Mexico’s Formal Employment Reaches 22.6 Million in October

Mexico recorded 22.6 million formal jobs in October, the second-highest figure since records began, according to data from the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS). The country added 198,454 formal jobs during the month, marking October as the third strongest month for job creation in IMSS history.

The announcement was made by Zoé Robledo, Director General, IMSS, during a press conference led by President Claudia Sheinbaum. Robledo said that between January and October 2025, the country created 400,000 new formal jobs, representing an annual growth rate of 1.8%.

“This is the second-highest figure in our history, the previous one being in November 2024. It reflects the solidity of growth in formal employment,” says Robledo. He adds that the data does not yet include workers from digital platforms, who are part of a pilot registration program, suggesting the total could rise once those figures are integrated.

According to IMSS data, 87.4% of registered jobs are permanent, the highest proportion since recordkeeping began. Of the 22.6 million workers affiliated with the institute, nearly 19.8 million hold permanent positions, signaling a structural shift toward more stable employment. “This represents an important change because before, much of the employment was temporary. Now, a significant share is being created on a permanent basis,” says Robledo. 

The IMSS also reported that the average daily base salary reached MX$623.50 (US$33.44) in October, a 7.4% increase over the previous 12 months, equivalent to an additional MX$43 (US$2.31) per day. Robledo attributed part of this increase to the effects of the minimum wage adjustments. “This also shows that workers with social security are receiving better wages,” he adds.

Female participation in the formal labor market continued to expand, with women now representing 40.6% of all registered workers. As of October, 9.19 million women were formally employed and affiliated with the IMSS, with 100,000 new jobs for women created so far in 2025. Robledo highlights this trend as a sign of sustained progress in inclusion and access to social security.

Employment growth was observed across all major economic sectors in October, reflecting consistent formal job creation in the country. IMSS officials said that maintaining this level of performance will depend on consolidating recent labor reforms and ensuring continued stability in both employment and wages in the coming months.