Free forever for unlimited employees — no card, no per-seat minimum. See pricing New — the AI Payroll Agent runs the month for you. Meet the agent India-built HRMS & compliance — live in minutes, not months. How it works
  • Products
  • Solutions
  • Marketplace
  • Resources
  • Pricing
  • Company
    • Sign in
    Start Free Book a Demo
    Home › Compliance › Minimum Wages in Karnataka 2026: Category-wise Monthly Rates
    Compliance

    Minimum Wages in Karnataka 2026: Category-wise Monthly Rates

    Minimum wages in Karnataka are fixed by the state government under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 (now subsumed by the Code on Wages, 2019 where notified), and vary by skill category, area/zone and scheduled employment. They are revised periodically through a Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) linked to the Consumer Price Index.

    The figures below are indicative monthly ranges as of the 1 April 2026 revision. Because Karnataka notifies rates per scheduled employment (and, in many cases, per zone), the exact wage floor for a specific role and location must be confirmed against the latest official notification.

    Minimum wage rates (1 April 2026)

    CategoryMonthlyDaily
    Unskilled₹14,000 – ₹15,700—
    Semi-skilled₹15,500 – ₹17,500—
    Skilled₹17,500 – ₹18,150—
    Highly skilled~₹19,500—

    Zone I (Bengaluru urban); other zones lower. 80+ industry-specific schedules.

    Karnataka revises minimum wages via VDA (revision noted: 1 April 2026); always check the current notification before finalising payroll.

    For employers

    • Pay at least the notified minimum wage for the employee's skill category, zone and scheduled employment — whichever is higher where multiple apply.
    • Maintain wage registers and pay within the statutory timeline under the Payment of Wages Act / Code on Wages.
    • Underpayment attracts penalties and back-wage liability — verify the current notified rate, as VDA revisions change figures roughly twice a year.

    Source: husys.com & ezhrm.in state minimum-wage tables (2026); cross-referenced. Rates revise via VDA — verify the latest notification before use.

    FAQ

    Frequently asked questions

    What is the minimum wage in Karnataka in 2026?
    As of the 1 April 2026 revision, indicative monthly minimum wages in Karnataka start around the unskilled rate shown above and rise by skill category. Exact figures depend on the scheduled employment and zone — confirm against the official Karnataka labour department notification.
    How often do minimum wages change?
    Most states revise minimum wages twice a year (commonly April and October) by adjusting the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) to the CPI. Some states, like Maharashtra, revise in January and July. Always use the latest notification.
    Are these figures the exact legal minimum?
    These are indicative ranges compiled from 2026 state tables to help you plan. The legally binding figure is the specific rate in the current official notification for the relevant scheduled employment and zone. Kredily keeps state wage floors current so payroll stays compliant.

    Explore the platform

    Compliance Salary Calculator Payroll software

    Payroll & compliance, on autopilot.

    Free for unlimited employees — PF, ESI, PT & TDS handled every cycle.

    Start FreeBook a Demo