Article
16 min read
Minimum Wage by Country: Global Guide for 2026
Legal & compliance
Global payroll
Author
Deel Team
Last Update
December 08, 2025
Table of Contents
Minimum wages by region
Countries with the lowest minimum wages (below $500 USD per month)
Countries with a moderate minimum wage, between $500 and $1,000 USD per month
Countries with a high minimum wage, over $1,000 USD per month
Countries with no specified minimum wage
Limitations of comparing the minimum monthly wage per country
Stay compliant with local labor laws with Deel
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Key Takeaways
- Minimum wage laws differ by country, and they often come with hidden complexities, like extra payments or regional variations.
- This guide covers 70+ countries, with monthly wage data in both USD and local currency for easy benchmarking.
- Deel helps global teams stay compliant with local wage laws, backed by in-house legal experts and on-the-ground payroll support.
Hiring internationally means playing by local rules, including when it comes to pay. Minimum wage laws vary widely from one country to the next, and they’re rarely straightforward. Some countries have no official minimum at all. Others mandate 13 or 14 salary payments per year. And exchange rates can make cross-border comparisons even more complex.
At Deel, we help businesses stay ahead of shifting regulations. Our team of local experts and in-house legal professionals ensures every employee and contractor you hire is paid accurately and compliantly, wherever they are in the world.
This guide gives you a clear, side-by-side view of minimum wages by country, presented in both local currency and USD and based on 2026 exchange rates. Whether you're planning expansion, managing payroll, or benchmarking compensation, it’s a practical starting point.
Minimum wages by region
How does minimum wage vary across the world? To start, here’s a look at how rates differ from region to region, with country-specific data.
Asia-Pacific
Australia
- USD: 630/week
- Local: AUD 948/week
China
- USD: 240–387.58
- Local: CNY 1700-2740/month
Hong Kong
- USD: 5.41
- Local: HKD 42.1/hour
India
- USD: 1.77-4.69
- Local: INR 160 – 423/day
Indonesia
- USD: 324.13
- Local: IDR 5396,760/month
Japan
- USD: 7.21
- Local: JPY 1121/hour
Malaysia
- USD: 364.30
- Local: MYR 1,500/month
New Zealand
- USD: 13.5
- Local: NZD 23.50/hour
Pakistan
- USD: 131.93-142.63
- Local: PKR 37,000-40,000/month
Philippines
- USD: 11.77
- Local: PHP 695/day
Singapore
No government-mandated minimum wage
South Korea
- USD: 7.00
- Local: KRW 10,320/hour
Sri Lanka
- USD: 89.73
- Local: LKR 27000/month
Taiwan
- USD: 952.80
- Local: TWD 29,500/month
Thailand
- USD: 14.71/day
- Local: THB 400/day
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North America
Canada
- USD: 12.35-14.10/hour
- Local: CAD 15-17.85/hour based on provincial minimum wage. Wages may rise up to CAD 17/hour from April 2026.
Puerto Rico
- USD: 10.50/hour
- Local: USD 10.50/hour
United States
- USD: 7.25-15 (federal minimum, varies by states)
- Local: USD 7.25-15
Latin America
Argentina
- USD: 224/month
- Local: ARS 322,000/month
Bolivia
- USD: 405.04
- Local: BOB 2,750/month
Brazil
- USD: 303.00
- Local: BRL 1,627 (Projected for 2026)
Chile
- USD: 582.40
- Local: CLP 529,000/month
Colombia
- USD: 388.98
- Local: COP 1,423,500
Costa Rica
- USD: 763.08
- Local: CRC 367,108
Dominican Republic
- USD: 270.86–476.53
- Local: DOP 16,993.20-29,988.00/month
Ecuador
- USD: 470
- Local: USD 470/month
Guatemala
- USD: 437-518
- Local: GTQ 3,347-3973/month, based on different sectors.
Honduras
- USD: 330-647.69
- Local: HNL 8581-16856/month
Mexico
- USD: 18-26.9/day
- Local: MXN 312-470.46/day
Peru
- USD: 275.93
- Local: PEN 1,130
Uruguay
- USD: 622.05
- Local: UYU 23,604
Free course
Europe, Middle East, Africa
Albania
- USD: 489.72
- Local: ALL 40,000, and will reach up to 50,00 ALL starting January, 2026
Austria
No statutory minimum wage
Belgium
- USD: 2,476.60
- Local: EUR 2112/month
Bosnia and Herzegovina
- USD: 603.46
- Local: BAM 1000/month
Bulgaria
- USD: 642
- Local: BGN 1077/month
Croatia
- USD: 1141.40
- Local: EUR 970/month
Cyprus
- USD: Based on tenure: 1,176.04
- Local: EUR 1,000/month
Czech Republic
- USD: 846.50
- Local: CZK 17,300/month
Denmark
- No government-mandated minimum wage
Estonia
- USD: 965.78
- Local: EUR 820/month
Finland
- No government-mandated minimum wage
France
- USD: 2103
- Local: EUR 1,801/month
Germany
- USD: 23.50
- Local: EUR 13.90/hour
Greece
- USD: 1036
- Local: EUR 880/month
Hungary
- USD: 720.60
- Local: HUF 232,000/month
Iceland
- No government-mandated minimum wage
Ireland
- USD: 20.21
- Local: EUR 11.30/hour
Israel
- USD: 1,930.98
- Local: NIS 6248
Italy
- No government-mandated minimum wage (some sectors)
Latvia
- USD: 825.77
- Local: EUR 700/month
Lithuania
- USD: 989
- Local: EUR 840
Luxembourg
- USD: 3156
- Local: EUR 2703.74
Malta
- USD: 232.50
- Local: EUR 192.73/week
Netherlands
- USD: 2,646.97
- Local: EUR 257/month
North Macedonia
- USD: 461-682
- Local: MKD 24,379-36,037/month
Norway
- No government-mandated minimum wage
Poland
- USD: 1,122.55
- Local: PLN 4,666/month
Portugal
- USD: 915.79
- Local: EUR 820/month
Romania
- USD: 830.06
- Local: RON 4,050/month
Russia
- USD: 229.45
- Local: RUB 22,440/month
Serbia
- USD: 641
- Local: RSD 64,554/month
Slovakia
- USD:961.61–1,639.37
- Local: EUR 816-1396
Slovenia
- USD: 1,500
- Local: EUR 1,277
Spain
- USD: 1,391/month
- Local: EUR 1,184/month
Sweden
- No government-mandated minimum wage
Switzerland
- USD: 32-37.96
- Local: CHF 20-24/hour
Turkey
- USD: 627
- Local: TRY 26,005/month
Ukraine
- USD: 194.13
- Local: UAH 8,000/month
United Kingdom
- USD: 21.29
- Local: GBP 12.21/hour and will go up to 12.71/hour effective April 2026
South Africa
- USD: 16.24
- Local: ZAR 28.79/hour
Kenya
- USD: 145.21
- Local: KES 17, 481
Morocco
- USD: 342
- Local: MAD 3,000
Mauritius
- USD: 382.46
- Local: MUR 17,110/month
Cote D'Ivoire
- USD: 127.44
- Local: XOF 75,000
Madagascar
- USD: 58.72–90.28
- Local: MGA 262,680–402,100/month
Uganda
No statutory minimum wage
Countries with the lowest minimum wages (below $500 USD per month)
| Country | Minimum Wage in USD | Minimum Wage in Local Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Albania | 489.72 | ALL 40,000 |
| Argentina | 224 | ARS 322,000 |
| Armenia | 242.25 | AMD 93,750 |
| Azerbaijan | 176.47 | AZN 400 |
| Bolivia | 405.04 | BOB 2,750 |
| Brazil | 285.74 | BRL 1,518 |
| China | Based on region Lowest: 240.16 in Guangxi Highest: 387.58 in Shanghai | CNY 1700 – 2,740 |
| Colombia | 388.98 | COP 1,423,500 |
| Cote D'Ivoire | 127.44 | XOF 75,000 |
| Dominican Republic | $270.86 – $476.53 | DOP 16,993.20 – 29,988.00 |
| Ecuador | 470 | USD 470 |
| Guatemala | 437 – 518 | GTQ 3,347 – 3973 |
| Indonesia | 24.54 | IDR 3,96,761 |
| Honduras | $330.00 – $647.69 | HNL 8,581 – 16,856 |
| Kenya | $145.21 | KES 17,481 |
| Madagascar | $58.72 – $90.28 | MGA 262,680 – 402,100 |
| Malaysia | $364.30 | MYR 1,500 |
| Mauritius | 326.44 | MUR 15,000 |
| Mexico | Based on employee location In NBFZ: 263.94 Outside NBFZ: 175.26 | In NBFZ: MXN 5,206.80 Outside NBFZ: MXN 3,457.40 |
| Morocco | $342.00 | MAD 3,000 |
| Nigeria | 41.94 | NGN 70,000 |
| Pakistan | $131.93 – $142.63 | PKR 37,000 – 40,000 |
| Peru | $275.93 | PEN 1,130 |
| Philippines | 306.02 | PHP 18,057 |
| Russia | 229.45 | RUB 22,440 |
| South Africa | 324.04 | ZAR 5527.08 |
| Sri Lanka | $89.73 | LKR 27,000 |
| Thailand | 468 | THB 15,160 |
| Ukraine | 194.13 | UAH 8,000 |
Countries with a moderate minimum wage, between $500 and $1,000 USD per month
| Country | Minimum Wage in USD | Minimum Wage in Local Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | 603 | BAM 1000 |
| Bulgaria | 642 | BGN 1077 |
| Chile | $582.40 | CLP 529,000 |
| Costa Rica | $763.08 | CRC 367,108 |
| Czech Republic | $846.50 | CZK 17,300 |
| Estonia | $965.78 | EUR 820 |
| Georgia | 869.96 | GEL 2,375 |
| Honduras | 506.79 | HNL 12,597.91 |
| Hungary | $720.60 | HUF 232,000 |
| India | 341.85 – 902 (varies by state and skill level) | INR 30,000 – 81,216 |
| Latvia | $825.77 | EUR 700 |
| Lithuania | 989 | EUR 840 |
| North Macedonia | 461 – 682 | MKD 24,379 – 36,037 |
| Portugal | 915.79 | EUR 820 |
| Romania | 830.06 | RON 4050 |
| Serbia | $641.00 | RSD 64,554 |
| Taiwan | 952.8 | TWD 29,500 |
| Turkey | 627 | TRY 26,005 |
| Uruguay | 622.05 | UYU 23,604 |
Countries with a high minimum wage, over $1,000 USD per month
| Country | Minimum Wage in USD | Minimum Wage in Local Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 2742.32 | AUD 4115 |
| Belgium | $2,476.60 | EUR 2,112 |
| Canada | $1,816.00 – $2,256.00, based on provinces | CAD 2,240 – 2,856 |
| Croatia | 1141.40 | EUR 970 |
| Cyprus | $1,176.04 | EUR 1000 |
| France | $2,103 | EUR 1801 |
| Germany | $2,051.20 | EUR 2,051.00 |
| Greece | $1,036.00 | EUR 880 |
| Hong Kong | 1038.57 | HKD 8083 |
| Ireland | $3,233.60 | EUR 2,160 |
| Israel | $1,930.98 | NIS 6248 |
| Japan | $1,153.60 | ¥179,360 |
| Luxembourg | $3156 | EUR 2703.74 |
| Malta | $1,008.75 | EUR 835.91 |
| The Netherlands | $2,646.97 | EUR 2,257.00 |
| New Zealand | $2,400.00 | NZD 3,760 |
| Poland | 1,122.55 | 4,666PLN |
| Puerto Rico | 1680 | USD 1680 |
| Slovakia | $961.61 – $1,639.37 | EUR 816 – 1396 |
| Slovenia | 1403.49 | EUR 1,254 |
| South Korea | $1,651.20 | KRW 1,651,200 |
| Spain | $1,391.00 | EUR 1,184 |
| United Kingdom | $2,036.00 | GBP 1,953.60 |
| United States | $1,255.00 – $2,400.00 | USD 1,255 – 2,400 |
Countries with no specified minimum wage
The following countries don't have a government-mandated minimum wage:
- Austria
- Denmark
- Finland
- Iceland
- Italy (some sectors)
- Norway
- Singapore
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Norway
- Uganda
However, this doesn't translate into cost savings for employers. Wages are negotiated and set through collective bargaining agreements between employers and trade or labor unions.
Limitations of comparing the minimum monthly wage per country
Employers should consider the following limitations of the country data shared above:
Variable minimum wages
The minimum monthly wages outlined are based on a full-time employee, aged over 18. The minimum salary entitlement often varies, based on factors such as:
- Sector
- Employee age
- Benefit in kind received
- Region
- Level of education
- Role type
- Internship, apprenticeship, or student status
Currency
The USD equivalent to local currency varies, dependent on exchange rates. Employees should usually be paid in their local currency, but exemptions may apply.
Working hours per week
Each country's minimum monthly wage is based on the average number of working hours per week. This varies between countries, ranging from 35 hours per week in France to 48 in Peru. This should be considered when calculating hourly salaries.
Salary payment installments
The article lists monthly salaries based on the number of payments, which varies between countries. Typically, monthly salaries are paid across 12 annual installments. However, a 13th salary, or a 13th and 14th salary payment, are mandatory in some countries. For example:
- It's mandatory to pay an employee a 13th base salary in Brazil, and it's typically paid in two installments, in November and December. In the Philippines, the mandatory 13th base salary is usually paid in December.
- Employers in Greece must pay employees' annual base salaries in 14 payments, with extra payments typically made around Easter, summer, and Christmas. Similarly, in Portugal, the base salary is divided into 14 payments and extra payments are made around Christmas and the summer holidays.
These practices are often mandated by law or collective bargaining agreements and are considered part of the employee's regular compensation, not a bonus.
In other countries, paying salaries in 13 or 14 payments is customary but not mandatory. It can vary across companies and industry sectors, and may include bonuses as well as base pay.
To remain compliant with local labor laws, employers should verify how many salary payments per year are required for their country and industry, and the number of installments the listed minimum monthly wage applies.
Other employee costs to consider
In addition to the minimum wage, employers must be aware of other costs associated with hiring in a particular location. Mandatory employee benefits and paid and unpaid leave entitlement vary between countries, as well as corporate tax rates and mandatory contributions.
With Deel AI, you can get fast, accurate insights into salary benchmarks and data.
Stay compliant with local labor 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.
Book a demo today to streamline international hiring, compliance, and payroll.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational use only and shouldn't be considered legal, business, or tax advice. Consult an expert for guidance on your specific case. Users shouldn't rely on this information without independently verifying it.
More resources
FAQs
What is the highest minimum wage in the US?
The highest state minimum wage is Washington at $16.66/hour (rising to $17.13 on Jan 1, 2026). The highest overall jurisdiction is Washington, DC at $17.50/hour.
Learn more in our guide to minimum wage in the US.
What is the lowest minimum wage in the US?
The lowest standard statewide minimum wage is $7.25/hour (federal rate). States at that level are:
- Alabama
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- New Hampshire
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Note: Montana lists $4.00 for small non-FLSA businesses, which is a special/limited category, not the general statewide rate.
What is the average salary in the world?
The average monthly minimum wage globally is approximately $867.15 USD.
This is a rough estimate and does not account for: Countries with no minimum wage Regional wage variations within countries (e.g., Canada, US, China)
Non-standard payment structures (e.g., 14-month salaries in Spain)
What country has the highest minimum wage?
The country with the highest minimum wage is Luxembourg, with a monthly minimum wage of approximately $3,156 USD.
