Minimum wage vs Median salary: The pension gap widens

Last updated: January 2026
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Minimum wage vs Median salary: The pension gap widens

Compare the loss at minimum wage vs median salary. The injustice of pay-as-you-go.

Side-by-side comparison

Minimum wage

€1,800 gross/month. The legal minimum in France.

Pay-as-you-go pension984 €/m
Funded annuity2 226 €/m
Final capital667 849 €
Monthly loss-1 242 €

Median salary

Better

€3,500 gross/month. Half of French people earn less.

Pay-as-you-go pension1 913 €/m
Funded annuity4 329 €/m
Final capital1 298 595 €
Monthly loss-2 415 €

The verdict

Median salary

generates 2 102 € more with funded system

Difference

1 173 €/m

Capital gap

630 746 €

Pension gap

929 €/m

What it means

This comparison illustrates the concrete impact of minimum wage vs median salary on your retirement. Whether you choose one or the other, the pay-as-you-go system loses you money. The real question is: how much exactly are you losing?

Frequently Asked Questions

Minimum wage or Median salary: what's the retirement difference?
The pension difference between minimum wage and median salary is 929 €/month with pay-as-you-go. With a funded system, the capital gap reaches 630 746 €.
Which scenario is more advantageous?
In terms of potential monthly annuity with a funded system, Median salary generates 4 329 €/month, which is 2 102 €/month more.
What is the methodology for this comparison?
We use URSSAF 2025 rates, a 6% yield adjusted for inflation, and a 20-year retirement life expectancy. Calculations assume a full career.

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Our methodology

Comparison based on URSSAF 2025 rates, 6% yield (inflation-adjusted), and 20-year retirement life expectancy. Calculations assume a full career and constant salary.

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