Overview of the New Wage Policy
On November 26, 2025, the Henan Provincial Government officially released updated minimum wage standards, which will take effect on December 1, 2025. The adjustment aims to improve income security for workers and ensure fair salary levels across the province. Employers and payroll teams should update their internal systems and salary structures to maintain compliance.
New Minimum Wage Standards by Administrative Category
Henan Province divides minimum wage levels into three administrative categories:
Category I Administrative Regions
- Monthly minimum salary: CNY 2,350
- Minimum hourly wage: CNY 23.0
Category II Administrative Regions
- Monthly minimum salary: CNY 2,150
- Minimum hourly wage: CNY 21.1
Category III Administrative Regions
- Monthly minimum salary: CNY 2,000
- Minimum hourly wage: CNY 19.6
These updated salary thresholds apply to all full-time employees as well as hourly, part-time, and non-standard work arrangements. Employers must integrate these new levels into their payroll calculations.
The Administrative Region Classification Table
(Prefecture-level Cities, Jiyuan Demonstration Zone, Airport Zone, Counties/Districts)
Zhengzhou City
- First-Class Regions: Urban Districts, Gongyi City, Xinmi City, Xinzheng City, Dengfeng City, Zhongmu County
- Second-Class Regions: —
- Third-Class Regions: —
Kaifeng City
- First-Class Regions: Urban Districts (excluding Xiangfu District)
- Second-Class Regions: Lankao County, Qi County, Weishi County
- Third-Class Regions: Xiangfu District, Tongxu County
Luoyang City
- First-Class Regions: Urban Districts, Xin’an County, Mengjin District
- Second-Class Regions: Yiyang County, Luoning County, Luanchuan County, Yichuan County
- Third-Class Regions: —
Pingdingshan City
- First-Class Regions: Urban Districts, Wugang City
- Second-Class Regions: Baofeng County, Ye County, Lushan County, Jia County
- Third-Class Regions: —
Anyang City
- First-Class Regions: Urban Districts
- Second-Class Regions: Linzhou City, Tangyin County, Anyang County, Neihuang County, Hua County
- Third-Class Regions: —
Hebi City
- First-Class Regions: Urban Districts
- Second-Class Regions: Xun County, Qi County
- Third-Class Regions: —
Xinxiang City
- First-Class Regions: Urban Districts
- Second-Class Regions: Huojia County, Yuanyang County, Yanjin County, Fengqiu County, Changyuan City, Weihui City, Xinxiang County
- Third-Class Regions: —
Jiaozuo City
- First-Class Regions: Urban Districts, Qinyang City, Mengzhou City
- Second-Class Regions: Xiuwu County, Wuzhi County, Bo’ai County, Wen County
- Third-Class Regions: —
Puyang City
- First-Class Regions: Urban Districts
- Second-Class Regions: Puyang County, Qingfeng County
- Third-Class Regions: Fan County, Taiqian County, Nanle County
Xuchang City
- First-Class Regions: Urban Districts, Changge City, Yuzhou City
- Second-Class Regions: Yanling County, Xuchang County
- Third-Class Regions: —
Luohe City
- First-Class Regions: Urban Districts
- Second-Class Regions: Wuyang County, Linying County
- Third-Class Regions: —
Sanmenxia City
- First-Class Regions: Urban Districts, Yuma City, Lingbao City
- Second-Class Regions: Lushi County
- Third-Class Regions: —
Nanyang City
- First-Class Regions: Urban Districts
- Second-Class Regions: Dengzhou City, Zhenping County, Neixiang County, Xixia County, Xichuan County, Sheqi County, Fangcheng County, Tanghe County, Nanzhao County, Tongbai County, Xinye County
- Third-Class Regions: —
Shangqiu City
- First-Class Regions: Urban Districts
- Second-Class Regions: Yongcheng City
- Third-Class Regions: Minquan County, Liangyuan District, Sui County, Ningling County, Zhecheng County, Xiaoying County (夏邑县), Yucheng County
Xinyang City
- First-Class Regions: Urban Districts
- Second-Class Regions: Guangshan County, Huangchuan County
- Third-Class Regions: Luoshan County, Shangcheng County, Huaibin County, Xi County, Xin County, Pingqiao District
Zhoukou City
- First-Class Regions: Urban Districts
- Second-Class Regions: Xiangcheng City, Luyi County, Fugou County, Shangshui County, Taikang County, Huaiyang County
- Third-Class Regions: Xihua County, Shenqiu County
Zhumadian City
- First-Class Regions: Urban Districts
- Second-Class Regions: Xincai County
- Third-Class Regions: Queshan County, Biyang County, Zhengyang County, Pingyu County, Runan County, Shangcai County, Xiping County, Suiping County
Jiyuan Demonstration Zone
- First-Class Regions: Entire Zone
- Second-Class Regions: —
- Third-Class Regions: —
Airport Zone
- First-Class Regions: Entire Airport Zone
- Second-Class Regions: —
- Third-Class Regions: —
Implications for Employers and Payroll Departments
Update Payroll Systems by December 1, 2025
Companies operating in Henan must ensure their payroll software and salary tables reflect the new minimum wage standards. Failure to comply may result in penalties or labor disputes.
Adjust Budget and Staffing Costs
Different administrative categories will lead to varied labor cost increases. Businesses should recalculate salary budgets and adjust financial planning accordingly.
Review Contracts and Salary Policies
Employment contracts, pay ranges, and hourly wage policies should be updated to ensure full compliance across all worker categories.
Reduce Legal Risk
Ensuring compliance with the new minimum wage is essential for avoiding legal exposure, maintaining employee satisfaction, and supporting long-term workforce stability.
Why This Matters for Companies Operating in China
Minimum wage adjustments in provinces like Henan reflect China’s ongoing effort to balance labor standards with economic development. For foreign-invested enterprises and domestic companies alike, staying current with provincial salary requirements is essential for payroll accuracy, compliance management, and employee retention.
ChinaPayroll continuously monitors wage and labor regulation updates nationwide. Our payroll solutions help businesses seamlessly adjust salary structures, automate compliance rules, and ensure timely and accurate payroll processing across all regions of China.
If you need professional support updating your payroll system for Henan’s new 2025 minimum wage standards, feel free to contact our team.
If you would like to explore salary calculations and minimum wage standards in other regions, please click here:
https://www.china-payroll.com/salary-calculator-amp-minimum-wages-for-more-cities/
