The article examines the role of the minimum wage in the reproduction of the labor
force. It is indicated that in the Republic of Moldova there are two levels of the minimum wage: the
minimum wage in the public sector and the guaranteed minimum wage in the real sector of economy.
The dynamics of these indicators for 2013-2021 is given. The analysis of the ratio of their values with
the subsistence minimum of an able-bodied person, as well as with the average wage in the country's
economy (Kaitz index). It is proposed to raise the minimum wage in accordance with international
practice. In particular, it is recommended to gradually bring the minimum wage in the public sector
closer to 1.5 times the subsistence minimum of an able-bodied person, and the guaranteed minimum
wage in the real sector to 50% of the average wage in the country's economy.
