Minimum Wage by Country

Minimum Wage by Country: Global Guide for 2023

Are you looking to hire in 2023? Learn the minimum wage by country to ensure your workers receive a fair salary in line with the cost of living.

Jemima Owen-Jones
Written by Jemima Owen-Jones
December 9, 2022
Contents
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Key Takeaways

  1. The minimum wage is the lowest monetary compensation employees may legally receive for hourly work. Most countries have a government-mandated minimum wage (with a few exceptions, Italy, Norway, and Sweden.
  2. The minimum wage typically applies to full-time and part-time employees. Minimum wage laws do not protect independent contractors.
  3. If your company hires from another country, adhere to the minimum wage laws where the employee resides, not the company.

Below, we list minimum wages for 67 countries around the world. We list wages in local currency and USD based on the 2023 exchange rate to give you a sense of the local currency’s purchasing power. 

Countries with the lowest minimum wages below $500 USD per month:

Albania 

Albania’s government-mandated minimum wage amounts to ~$39,268 (30,000  ALL) per month, which is relatively low for a European country.

Argentina 

The minimum wage as of April 2023 is ~$301.20 (80.342 ARS per month). However, due to the monthly inflation that Argentina has, the minimum wage is updated at least 4 times per year by a decree of the Ministry of Labor.

The following increases in 2023 expected are:

  • May: ARS 84.512
  • June: ARS 87.987

Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, the National Minimum Wage Board determines the minimum wage for each sector. The current minimum wage is ~$14.52 (1,500 takas) per month for all economic sectors not covered by industry-specific wages. 

Brazil 

The monthly minimum wage in Brazil varies by state, ranging from ~$230.82 (1,212.00 Brazilian Real) to ~$601.62 (3,158.96 Brazilian Real).

Bulgaria

The monthly minimum wage in Bulgaria is ~$449.47  (780 Bulgarian leva).

Colombia

Every January, the Colombian government establishes the minimum wage. The minimum wage per month is ~$286.81 (1,160,000 Colombian pesos).

Cuba

Cuba doesn’t have a government-mandated minimum wage. Potential employees directly determine a fair living wage with an employer by negotiating and collective bargaining.

The average minimum wage in Cuba comes to ~$87 (2,100 Cuban pesos) per month for a 44-hour workweek, although its rate varies by occupation. The Cuban government supplements the minimum wage with free education, housing, subsidized medical care, and food.

El Salvador

The minimum monthly wage in El Salvador varies between sectors:

  • ~$359.16 per month for textiles and clothing
  • ~$365.00 per month for industry
  • ~$365.00 per month commerce and services
  • ~$243.46 per month for agriculture


Georgia

The minimum monthly wage is ~$7.77 (20 GEL) per month and has not been updated in the past 30 years.

The average minimum wage is around ~$504.90 (1300 GEL).

Guatemala

The minimum wage in Guatemala varies from one sector to another. Workers in the agricultural sector in economic circumscription 1 receive ~$392.24 (3,073.60 GTQ) per month, while non-agricultural workers in economic circumscription 1 earn a minimum of ~$404.08 (3,166.38 GTQ) per month.

Rates are slightly lower for workers in the economic circumscription 2:

  • Agricultural sector: 2,987.53 GTQ 
  • Non-agricultural sector: 3,077.56 GTQ 

In Guatemala, on top of the ordinary salary, all employees are entitled to an additional GTQ 250 per month, which is included in the employee’s annual salary.

Guinea Bissau

In Guinea Bissau, the minimum wage is ~$101.12 (59,000 West African Franc) per month. 

Indonesia

Indonesia’s district and province authorities establish the minimum wage within each area. Employees make at least ~$0.86 (12,238.56 Indonesian Rupiah) per hour or ~$136.07 (1,958,169.60 IDR) per month. However, the minimum wage can be as high as ~$326.94 (4,901,798.40 IDR) per month in some provinces. 

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan’s minimum wage rate is ~$148.85 (70,000.00 Kazakhstani tenge) per month for all full-time employees.

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan’s government-mandated minimum wage is ~$26.60 (2,337.00 Kyrgyzstani soum) per month.

Malaysia 

The minimum wage for City Council or Municipal Council areas in Malaysia is ~$272.42 (1,200 Malaysian Ringgit) per month.

Morocco

The minimum wage in Morocco is ~$291.29 (2,828 Moroccan Dirham) per month. 

Nicaragua

Nicaragua’s national minimum wage is dependent on the employee’s industry. The national minimum wage ranges from ~$142.23 (5,196.34 NIO) per month for the agriculture industry and ~$318.29 (11,628.95 NIO) per month for construction, financial institutions, and insurance.

North Macedonia

The minimum monthly net salary in North Macedonia amounts to ~$308 (18,000.00 Macedonian Denars).

Pakistan

The monthly minimum wage in Pakistan varies by province and occupation. In Punjab, the minimum monthly wage for all industries is ~$111.23 (25,000.00 Pakistani rupees).

Panama

The minimum wage per month in Panama depends on the sector. In the IT sector, the monthly minimum wage is $97,981.06 (97,843.20 Panamanian Balboa). 

Peru

All private sector workers in Peru are eligible for a minimum monthly wage of ~$261.61 (930 PEN).

Philippines

In the Philippines, there is no national minimum wage. Applicable minimum wage is based on the region where the employer is incorporated.

In the National Capital Region (NCR), the minimum wage is ~$257.24 (14,006.57 PHP) per month. 

Russia 

In Russia, there are regional variations in minimum wage rates:

  • Moscow: ~$227.26 (20,589 RUB) per month
  • St. Petersburg: ~$209.72 (19,000 RUB) per month
  • Everywhere else in Russia: ~$141.20 (12,792 RUB) per month

Serbia

The minimum wage in Serbia is ~$388.19 (42.320,00 RSD) per month. 

South Africa

In South Africa, the national minimum wage is ~$224.33 (4022.22 ZAR) per month.

Tanzania

As of July 2013, Tanzania’s minimum wage ranges from ~$17.15 (40,000 Tanzanian shillings) to ~$171.38 (400,000 Tanzanian shillings) per month, depending on the sector. 

The Central African Republic

The Central African Republic’s government-mandated minimum wage amounts to around ~$60 (35,000 CFA francs) per month.

Turkey

Turkey’s gross national minimum wage is ~$499.83 (13,414.50 Turkish lire) per hour.

Ukraine

All workers in Ukraine are eligible for ~$499.83 (13,414.50 Ukrainian hryvnia) per hour. 

Uzbekistan

The minimum wage in Uzbekistan is ~$84.65 (980,000.00 Uzbekistan Sum) per month.

Venezuela 

Venezuela’s national minimum wage is ~$0.0005 (130.00 Venezuelan Bolivar) per month. 


Countries with average minimum wages between $500 and $1,000 USD per month:

Bosnia and Herzegovina

The minimum wage in Bosnia and Herzegovina is ~$523.92 (911,43 BAM) per month.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s minimum monthly wage ranges from ~$563.47 (352.164,91 CRC) for unskilled workers to ~$1,203.55 (752.220,04 CRC) for University Graduates (Master’s degree or higher). 

Croatia 

The minimum wage in Croatia is around ~$787.40 (700 EUR).

Czech Republic

The monthly minimum wage in the Czech Republic is ~$819.46 (17,300 CZK) per month.

Estonia

Estonia’s government-mandated general minimum wage is around ~$815.54 (725 EUR) per month.

Greece

The minimum wage for workers in Greece is ~$877.45 (780 EUR) per month.

However, the minimum wage can vary according to the seniority and civil status of the employee.

Hungary

The minimum wage for workers without a degree in Hungary is ~$697.13 (232,000 HUF) per month. Workers with a degree are entitled to a ~$890.65 (296,400 HUF) minimum wage.

Latvia

The government-mandated minimum wage in Latvia is ~$697.44 (620 EUR) per month for all workers.

Lithuania 

Lithuania’s minimum wage is ~$944.92 (840 Euros) per month.

Malta

The minimum wage in Malta is around ~$939.51 (835.21 EUR) per month for full-time employees and ~$820.85 (626.41 EUR) per month for part-time employees. 

Montenegro

As of January 2022, the minimum monthly wage in Montenegro amounts to around ~$598.99 Euros (533 Euros) for all full-time employees.

Poland

The minimum wage for full-time employees in Poland changed on July 1, 2023, and is now ~$910.63 (3,600 PLN) gross per month. From January to June 30, 2023, the minimum wage in Poland was ~$882.81 (3,490 PLN) gross per month and ~$5.77 (22.80 PLN) gross per hour.

The minimum wage is pro-rated for part-time employees and changes every year. 

Portugal 

In Portugal, the minimum gross salary for 2023 is ~$11,969.11  (10,640.00 EUR) per year.

Romania

The National minimum wage per month in Romania is as follows: 

  • Full-time employees: ~$523.88(2,300 RON)
  • Full-time employees with higher education working in their studies field: ~$535.23 (2,350 RON)
  • Full-time employees working in company construction that wants to apply the income tax exemption for employees: ~$ 683.28 (3,000 RON)

Slovakia

In Slovakia, the minimum wage is determined by worker type, starting at ~$700.77 (623 EUR) per month for roles with a low degree of responsibility to ~$1,353.09 (1203 EUR) for roles with a high degree of responsibility. 

 

Countries with the highest minimum wages above $1,000 USD per month:

Andora

Andorra’s government sets a minimum wage twice a year. As of January 2023, the monthly minimum wage is set to ~$1,446.64 (1,286.13 EUR).

Australia

Australia’s minimum wage per hour is around ~$14.58 (21.38 AUD) but is lower for those below 21 years of age. 

For occupations covered by an award or registered agreement, the minimum wage may be higher. 

Training wages, junior wages, and apprentice wages may differ.

Austria

In Austria, the national minimum wage depends on job category (CBA Groups I to V) and the employee’s seniority. In group I, the minimum wage is ~$2,025.11 (1800.00 EUR) per month. In group V, the minimum wage can be as high as ~$6,651.80 (5912.40 EUR) per month. 

Belgium

In Belgium, the minimum wage will depend on the sector of the company, the seniority, and the job description of the employee.

  • Employees over 18 years old with at least 6 months of seniority are entitled to a minimum wage of ~$2,031.08 (1805,15 EUR) per hour.
  • Employees over 20 years old with at least 12 months of seniority are entitled to ~$2,052.95 (1825,88 EUR) per hour.

Canada

Canada’s minimum wage varies by province/territory. Federally regulated employees must receive at least ~$11.78 (15.55 CAD) per hour. For the current provincial minimum wages, please reference the corresponding websites:

Denmark

There are no provisions regarding the minimum salary stipulated in the law. The minimum wage is based on the Bargaining Agreements in each sector. The average salary in Denmark in 2023 is around ~$3,490.38 (3,100 EUR) per month.

Finland

There are no provisions regarding the minimum salary stipulated in the law in Finland. The wage can vary according to the collective agreement that applies to the company. On average in 2023, the minimum is around ~$2,261.43 (2009 EUR) per month. 

France

The Statutory Minimum Wage in France for full-time employees is ~$1,923.61 (1,709.28 EUR) per month but this can vary depending on company bargaining agreements. 

Germany 

The minimum wage in Germany amounts to ~$2,349.73 (2088 EUR) per month. However, workers often receive a higher minimum wage through collective bargaining, which is enforceable by law. 

Iceland 

In Iceland, the applicable minimum wage is complex. There is no national minimum wage by law. Instead, the minimum wage is determined by which Trade Union an employee is part of. Trade Unions determine minimum wage based on the age of the employee and job type.

On average, the minimum wage is around ~$2,830.77 (368,000 Icelandic krónur) per month. 

Ireland

The minimum hourly wage in Ireland is ~$12.72 (11.30 EUR). 

Japan

In Japan, the minimum wage is complex. The minimum hourly wage is set according to the region of the employee, and it can vary between ~$5.17 and ~$7.40 (714 JPY and 1023 JPY) per hour. 

Luxembourg

The minimum wage in Luxembourg for general employees aged 18 and older is ~$3,122.51 (2,776.05 EUR) per month.

Netherlands

In the Netherlands, the minimum base salary (updated bi-annually) is ~$2,243.99 (1,995 EUR) a month for employees 21 years and older. Lower minimum base salaries apply to employees younger than 21 and can be found on the official government website.

New Zealand 

The minimum wage in New Zealand depends on age and experience level. 

  • Adult (16+ years old): ~$14.28 (22.70 NZD) per hour
  • Training (20+ years old with a training contract): ~$11.42 (18.16 NZD) per hour
  • Early Employment (16-19 years old, less than 6 months of continuous employment): ~$11.42 (18.16 NZD) per hour

San Marino

The minimum wage in San Marino for the lowest paying industry is around ~$1584 (1,501.49 EUR) per month.

Slovenia

The monthly minimum wage is ~$1,353.25 (1203,36 EUR), and it's updated once a year by the Ministry of Labor.

South Korea

As of 2023, the minimum wage is ~$7.63 (9,620 WON) per hour or ~$2,636 (2,010,580 WON) per month.

Spain 

The Minimum Wage in Spain is ~$1,313.05 (1,166.67 EUR) per month. 

Switzerland

Switzerland doesn’t have a statutory minimum wage: collective agreements determine minimum compensation. The amounts range between cantons (states), with an average minimum wage of around ~$21.43 (20 Swiss Francs) per hour. 

Taiwan

Taiwan’s national minimum wage is ~$10.19 (315.63 TWD) per hour.

United Kingdom

The minimum wage for employees in the United Kingdom working 40 hours a week is ~$28,406 (21,673.60 GBP) a year, ~$2,367 (1,806.13 GBP) per month. An employer could pay below minimum wage only if the employee works part-time or is younger than 23. 

Stay on top of minimum wage laws with Deel 

Staying compliant with local employment laws (like minimum wages) is the number one concern for many employers wanting to hire internationally. Still, it shouldn’t stop you from diving into the global talent pool.
 
Deel generates employment contracts that comply with local regulations for every international employee and independent contractor. You don’t need to learn a new set of rules each time you hire in a new country: we take care of it for you.
 
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