Minimum Wages in Tamil Nadu 2026: Category-wise Monthly Rates
Minimum wages in Tamil Nadu 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 2025–26 (revised via VDA) revision. Because Tamil Nadu 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 (2025–26 (revised via VDA))
| Category | Monthly | Daily |
|---|---|---|
| Unskilled | ₹12,000 – ₹14,500 | — |
| Semi-skilled | ₹13,500 – ₹16,000 | — |
| Skilled | ₹15,000 – ₹18,000 | — |
Rates vary across 80+ scheduled employments; figures are indicative.
Tamil Nadu revises minimum wages via VDA (revision noted: 2025–26 (revised via VDA)); 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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in Tamil Nadu in 2026?
How often do minimum wages change?
Are these figures the exact legal minimum?
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