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State Adjustment Raised The Minimum To R$ 1,804, But Not All Workers Benefited
The recent minimum wage increase in São Paulo raised questions about who actually benefited from the adjustment. Although the new amount of R$ 1,804 came into effect on July 1, 2025, it does not automatically apply to all workers in São Paulo.
The measure is only valid for categories without a defined salary floor established by collective agreements or federal legislation. This means that a large portion of the economically active population remains governed by other compensation criteria.
Who Had The Right To The Minimum Wage Increase?
The new state minimum wage covers professionals such as domestic workers, caregivers, waiters, bricklayers, hairdressers, delivery drivers, salespeople, and machine operators, among other occupations without collective bargaining. The government’s justification for the adjustment is the higher cost of living in São Paulo and the need to ensure real income above inflation.
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The São Paulo Legislative Assembly (Alesp) approved the law that set the state minimum wage at R$ 1,804, which is 18.8% above the national minimum, currently R$ 1,518. The goal is to correct deficiencies and reduce inequalities in professions with less bargaining power.
Who Was Left Out Of The Adjustment?
The minimum wage increase in São Paulo does not apply to:
- Professionals with a wage floor defined in collective agreements or contracts
- Federal public servants
- Retirees and beneficiaries of INSS
These groups follow their own compensation rules and are not subject to state legislation. Therefore, they continue to receive according to national parameters or agreements between unions and companies.
Which Categories Are Included?
The list of beneficiaries is extensive and includes low-education roles, operational activities, general services, and sectors that traditionally lack strong union representation. Among them:
- Cleaning and maintenance workers
- Caregivers, general services assistants, laundresses
- Machine operators in construction and agriculture
- Salespeople, collectors, waiters, delivery drivers
- Beauty and aesthetics professionals
- Maintenance and telecommunications technicians
The measure also covers professionals such as typists, telephone operators, transport attendants, carpenters, plumbers, and industrial soldiers, among many others listed in the state decree.
Why Does São Paulo Have A Higher Minimum Wage?
The state has legal autonomy to define its own wage floor, as long as it respects the federal minimum as a base. The difference is mainly explained by the following factors:
- High cost of living in metropolitan areas
- Local inflationary pressure above the national average
- State policy valuing informal and base work
According to the government, the goal is to promote social justice and strengthen the regional economy through the income of low-wage workers.
And The Highest Wages In Brazil?
Despite the progress in São Paulo, some professions continue to have average compensation well above the state minimum. According to national surveys:
- Ship engineers: R$ 24,686
- Directors and general managers: R$ 20,678
- Specialist doctors: R$ 20,140
These values are a reference only for professions with specific regulations or high technical qualifications.
Were you impacted by this adjustment? Was your sector included? Share with us how this changes your routine — we want to hear your real experience in the comments.
Como seria bom se o mesmo raciocínio de justiça cabe-se em todos os governadores estaduais. não por motivos políticos mas sim por justiça social e humana .
Sou motorista caminhoneiro arrisco minha vida para trazer o pão pra dentro de casa para meus filhos. Mas ultimamente mal da para pagar a feira e o aluguel e compra um picolé para meu filho amado.
e Assim é a vida dos que carrega o progresso do país nas costas.
não estou sendo exagerado no meu comentário não ”
Todos que vivem na estrada sabe da nossa luta diária para sobreviver honestamente.
Sem mais para o momento deixo aqui meus mas sinceros votos de respeito e admiração ao criador desta lei salarial em SP.
ATENCIOSAMENTE
José Francisco Alves.
GUANAMBI BA.
05/08/2025