Key Facts: Bolivia vs Eswatini Wages
- Bolivia Minimum Wage
- Bs13.02/hr ($1.88 USD)
- Eswatini Minimum Wage
- L2,500/mo ($156.15 USD)
- Bolivia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Bs4,200 /mo ($607.81 USD)
- Eswatini Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- L6,000 /mo ($374.77 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministerio de Trabajo, Empleo y Previsión Social; 2024 figure verified via Wikipedia List of countries by minimum wage (eff 2024-05-01) (2026-05-04), ILO / Ministry of Labour and Social Security (Eswatini) / Wages Regulation Order (2026-02-25)
Bolivia
Eswatini
Updated 2026-05-04
The minimum wage in Bolivia is roughly 83 times lower than in Eswatini in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a lower-middle-income and a lower-middle-income economy. Average salaries are higher in Bolivia at $608/mo compared to $375/mo in Eswatini. Bolivia has the tighter labor market, with unemployment at 3.0% compared to 34.2%.
Bolivia has higher GDP per capita ($12,878 vs $11,799). Bolivia's unemployment rate is 3.0% compared to Eswatini's 34.2%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Bolivia | Eswatini |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | Bs13.02 $1.88 | — |
| Minimum wage /day | Bs83.33 $12.06 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | Bs2,500 $361.79 | L2,500 $156.15 |
| Minimum wage /yr | Bs32,500 $4,703.33 | — |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | Bs4,200 /mo $607.81 | L6,000 /mo $374.77 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | Bs3,780 /mo $547.03 | L5,000 /mo $312.30 |
| Median individual income /yr | Bs21,600 /yr $3,125.90 | L24,000 /yr $1,499.06 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Bolivia is higher.
Work Week
- Bolivia
-
48 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 2x pay
General Labour Law (Ley General del Trabajo) sets maximum at 48 hours/week for daytime work, 40 hours for night work, and 44 for mixed shifts. Overtime is paid at 100% surcharge (double pay). Sunday is the mandatory rest day.
- Eswatini
-
48 hrs/wk standard
Max 54 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Employment Act sets standard at 48 hours/week (8 hrs/day, 6 days). Maximum 54 hours per week including overtime. Overtime paid at 1.5x the normal rate. Sunday and public holidays compensated at 2x. Employees are entitled to 14 days paid annual leave.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Bolivia earns 8187% less per hour in USD terms than one in Eswatini.
See this comparison from Eswatini's perspective: Eswatini vs Bolivia
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Bolivia or Eswatini?
In Bolivia, the minimum wage is Bs13.02/hr ($1.88 USD). In Eswatini, it is L2,500/mo ($156.15 USD). Eswatini has the higher rate by 8187% 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 Bolivia may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much more does the average worker earn in Bolivia compared to Eswatini?
The average gross salary in Bolivia is Bs4,200/mo ($607.81 USD), compared to L6,000/mo ($374.77 USD) in Eswatini. In USD terms, workers in Bolivia earn approximately 62% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Bolivia and Eswatini is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Bolivia earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Eswatini.
How do work hours compare between Bolivia and Eswatini?
Both Bolivia and Eswatini mandate a similar standard work week of 48 hours. When work hours are equal, the country with the higher minimum wage delivers proportionally higher weekly earnings. Standard work week rules set the baseline; actual hours worked often differ based on industry norms and individual employment contracts.
What is the cost of living difference between Bolivia and Eswatini?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Bolivia has the higher GDP per capita at $12,878, which is 1.1x that of Eswatini at $11,799. From Bolivia'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.