Mexicali Adds Nearly 2,900 Formal Jobs in January, IMSS Reports

-Editorial 

Public policies aimed at promoting formal employment in Mexicali resulted in the creation of 2,894 new formal jobs in January 2026, according to data released by the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social.

The figures reflect continued growth in registered employment at the start of the year, driven primarily by manufacturing, commerce, the electric industry, and business services, the IMSS reported. The agency compiles employment data based on workers registered with the national social security system.

Mayor Norma Bustamante said the increase followed measures intended to strengthen labor market conditions, including wage adjustments, workforce training programs, and support for micro, small, and medium-sized businesses.

IMSS data also indicate that Mexicali recorded the highest average daily wage among municipalities in Baja California as of Jan. 31, 2026. The city reported an average daily wage of 784.12 pesos, compared with a statewide average of 753.36 pesos.

Year-over-year comparisons show that 2,159 formal jobs were added in January 2026 compared with the same month in 2025. Officials said the increase reflects sustained private-sector hiring at the beginning of the year.

The IMSS reported that employment gains were concentrated in sectors tied to industrial production, trade activity, and business support services, which together accounted for the majority of new registered positions.

Longer-term data from the agency indicate that 26,922 formal jobs have been created in Mexicali since Bustamante took office, reflecting overall growth in registered employment during that period.

The IMSS regularly publishes employment indicators used by federal, state, and municipal authorities to monitor labor market trends and evaluate economic performance.