The Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) recorded a loss of 320,692 formal jobs in December 2025, the lowest since 2022. Despite this, the year ended with a net creation of 278,697 jobs, at a 1.3% rate. Experts note the figure is less negative than anticipated, though they highlight weaknesses in job generation.
The IMSS report points to seasonal factors for December's drop, such as workforce adjustments in commerce, services, and construction firms. Carlos Ramírez, a partner consultant at Integralia, noted that the 320,692 job losses are better than in prior years: December 2024 saw 405,259 losses, 2023 had 384,882, and 2022 recorded 345,705.
Ramírez acknowledged the data is not as bad as the Bank of Mexico's estimates, which forecasted 150,000 to 200,000 jobs for 2025. Still, he stressed the year's overall weakness, with a one-million-job deficit relative to economic needs. Of the 278,697 jobs created, 206,521 were formalized app delivery workers, not new positions. "Without that government initiative, it would have been a year with just 70,000 new jobs," the economist emphasized.
Sector-wise, transport and communications led with a 13.7% increase, followed by commerce (3.1%) and electricity (2.1%). By state, Tlaxcala, Mexico State, and Mexico City exceeded 5% annual growth. The average base contribution salary hit 627.9 pesos, the highest December on record, up 40.5 pesos nominally and 6.9% annually.
Additionally, 1,292,080 employers were registered by year-end, down 6,839 monthly due to security measures in registrations. A total of 272,919 people are in the voluntary continuation scheme.
