Key Facts: Albania vs Mexico Wages
- Albania Minimum Wage
- L287/hr ($3.51 USD)
- Mexico Minimum Wage
- MX$9,583.52/mo ($553.10 USD)
- Albania Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- L83,000 /mo ($1,015.04 USD)
- Mexico Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- MX$16,500 /mo ($952.27 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Finance and Economy / Council of Ministers of Albania (2026-02-25), CONASAMI (Comision Nacional de los Salarios Minimos) (2026-03-02)
Albania
Mexico
Updated 2026-03-02
The minimum wage in Albania is roughly 158 times lower than in Mexico in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a upper-middle-income and a upper-middle-income economy. Average salaries are higher in Albania at $1,015/mo compared to $952/mo in Mexico. Mexico has the tighter labor market, with unemployment at 2.7% compared to 10.9%.
Albania has higher GDP per capita ($26,702 vs $26,185). Albania's unemployment rate is 10.9% compared to Mexico's 2.7%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Albania | Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | L287 $3.51 | — |
| Minimum wage /day | — | MX$315.04 $18.18 |
| Minimum wage /mo | L50,000 $611.47 | MX$9,583.52 $553.10 |
| Minimum wage /yr | L600,000 $7,337.65 | MX$114,989.60 $6,636.44 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | L83,000 /mo $1,015.04 | MX$16,500 /mo $952.27 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | L66,000 /mo $807.14 | MX$14,200 /mo $819.53 |
| Median individual income /yr | L480,000 /yr $5,870.12 | MX$96,000 /yr $5,540.49 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Albania is higher.
Work Week
- Albania
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.25x pay
Labour Code sets standard workweek at 40 hours (8 hrs/day, 5 days). Overtime premium minimum 25% above standard rate. Weekend/holiday work premium minimum 50%. Maximum 200 hours overtime per year. Cannot exceed 48 hours in any single week except exceptional circumstances.
- Mexico
-
48 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 2x pay
Standard workweek is 48 hours (daytime). Night shift maximum is 42 hours, mixed shift 45 hours. First 9 hours of overtime per week at 200% rate; beyond that at 300%. A 2023 reform discussion to reduce to 40 hours is pending.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Albania earns 15658% less per hour in USD terms than one in Mexico. Standard work weeks differ: Albania mandates 40 hours while Mexico mandates 48 hours. A minimum wage worker's weekly earnings in Albania are $140 vs $26,549 in Mexico.
See this comparison from Mexico's perspective: Mexico vs Albania
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Albania or Mexico?
In Albania, the minimum wage is L287/hr ($3.51 USD). In Mexico, it is MX$9,583.52/mo ($553.10 USD). Mexico has the higher rate by 15658% in USD terms. That nominal gap does not account for local prices; see the purchasing power comparison below for a cost-of-living-adjusted view. Workers in Albania may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much more does the average worker earn in Albania compared to Mexico?
The average gross salary in Albania is L83,000/mo ($1,015.04 USD), compared to MX$16,500/mo ($952.27 USD) in Mexico. In USD terms, workers in Albania earn approximately 7% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Albania and Mexico is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Albania earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Mexico.
How do work hours compare between Albania and Mexico?
Mexico has a longer standard work week at 48 hours, compared to 40 hours in Albania. Workers in Albania work 40 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in Albania working fewer hours may have comparable or better effective hourly earnings depending on the wage levels of each country. Total annual compensation depends on both the wage rate and the number of hours required.
What is the cost of living difference between Albania and Mexico?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Albania has the higher GDP per capita at $26,702, which is 1.0x that of Mexico at $26,185. From Albania's perspective, this means goods and services are priced at a higher economic level. A higher GDP per capita generally correlates with higher wages, higher consumer prices, and greater availability of goods and services. Workers moving between these two countries should expect significant differences in rent, food, and transportation costs.