Key Facts: Botswana vs Mexico Wages
- Botswana Minimum Wage
- P9.06/hr ($0.67 USD)
- Mexico Minimum Wage
- MX$9,583.52/mo ($553.10 USD)
- Botswana Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- P7,500 /mo ($555.14 USD)
- Mexico Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- MX$16,500 /mo ($952.27 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Employment, Labour Productivity and Skills Development (2026-02-25), CONASAMI (Comision Nacional de los Salarios Minimos) (2026-03-02)
Botswana
Mexico
Updated 2026-03-02
The minimum wage in Botswana is roughly 825 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 lower in Botswana at $555/mo compared to $952/mo in Mexico. Mexico has the tighter labor market, with unemployment at 2.7% compared to 24.5%.
Botswana has lower GDP per capita ($20,538 vs $26,185). Botswana's unemployment rate is 24.5% compared to Mexico's 2.7%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Botswana | Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | P9.06 $0.67 | — |
| Minimum wage /day | — | MX$315.04 $18.18 |
| Minimum wage /mo | P1,883 $139.38 | MX$9,583.52 $553.10 |
| Minimum wage /yr | P22,596 $1,672.54 | MX$114,989.60 $6,636.44 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | P7,500 /mo $555.14 | MX$16,500 /mo $952.27 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | P6,200 /mo $458.92 | MX$14,200 /mo $819.53 |
| Median individual income /yr | P36,000 /yr $2,664.69 | MX$96,000 /yr $5,540.49 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Botswana is higher.
Work Week
- Botswana
-
48 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Standard workweek is 48 hours (9 hours/day for 5-day week, or 8 hours/day for 6-day week). Overtime maximum of 14 additional hours per week. Overtime rate is 1.5x normal rate. Work on public holidays or rest days compensated at 2x.
- 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 Botswana earns 82376% less per hour in USD terms than one in Mexico.
See this comparison from Mexico's perspective: Mexico vs Botswana
Compare Botswana with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Botswana or Mexico?
In Botswana, the minimum wage is P9.06/hr ($0.67 USD). In Mexico, it is MX$9,583.52/mo ($553.10 USD). Mexico has the higher rate by 82376% 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 Botswana may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much less does the average worker earn in Botswana compared to Mexico?
The average gross salary in Botswana is P7,500/mo ($555.14 USD), compared to MX$16,500/mo ($952.27 USD) in Mexico. In USD terms, workers in Botswana earn approximately 72% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Botswana and Mexico is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Mexico earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Botswana.
How do work hours compare between Botswana and Mexico?
Both Botswana and Mexico 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 Botswana and Mexico?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Mexico has the higher GDP per capita at $26,185, which is 1.3x that of Botswana at $20,538. From Botswana's perspective, this means goods and services are priced at a lower 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.