The Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) has reported a record number of affiliates, reaching 22.8 million [6].
This surge in formal employment is significant because it expands the reach of essential social security benefits. Millions of additional workers now have guaranteed access to healthcare, pensions, and Infonavit housing credits, which the government views as a primary method for redistributing wealth and stabilizing the economy.
Data reported at the close of May 2026 indicates that formal employment has hit a historic peak [2]. While some reports cite approximately 22.7 million affiliates [1], other figures place the total at 22.8 million [6]. Earlier in the year, the exact count of formal jobs at the end of March 2026 was recorded at 22,724,680 [3].
The growth reflects a steady upward trend in the Mexican labor market. In the first five months of 2026, the country added 201,605 new formal jobs [5]. This follows an annual net increase of 346,000 formal positions [2].
Stability within these roles is also high. Approximately 86 percent of these formal jobs are held under permanent contracts [2]. The IMSS said that this level of formalization serves as a sign of economic solidity, providing a safety net for a larger portion of the workforce.
Government officials said these figures are a success in transitioning workers from the informal economy to registered employment. By bringing more workers into the IMSS system, the state increases its ability to provide comprehensive social services, and ensure long-term financial security for employees through the national pension system.
“Mexico's formal employment has reached a historic peak.”
The transition of millions of workers from informal to formal employment reduces the vulnerability of the Mexican labor force. By anchoring a larger percentage of the population to permanent contracts and state-managed benefits, Mexico is attempting to create a more resilient middle class and reduce the long-term fiscal burden of providing emergency healthcare to uninsured citizens.
