Wages France EU Regulations

French Minimum Wage (SMIC) — What Must Employers Pay?

2025-03-10 5 min read

Posting workers to France means complying with French wage law. A posted worker must earn at least the SMIC (Salaire minimum interprofessionnel de croissance) — regardless of what they earn in their home country.

What is SMIC?

SMIC is France's statutory minimum wage, updated each year on 1 January. It is expressed as an hourly rate. From 1 January 2025, SMIC is €11.88/h gross.

SMIC rates for 2025

  • Hourly rate: €11.88/h gross
  • Monthly (35h week): approximately €1,801.80 gross
  • Annual: approximately €21,621.60 gross

SMIC vs collective agreements

SMIC is the floor. Many sectors have higher rates set by collective agreements (conventions collectives). For construction, the relevant agreement is the Convention Collective Nationale du Bâtiment — rates there are above SMIC and vary by skill level and region.

Approximate construction rates 2025 (indicative, depends on classification group):

  • Unskilled worker (N1P1): approx. €12.50–13.00/h
  • Skilled worker (N2): approx. €13.50–15.00/h
  • Foreman (N3): approx. €16.00–19.00/h

How to calculate the wage for a posted worker

The employer must pay at least the rate set by the collective agreement for the sector and region where work is performed in France.

Important: components that count toward the comparison with SMIC are base pay plus any regular bonuses and supplements that form a permanent part of the wage. Allowances and expense reimbursements do NOT count toward the minimum.

What if the worker's home-country wage is below SMIC?

The employer must top up the difference. The top-up can be paid as a separate posting allowance. Document this correctly on the payslip.

What does an inspector check on wages?

  • Payslips for the posting period (must be accessible in France)
  • Hourly rate conversion to EUR
  • Comparison with applicable collective agreements
  • Proof of actual payment (bank transfers)

Fines for paying below SMIC

  • Administrative fine of up to €3,000 per worker
  • Obligation to pay back wages plus interest
  • Joint liability of the French client

Practical recommendation

Before posting, check which classification group your workers fall into and what rates apply under the relevant collective agreement in the French region where they will work. If in doubt, contact us — we can help you calculate the correct wage.

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