Mexico Sees Record Formal Job Growth as Gig Workers Gain Benefits

Strategic Insights -

Mexico's formal sector employment surge in July was fueled by the launch of a pilot program providing employment benefits to digital platform workers, with 1.26 million new jobs added to the Social Security Institute's (IMSS) registries. This represents the highest number of formal sector jobs added in a single month, with the total number of registered workers reaching a record 23.59 million by July 31.

The June-monthly increase in formal sector employment was driven by digital platform workers, with a majority of the 1.26 million new jobs falling under this category. These workers will now have access to benefits such as medical and accident insurance, childcare centers, and pension and housing programs. The new labor reform requiring the incorporation of gig workers into IMSS has been widely supported by both digital platform companies and workers, who will retain their right to labor flexibility.

Key Takeaways:

  • The formal sector employment in Mexico saw a record surge in July, with 1.26 million new jobs added, driven primarily by digital platform workers.
  • The total number of registered workers with the IMSS reached a record 23.59 million by July 31.
  • The pilot program for digital platform workers, launched through labor law reforms, aims to provide employment benefits to these workers.
  • IMSS reported that digital platform workers will have access to formal sector employment benefits, including medical and accident insurance, childcare centers, and pension and housing programs.
  • The new labor reform has been widely supported by both digital platform companies and workers, who will retain their right to labor flexibility.
  • Of the 1.35 million formal sector jobs added in the first seven months of the year, just 155,591 (11.5%) are permanent positions, with the bulk of the new jobs being temporary or contract positions.
  • México state and CDMX recorded the largest formal sector employment growth rates, with the Mexico City metropolitan area leading the increase.
  • The formal sector employment in most states declined in the 12 months to July, with Tabasco seeing the biggest drop.
  • The number of formal sector workers in the transport and communication sector increased by 71% in the 12 months to July due to the registration of digital platform workers.

Statistics:

  • 1.26 million new formal sector jobs were added in July, driven by digital platform workers.
  • The total number of registered workers with the IMSS reached 23.59 million by July 31.
  • Digital platform workers will earn at least 8,480 pesos (US $456) per month to have full access to formal sector employment benefits.
  • 90% of digital platform workers in Mexico are men, while 10% are women.
  • 56% of digital platform workers are 35 or younger, and 23% have other formal sector jobs.
  • The average daily base salary of a formal sector worker was 614.3 pesos (US $33) at the end of July.
  • The daily minimum wage in most of the country is set at 278.80 pesos.

Sources:

  • "Mexico adds record 1.26 million formal jobs in July as gig workers gain benefits" (https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/mexico-gig-work-reform-record-formal-job-growth/)
  • IMSS (https://www.imss.gob.mx/prensa/archivo/202508/393)
  • Mexico News Daily (https://mexiconewsdaily.com)
  • Reforma (https://www.reforma.com/provocan-repartidores-cifra-record-en-empleo-formal/ar3050733)
  • El Economista (https://www.eleconomista.com.mx/politica/gobierno-presume-registro-millon-trabajadores-plataformas-digitales-imss-20250806-771507.html)