become a universal reality.