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Nepal Minimum Wage 2025
Current rates, sector breakdowns, calculation examples, and what to do if your employer pays less than the legal minimum.
✅ Current Minimum Wage — FY 2082/83 (2025/26)
NPR 7,100/month basic wage + NPR 1,420/month grade component = NPR 8,520/month total for unskilled workers.
Effective from Baisakh 2081 (May 2024). [Source: Minimum Remuneration Fixation Committee notification, Labour Act 2074]
NPR 7,100/month basic wage + NPR 1,420/month grade component = NPR 8,520/month total for unskilled workers.
Effective from Baisakh 2081 (May 2024). [Source: Minimum Remuneration Fixation Committee notification, Labour Act 2074]
Minimum Wage Breakdown
| Component | Amount (NPR/month) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Wage | 7,100 | Fixed base — forms SSF contribution base |
| Grade Component | 1,420 | 20% of basic wage |
| Total Minimum | 8,520 | Unskilled / entry-level workers |
What is the "grade component"? The grade component (श्रेणी भत्ता) is a supplementary pay fixed at 20% of the basic wage. It must be paid separately and is not part of "basic salary" for SSF calculation purposes — but it is mandatory. [Source: Labour Act 2074; Minimum Remuneration Fixation Committee]
Sector-Specific Minimum Wages
Certain industries have higher minimum wages set by sector-specific notifications. These override the general minimum if they are higher.
| Sector | Basic (NPR/month) | Total incl. Grade (NPR/month) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / Unskilled | 7,100 | 8,520 | Min. Remuneration Committee |
| Semi-skilled workers | ~8,000–9,000 | ~9,600–10,800 | Sector notifications |
| Skilled workers | ~10,000–12,000 | ~12,000–14,400 | Sector notifications |
| Tea plantation workers | Sector-specific | Check MoLESS | MoLESS gazette |
| Brick kiln workers | Piece-rate / daily | Check MoLESS | MoLESS gazette |
| Garment workers | Sector-specific | Check MoLESS | MoLESS gazette |
| Hotel / hospitality | Sector-specific | Check MoLESS | MoLESS gazette |
⚠️ Sector rates change frequently. For the most current sector-specific minimum wage, verify at moless.gov.np or visit your district Labour Office. [Source: MoLESS, moless.gov.np]
Worked Examples
Example 1: Minimum Wage Worker
| Basic wage | NPR 7,100 |
| Grade component | NPR 1,420 |
| Total gross | NPR 8,520 |
| SSF base (basic only) | NPR 7,100 |
| Employee SSF (11%) | NPR 781 |
| Employer SSF (20%) | NPR 1,420 |
| Take-home after SSF | NPR 7,739 |
Example 2: NPR 30,000 Gross Salary
| Gross salary | NPR 30,000 |
| Basic (min 60% rule) | NPR 18,000 |
| Employee SSF (11%) | NPR 1,980 |
| Employer SSF (20%) | NPR 3,600 |
| Take-home after SSF | NPR 28,020 |
See SSF Calculator for your exact numbers.
The 60% Basic Salary Rule
Labour Regulations Rule 66 — Your basic salary must be at least 60% of your total gross salary. Employers cannot inflate allowances to reduce your basic salary (and therefore reduce SSF contributions) below this threshold. [Source: Labour Regulations 2075, Rule 66]
❌ Illegal — Too Low
Gross: NPR 50,000 | Basic: NPR 25,000 (50%)
This violates Rule 66. Basic should be at least NPR 30,000 (60%).
This violates Rule 66. Basic should be at least NPR 30,000 (60%).
✅ Legal — Compliant
Gross: NPR 50,000 | Basic: NPR 30,000 (60%)
Meets the minimum 60% rule. SSF calculated on NPR 30,000.
Meets the minimum 60% rule. SSF calculated on NPR 30,000.
What to Do If Your Employer Pays Less Than Minimum Wage
Paying below the minimum wage is illegal. Employers who pay below the statutory minimum can face fines, back-pay orders, and legal proceedings. [Source: Labour Act 2074, Section 63]
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Step 1: Document It
Collect your pay slips, bank transfer records, or any proof of payment. Calculate the difference between what you received and the legal minimum.
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Step 2: File at Labour Office
Visit your district Labour Office (श्रम कार्यालय) with your employment contract and proof. The Labour Inspector can order back-pay plus a fine from the employer.
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Step 3: Nagarik App / 1111
File a complaint through the Nagarik App or call 1111 (24/7). Reports are forwarded to MoLESS for investigation. [Source: MoLESS]