Aumento salarial en Venezuela: ¿Cuánto debería ser el sueldo mínimo? The minimum wage in Venezuela has been frozen since March 2022, diminishing to less than a dollar a month due to inflation and devaluation. While the government provides non-wage bonuses, these do not contribute to benefits and are insufficient to cover the rising cost of the food basket, which exceeds $500 monthly. Unions and economists are advocating for a substantial increase in the minimum wage, suggesting figures around $100 to $300, and the integration of bonuses into the base salary to restore workers’ purchasing power and dignity.

• The Venezuelan minimum wage has not been increased since March 2022, now equivalent to less than one US dollar per month.
• Government bonuses, such as ‘Economic War’ and food bonuses, are not factored into benefits like vacation or profit sharing.
• The cost of the food basket for a family of four exceeds $500 monthly, far surpassing the total income from bonuses.
• Unions and experts propose raising the minimum wage to between $100 and $300 and integrating bonuses into the base salary.
• The Venezuelan Constitution mandates that the minimum wage should cover the food basket, a standard currently unmet.
• Pensioners are also struggling, receiving only the minimum wage plus a $50 bonus, which is insufficient for essential medicines and food.
• The ‘parallel dollar’ rate, used by most of the population, highlights the significant gap between official calculations and the reality of prices.
• Venezuela ended 2025 with an inflation rate of 548%, further eroding the purchasing power of stagnant wages.
• A significant percentage of Venezuelans face difficulties in affording food, with many, like Ana, forced to reduce food portions and eliminate proteins.