Minimum wages in Bihar 2025-26: Latest rates and salary breakup

The Bihar State Government has announced revised minimum wages for employees, effective from April 1, 2025. These new rates set the legal minimum amount that employers must pay their workers for the services they provide. The updated wages apply to workers across all skill levels and across various industries in the state.

This article provides a clear overview of the latest minimum wages in Bihar and explains how wages are structured for different categories of workers.

Minimum wages in Bihar

Minimum wages in Bihar are governed by the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, which empowers the state government to fix wage rates for different employment categories. To ensure proper implementation, the Bihar Minimum Wages Rules, 1951 were introduced.

These laws protect employees from exploitation by:

• Prohibiting unauthorized wage deductions
• Preventing delays in wage payments
• Ensuring wages are paid by the 10th of every month
• Requiring that wages be paid in cash or credited to bank accounts, not in kind

How is the minimum wage calculated in Bihar?

Minimum wages in Bihar are determined by multiple factors including the type of industry or occupation the employee is involved in, the skill level of the worker, and salary components such as basic salary and Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA)

The VDA is linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and adjusts periodically to reflect inflation. This helps ensure that workers’ real incomes remain stable even as living costs rise.

Worker categories in Bihar

In Bihar and across India, employees are broadly classified into five categories for wage purposes:

1. Unskilled: These workers perform simple, repetitive tasks that require minimal judgment or prior experience. Their roles often involve manual labor such as cleaning, loading, or material handling.
2. Semi-skilled: These individuals carry out routine tasks that require some training or familiarity, but involve limited decision-making. They may operate tools or machines and follow established procedures.
3. Skilled: Skilled workers possess training or experience in a specific trade. They can work independently, make job-related decisions, and are accountable for the quality of their output.
4. Highly skilled: These workers not only perform complex tasks with expertise but may also lead teams, train others, or manage operations within their area of specialization.
5. Supervisory/clerical: This category includes employees who supervise others or handle administrative duties such as record-keeping, payroll processing, and office coordination.

Latest minimum wages in Bihar for 2025

The following table shows the latest minimum wages in the state for different classes of workers:

View the latest official notification here

Salary structure for minimum wage workers in Bihar

To help business owners ensure compliance with Bihar's minimum wage rules and structure fair salaries, here’s a sample salary breakup for different types of workers. This structure includes basic pay, VDA, and allowances, while ensuring net pay matches or exceeds the minimum wages notified by the Bihar government.

Employer liabilities under the Bihar minimum wages rules

Employers in the state must perform the below tasks to stay compliant with the Bihar Minimum Wages Rules:

• Submit annual return in Form V as required.
• Pay wages to employees at intervals not exceeding one month.
• Maintain a monthly register of wages paid or payable and document all advances paid to employees.
• Record any deductions made for damages or losses, if applicable.

Since the Variable Dearness Allowance is revised periodically, employers must check Bihar’s official minimum wage notifications every six months. It's also essential to maintain accurate payroll records and issue salary slips regularly to stay compliant and avoid penalties during labour inspections.

Key takeaways

Minimum wages in Bihar play a crucial role in ensuring fair pay and better working conditions. As an employer, staying compliant means more than just following the rules—it’s about fostering a fair and supportive workplace.

Stay updated with government notifications, communicate clearly with your employees, and promptly resolve wage-related concerns. Providing fair wages on time will help you avoid legal issues under the Minimum Wages Act.