The 30 Countries with the Highest Minimum Wages in the World

Have you been thinking about working abroad to gain experience and enjoy new opportunities? Several factors must be considered before moving to another country, including the cost of living, culture, weather, and job opportunities.

Among all the factors to consider when moving to another country, minimum wage matters the most. Nobody will argue with the fact that people would want to work in a country with the best salary.

As the name implies, minimum wage is the lowest salary a person can receive as regulated and mandated by the government. There can be an hourly minimum wage, a weekly minimum wage, or a monthly minimum wage.

In a world of 195 countries, we compiled a list of the 30 highest paying countries in terms of minimum wage. We listed the following countries from highest to lowest minimum wage as measured in USD.

The Countries with the Highest Minimum Wages in the World

1. Australia – $14.54

Location: Between the South Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean

• Total Land Area: 7,741,220 sq km
• Population: 25,809,973
• Urban Population: 86.4%
• GDP: $1,250,900,000,000
• GDP Growth: 1.84%
• GDP Per Capita: $48,700
• Unemployment Rate: 5.16%

Australia has the world’s highest minimum wage per hour. It is estimated that the minimum wage in Australia is USD $14.54 per hour or AUD $20.17 per hour, which totals to USD $28,734 annually.

The rate varies according to experience and age. The younger and less experience you have, the lower the rate.

If you are a junior, an apprentice, or are 21 years old or younger, you will receive a lower rate. However, the rate increases as you grow older and gain more experience.

The minimum wage in Australia is determined by the Fair Work Commission, an organization responsible for regulating the minimum wage of employees. Furthermore, the minimum wage is only applicable to contracted full-time employees.

2. Luxembourg – $13.67

Location: Between France and Germany

• Total Land Area: 2,586 sq km
• Population: 639,589
• Urban Population: 91.7%
• GDP: $69.72 billion
• GDP Growth: 2.31%
• GDP Per Capita: $110,300
• Unemployment Rate: 5.36%

Luxembourg has the second-highest minimum wage in the world, with an hourly minimum wage of USD $13.67 or EUR €11.97. It is equivalent to USD $2,366 or EUR €2,071 per month.

The minimum wage is given to skilled employees who are 18 years old and above. A skilled employee is categorized by people who have certification in their field or profession.

Another type of skilled worker is for those who have a manual skills certificate and two years of experience. If there is no certification, then the employee must have 10 years of experience.

Without these certifications and experience, you are considered an unskilled employee who usually receives a much lower minimum wage, which is 20% lower. The minimum wage in Luxembourg is modified every two years.

3. New Zealand – $13.18

Location: Southeast of Australia

• Total Land Area: 268,838 sq km
• Population: 4,991,442
• Urban Population: 86.8%
• GDP: $215.6 billion
• GDP Growth: 2.22%
• GDP Per Capita: $42,400
• Unemployment Rate: 4.13%

New Zealand has a minimum wage of USD $13.18 or NZD $19.38 per hour, placing the country third among the countries with the highest minimum wage. However, the rate is for workers who are 18 years old and above.

For those who are 17 or 16 years old, the minimum wage is NZD $16.00 per hour. This rate is also the same for those who are newly employed or undergoing training.

Annually, skilled workers receive a salary of USD $27,407. Over the years, New Zealand has increased its minimum wage 10 times since 2011.

In 2021, the rate increased by NZD $1.14. The majority of migrants choose to work in New Zealand mainly because of the high minimum wage and the lower cost of living.

4. France – $11.97

Location: Southeast of the United Kingdom and between Belgium and Spain

• Total Land Area: 643,801 sq km
• Population: 68,084,217
• Urban Population: 81.2%
• GDP: $2,832,170,000,000
• GDP Growth: 1.49%
• GDP Per Capita: $42,000
• Unemployment Rate: 8.12%

The minimum hourly wage in France is USD $11.97 or EUR €10.49, which is equivalent to about USD $1,815 or EUR €1,589 per month. Annually, a worker in France earns USD $21,786.

This rate is given to full-time and part-time workers. However, for young apprentices or trainees, the minimum wage is lower.

France follows a tiered system for minimum wages of apprentices and employees of various ages. Apprentices ages 16 to 17 years old in the first year make €433 per month, €625 for the second year, and €882 for the third year.

The salary increases for apprentices who are 18 to 20 years old, where the rate is €689 for the first year, €818 for the second year, and €1,074 for the third year. For apprentices 21 to 25 years old, they receive €850 in the first year, €978 in the second year, and €1,250 in the third year.

Moreover, employees who are 16 years and younger with less than six months of experience receive a minimum wage of €1,282.49 per month, whereas 17 years old with less than six months of experience receive €1,443 per month. The standard legal number of work hours a week in France is 35 hours.

5. Monaco – $11.88

Location: Western Europe and bordered by France

• Total Land Area: 2.02 sq km
• Population: 38,300
• Urban Population: 100%
• GDP: $7.672 billion
• GDP Growth: 7.50%
• GDP Per Capita: $115,700
• Unemployment Rate: 2%

The minimum wage in Monaco is USD $11.88 or EUR €10.41 per hour. Monaco has a legal workweek of 39 hours, which is also equivalent to a standard of up to 10 hours a day.

Only 16% of the total population receives this rate since most of the population earns more than the average salary. It also has an additional 5% adjustment rate.

Generally, employees can receive a monthly salary of USD $2,031 or EUR €1,779, which is almost the same as in France.

6. Ireland – $11.54

Location: West of the UK and West of Europe

• Total Land Area: 70,273 sq km
• Population: 5,224,884
• Urban Population: 63.9%
• GDP: $447.97 billion
• GDP Growth: 5.86%
• GDP Per Capita: $89,700
• Unemployment Rate: 4.98%

Despite its small economy compared to other European countries, Ireland is one of the top countries with the highest minimum wage. The minimum wage in Ireland varies according to age and experience.

The minimum hourly wage for full-time employees is USD $11.54 or EUR €10.10. However, those 18 years and below receive a sub-minimum wage of 70%. Employees who are 18 years old and above receive an 80% sub-minimal rate in the first year, and 90% in the second year.

In 2021, the minimum wage in Ireland was raised by 1%, which is now EUR €10.20 per hour.

7. United Kingdom – $11.37

Location: Northwest of France in Western Europe

• Total Land Area: 243,610 sq km
• Population: 67.081 million
• Urban Population: 84.2%
• GDP: $2,797,980,000,000
• GDP Growth: 1.26%
• GDP Per Capita: $41,600
• Unemployment Rate: 3.17%

The United Kingdom follows a minimum wage tier system based on age. In order to qualify for the full minimum wage of USD $11.37 or GBP £8.91, you must be at least 23 years old above.

In the age group younger than 23 years old, 21 to 22 years old receive USD $10.67 or GBP £8.36 per hour, whereas 18 to 20 years old receive USD $8.37 or GBP £6.56 per hour. Employees under 18 years old receive an hourly rate of USD $5.9 or GBP £4.30.

For apprentices aged 16 to 21 years old, they receive a minimum hourly rate of USD $5.49 or GBP £4.30 in the first year.

8. Germany – $11.22

Location: South of Denmark and between the Netherlands and Poland

• Total Land Area: 357,022 sq km
• Population: 79,903,481
• Urban Population: 77.5%
• GDP: $4,238,800,000,000
• GDP Growth: 0.59%
• GDP Per Capita: $50,900
• Unemployment Rate: 4.98%

Germany has a minimum wage of USD $11.22 or EUR €9.83, which is equivalent to USD $23,330 per year. Employees can expect a salary increase twice a year, up to EUR €10.45.

9. The Netherlands – $11.21

Location: Between Belgium and Germany

• Total Land Area: 41,543 sq km
• Population: 17,337,403
• Urban Population: 92.6%
• GDP: $945.48 billion
• GDP Growth: 1.63%
• GDP Per Capita: $54,200
• Unemployment Rate: 3.41%

Unlike other European countries, the Netherlands imposes a different wage requirement, which is not based on an hourly rate but monthly, weekly, and daily wages. The required wage is USD $1,943 or EUR €1,701 per month, USD $448.14 or EUR €392.55 per week, and USD $89.63 or EUR €78.51 per day.

On average, the estimated hourly wage is set to USD $11.21 or EUR €9.82. If working for 38 and 36 hours a week, the hourly wage is USD $9.14 or EUR €10.43 and USD $12.45 or EUR €10.91, respectively.

10. Belgium – $11.06

Location: Between France and the Netherlands

• Total Land Area: 30,528 sq km
• Population: 11,778,842
• Urban Population: 98.1%
• GDP: $557.11 billion
• GDP Growth: 1.41%
• GDP Per Capita: $48,200
• Unemployment Rate: 5.36%

Similar to the Netherlands, Belgium does not have a specific minimum wage rate. Instead, they utilize a monthly wage rate which is USD $1,819 or EUR €1,593 per month. Working in Belgium is usually about 36 to 40 hours a week, with a maximum of nine hours a day.

If you were to work for 40 hours a week, it is estimated to be about USD $11.3 an hour. If you were to compute it per year, the annual minimum wage is USD $21,845.

11. San Marino – $10.55

Location: Within Italy and bordered by north-central Italy

• Total Land Area: 61.2 sq km
• Population: 33,600
• Urban Population: 98.1%
• GDP: $2.09 billion
• GDP Growth: 1.41%
• GDP Per Capita: $60,651
• Unemployment Rate: 2.4%

San Marino is a country located within north-central Italy, with each side of the country being bordered by it. The minimum wage here is one of the highest among other countries, with an hourly wage of USD $10 or EUR €8.76. It is equivalent to a monthly wage of approximately USD $1,735 or EUR €1,519.

12. Canada – $10.33

Location: North of the US in North America

• Total Land Area: 9,984,670 sq km
• Population: 37,943,231
• Urban Population: 81.7%
• GDP: $1,742,790,000,000
• GDP Growth: 1.66%
• GDP Per Capita: $45,900
• Unemployment Rate: 5.67%

The minimum wage depends on the jurisdiction you work in, which averages between USD $7.9 to USD $12.75 or CAD $11.32 to CAD $16 an hour. For instance, the highest minimum wage is in the province of Nunavut, which amounts to USD $12.75 per hour.

In Saskatchewan, the minimum wage is USD $9.16, while in Alberta it is USD $12, and in Ontario in USD $11.4. Despite the differences in wages in Canada, the country still remains one of the top countries with the highest minimum wage. Every year, the minimum wage changes.

13. South Korea – $10.27

Location: East Asia

• Total Land Area: 99,720 sq km
• Population: 51,715,162
• Urban Population: 81.4%
• GDP: $2,187,800,000,000
• GDP Growth: 2.04%
• GDP Per Capita: $42,300
• Unemployment Rate: 3.76%

The minimum wage in South Korea is about KRW ₩9,160 per hour or USD $7.68. However, the rate increases because of South Korea’s law in giving a paid holiday for employees working more than 15 hours a week.

The normal working hours in South Korea per day is 8 hours, which totals 40 hours per week or a maximum of 52 hours per week. If the employee works overtime, the employer is required to pay 1.5 times the wage for overtime pay.

14. Israel – $8.17

Location: Between Egypt and Lebanon

• Total Land Area: 21,937 sq km
• Population: 8,787,045
• Urban Population: 92.7%
• GDP: $353.39 billion
• GDP Growth: -2.6%
• GDP Per Capita: $38,300
• Unemployment Rate: 4.4%

The normal work hours in Israel are 8.6 hours per day or 43 hours per week. If working overtime, employers are required to pay a 125% wage raise for the first two hours and 150% for the succeeding hours.

Israel’s minimum wage per month is USD $1,487 or NIS ₪5,300. On average, the minimum wage per hour is USD $8.17 or NIS ₪29.12

15. Japan – $7.52

Location: East of the Korean Peninsula

• Total Land Area: 377,915 sq km
• Population: 124,687,293
• Urban Population: 91.9%
• GDP: $5,224,850,000,000
• GDP Growth: 0.7%
• GDP Per Capita: $41,400
• Unemployment Rate: 2.36%

Japan’s minimum wage varies according to the prefecture. On average, a worker can expect a minimum wage per hour of USD $7.52 or JPY ¥860, which is usually common in rural areas and part-time workers.

The prefecture with the highest minimum wage is Tokyo, which amounts to at least USD $9.5 or JPY ¥1,041 per hour. The standard working hours in Japan are 8 hours per day or 40 hours a week.

16. Spain – $7.30

Location: Southwest of France

• Total Land Area: 505,370 sq km
• Population: 47,260,584
• Urban Population: 81.1%
• GDP: $1,714,860,000,000
• GDP Growth: 1.95%
• GDP Per Capita: $32,000
• Unemployment Rate: 14.13%

The maximum hours per week for a full-time employee in Spain is 40 hours, with a 15-minute break when working for 6 hours continuously. The minimum wage can be given in 12 or 14 payments, which amounts to USD $1,266 or EUR €1,108 per month and USD $1,085 or EUR Ç950 per month, respectively.

The allowable overtime hours per year is 80 hours only. For employees under 18 years old, they can only work for 8 hours a day, including training.

17. United States – $7.25

Location: Between Canada and Mexico in North America

• Total Land Area: 9,833,517 sq km
• Population: 334,998,398
• Urban Population: 82.9%
• GDP: $19,846,720,000,000
• GDP Growth: 2.16%
• GDP Per Capita: $60,200
• Unemployment Rate: 3.89%

The minimum wage varies in each state but expect an average of USD $7.25 of up to USD $15 per hour rate. Some of the states with the highest minimum wage of USD $15 and above are Denver, California, Oakland, New York, and Florida.

18. Andorra – $6.72

Location: Between France and Spain

• Total Land Area: 468 sq km
• Population: 85,645
• Urban Population: 87.9%
• GDP: $3.327 billion
• GDP Growth: -1.1%
• GDP Per Capita: $49,900
• Unemployment Rate: 3.7%

The minimum wage in Andorra is USD $6.72 or EUR €5.88. Moreover, it can also be given as a daily wage of about USD $58.68 or EUR €51.76 per day. In total, the net salary in Andorra averages up to USD $1,000 a month.

19. Taiwan – $6.05

Location: Bordered by the South China Sea and the Philippine Sea

• Total Land Area: 36,197 sq km
• Population: 23,451,837
• Urban Population: 78.9%
• GDP: $1.403 trillion
• GDP Growth: 3.36%
• GDP Per Capita: $56,959
• Unemployment Rate: 3.71%

The hourly minimum wage in Taiwan averages USD $6.05 or TWD $166.65. An employee is only allowed to work for up to 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week.

20. Slovenia – $5.84

Location: Between Austria and Croatia

• Total Land Area: 20,273 sq km
• Population: 2,102,106
• Urban Population: 55.4%
• GDP: $76.75 billion
• GDP Growth: 2.4%
• GDP Per Capita: $36,500
• Unemployment Rate: 14.2%

Slovenia’s minimum wage is set at USD $5.84 or EUR €5.11 per month. In total, an employee can earn about USD $1,012.58 or EUR €886.63 per month.

The minimum wage is considered one of the highest in Central Europe and is mandated to full-time employees who work at least 8 hours a day.

21. The Bahamas – $5.25

Location: Southeast of the coast of Florida

• Total Land Area: 13,878 sq km
• Population: 385,637
• Urban Population: 83.03%
• GDP: $12.612 billion
• GDP Growth: -16.3%
• GDP Per Capita: $33,494
• Unemployment Rate: 14.41%

The Bahamas has one of the lowest hourly wages in the world, which averages $USD 5.25 per hour or USD $42 per day. In a week, an employee can expect to receive USD $210 minimum wage.

22. Malta – $5.13

Location: South of Sicily

• Total Land Area: 316 sq km
• Population: 460,891
• Urban Population: 94.8%
• GDP: $20.6 billion
• GDP Growth: 4.94%
• GDP Per Capita: $39,200
• Unemployment Rate: 0.78%

The minimum hourly wage in Malta is USD $5.13 or EUR €4.50. Employees can receive an average monthly wage of USD $889 per month or EUR €778.34 and a weekly wage of USD $194 or EUR €169.76.

23. Greece – $4.99

Location: Between Albania and Turkey

• Total Land Area: 131,957 sq km
• Population: 10,569,703
• Urban Population: 80%
• GDP: $292.4 billion
• GDP Growth: 1.87%
• GDP Per Capita: $27,300
• Unemployment Rate: 17.3%

Greece offers an hourly minimum wage of USD $4.99 or EUR €4.37. The salary can be received in either 12 or 14 payments, which is equivalent to USD $853 or EUR €758 per month and USD $732 or EUR €650 per month, respectively.

24. Hong Kong – $4.79

Location: In the southeast of China

• Total Land Area: 2,754.97 sq km
• Population: 7,500,700
• Urban Population: 100%
• GDP: $472.395 billion
• GDP Growth: -6.1%
• GDP Per Capita: $62,839
• Unemployment Rate: 5.8%

Working in Hong Kong offers a minimum wage of USD $4.79 or HKD S37.5 per hour. The minimum wage is applied to all types of workers, except domestic helpers.

25. Macau – $4.76

Location: Next to Hong Kong

• Total Land Area: 115.3 sq km
• Population: 682,800
• Urban Population: 100%
• GDP: $40 billion
• GDP Growth: -56.3%
• GDP Per Capita: $58,931
• Unemployment Rate: 2.55%

The minimum wage in Macau is not far from Hong Kong’s, which is only USD $4.76 or MOP $38.32. In total, the minimum wage can reach USD $833 or MOP $6,706.75 a month.

26. Portugal – $4.61

Location: West of Spain

• Total Land Area: 92,090 sq km
• Population: 10,263,850
• Urban Population: 66.8%
• GDP: $331.64 billion
• GDP Growth: 2.24%
• GDP Per Capita: $32,200
• Unemployment Rate: 6.55%

Portugal offers an hourly minimum wage of USD $4.61 or EUR €4.04, which is usually given to full-time employees over 18 years old. The salary can be distributed in 12 payments for USD $800 or EUR €741 a month or in 14 payments for USD $685 or EUR €635 a month.

27. Poland – $4.52

Location: East of Germany

• Total Land Area: 312,685 sq km
• Population: 38,185,913
• Urban Population: 60.1%
• GDP: $1,223,460,000,000
• GDP Growth: 4.55%
• GDP Per Capita: $32,200
• Unemployment Rate: 5.43%

The minimum wage in Poland is about USD $784 or PLN zł3,104.01 per month, which averages to USD $4.52 or PLN zł17.90 an hour.

28. Oman – $4.33

Location: Between Yemen and the UAE

• Total Land Area: 309,500 sq km
• Population: 3,694,755
• Urban Population: 87%
• GDP: $135.79 billion
• GDP Growth: -0.9%
• GDP Per Capita: $27,300
• Unemployment Rate: 4.97%

Employees in Oman receive a monthly salary of USD $592 or OMR ر.ع.227.61, with an additional allowance of USD $263 or OMR 101.12ر.ع.

29. Slovakia – $4.04

Location: South of Poland

• Total Land Area: 49,035 sq km
• Population: 5,436,066
• Urban Population: 53.8%
• GDP: $165.57 billion
• GDP Growth: 2.4%
• GDP Per Capita: $30,300
• Unemployment Rate: 5%

Slovakia offers a minimum wage of USD $4.04 or EUR €3.54. It is equivalent to a monthly salary of USD $712 or EUR €623. The salary in Slovakia is considered one of the lowest in Central Europe.

30. Lithuania – $3.87

Location: Between Latvia and Russia,

• Total Land Area: 65,300 sq km
• Population: 2,711,566
• Urban Population: 68.2%
• GDP: $102.66 billion
• GDP Growth: 4.33%
• GDP Per Capita: $36,700
• Unemployment Rate: 8.4%

The monthly wage in Lithuania is at least USD $693 or EUR €607.45, which is equivalent to USD $3.87 or EUR €3.39 per hour. This minimum wage is mandatory for unskilled workers, whereas skilled workers can expect a higher minimum wage.