Key Facts: Brazil vs Algeria Wages
- Brazil Minimum Wage
- R$7.37/hr ($1.47 USD)
- Algeria Minimum Wage
- DZD138.46/hr ($1.02 USD)
- Brazil Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- R$3,200 /mo ($636.88 USD)
- Algeria Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- DZD55,000 /mo ($405.90 USD)
- Data Sources
- Brazilian Ministry of Labour and Employment (2026-03-02), Council of Ministers / Ministère du Travail, de l'Emploi et de la Sécurité Sociale — Algeria (2026-02-25)
Brazil
Algeria
Updated 2026-03-02
Brazil, a upper-middle-income economy, and Algeria, classified as lower-middle-income, take different approaches to wage policy. Average salaries are higher in Brazil at $637/mo compared to $406/mo in Algeria. Brazil has the tighter labor market, with unemployment at 6.0% compared to 11.6%.
From Brazil's perspective: adjusting for purchasing power, Brazil's minimum wage buys about the same as Algeria's. The PPP-adjusted hourly rate in Brazil is $3 international dollars, compared to $3 in Algeria. Brazil has higher GDP per capita ($22,338 vs $17,621). Brazil's unemployment rate is 6.0% compared to Algeria's 11.6%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Brazil | Algeria |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | R$7.37 $1.47 | DZD138.46 $1.02 |
| Minimum wage /day | R$54.04 $10.76 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | R$1,621 $322.62 | DZD24,000 $177.12 |
| Minimum wage /yr | R$21,073 $4,194.05 | DZD288,000 $2,125.46 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | R$3,200 /mo $636.88 | DZD55,000 /mo $405.90 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | R$2,700 /mo $537.37 | DZD43,000 /mo $317.34 |
| Median individual income /yr | R$22,800 /yr $4,537.76 | DZD300,000 /yr $2,214.02 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Brazil is higher.
Work Week
- Brazil
-
44 hrs/wk standard
Max 44 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Constitutional limit of 44 hours/week, 8 hours/day. Overtime minimum 50% premium (often higher by collective agreement). Sundays and holidays: 100% premium.
- Algeria
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Law (Law 90-11) sets standard working hours at 40 per week for most sectors and 44 hours for certain sectors. Weekly rest is Friday and Saturday. Overtime paid at 150% of normal rate for first 4 hours and 200% for subsequent hours.
• WAGE TRAJECTORY (USD/hr)
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from Algeria to Brazil would see a 44% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings. However, after adjusting for cost of living, Algeria's minimum wage provides more purchasing power. Standard work weeks differ: Brazil mandates 44 hours while Algeria mandates 40 hours. A minimum wage worker's weekly earnings in Brazil are $65 vs $41 in Algeria.
See this comparison from Algeria's perspective: Algeria vs Brazil
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Brazil or Algeria?
In Brazil, the minimum wage is R$7.37/hr ($1.47 USD). In Algeria, it is DZD138.46/hr ($1.02 USD). Brazil has the higher rate by 44% 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 Algeria may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much more does the average worker earn in Brazil compared to Algeria?
The average gross salary in Brazil is R$3,200/mo ($636.88 USD), compared to DZD55,000/mo ($405.90 USD) in Algeria. In USD terms, workers in Brazil earn approximately 57% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Brazil and Algeria is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Brazil earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Algeria.
Which country has better purchasing power for minimum wage workers, Brazil or Algeria?
After adjusting for local prices using purchasing power parity (PPP), minimum wage workers in Algeria can afford more than those in Brazil. The PPP-adjusted rate is $3 in Brazil and $3 in Algeria. PPP converts wages into equivalent US dollar buying power, accounting for what a unit of currency actually buys locally. The 7% purchasing power gap means that even if the nominal wage in Brazil appears competitive, minimum wage workers there face greater constraints on day-to-day spending.
How do work hours compare between Brazil and Algeria?
Brazil has a longer standard work week at 44 hours, compared to 40 hours in Algeria. Workers in Brazil work 44 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in Algeria 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 Brazil and Algeria?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Brazil has the higher GDP per capita at $22,338, which is 1.3x that of Algeria at $17,621. From Brazil'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.