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Cambodia Sets 2027 Minimum Wage for Garment Workers at $212

Terry Felix​​​​   On September 30, 2026 - 5:40 am​   In Economics   2mn Read
Cambodia Sets 2027 Minimum Wage for Garment Workers at $212 Cambodia Sets 2027 Minimum Wage for Garment Workers at $212

PHNOM PENH, Sept. 30, 2026 — Cambodia has officially set the 2027 minimum monthly wage for workers in the garment, footwear, textile, travel-goods and bag sectors at US$212, representing a US$2 increase from the current rate.

The new wage was determined after the National Council for Minimum Wage held its final tripartite meeting on Wednesday to review proposals from employers and trade unions.

Two figures were put to a vote: US$210 proposed by employers and US$225 proposed by the union side.

The US$210 proposal received the majority of votes, with 47 of 51 votes, effectively maintaining the 2026 minimum wage. Prime Minister Hun Manet subsequently decided to add another US$2 to the negotiated figure, bringing the official minimum wage for 2027 to US$212.

The new rate will take effect on January 1, 2027.

The increase follows Cambodia’s annual wage-setting process for the sector. The minimum wage was raised from US$208 in 2025 to US$210 in 2026.

In addition to the basic minimum wage, workers will continue to receive various monthly benefits, including:

  • US$7 for transportation and accommodation;
  • US$10 regular attendance bonus;
  • 2,000 riel per day as a meal allowance for voluntary overtime, or one free meal; and
  • US$2–US$11 in seniority payments for workers with between two and 11 years of service.

Based on the minimum wage and the additional benefits, workers are expected to receive around US$229 to US$240 or more per month, depending on eligibility and length of service.

The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training has previously said the annual minimum-wage process involves tripartite consultations among the government, employers and worker representatives, with the new rate taking effect at the beginning of the following year.

The garment, footwear and travel-goods sector remains a major source of employment and export earnings for Cambodia. The Labour Ministry’s 2026 occupational outlook also identifies the sector as a major driver of demand for skilled workers and machine operators.

The 2027 wage decision comes amid continued efforts to balance workers’ living standards, employment and Cambodia’s competitiveness in the international garment and manufacturing market.

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