Key Facts: Burundi vs North Macedonia Wages
- Burundi Minimum Wage
- FBu4,160/mo ($1.40 USD)
- North Macedonia Minimum Wage
- ден207/hr ($3.95 USD)
- Burundi Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- FBu60,000 /mo ($20.19 USD)
- North Macedonia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- ден55,000 /mo ($1,050.62 USD)
- Data Sources
- ILO ILOSTAT / World Bank / Ministère de la Fonction Publique du Burundi (2026-02-25), Ministry of Labour and Social Policy of North Macedonia (2026-02-25)
Burundi
North Macedonia
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Burundi is 65% lower than in North Macedonia in USD terms, though average salaries tell a different story. Average gross salaries diverge further: $20/mo in Burundi versus $1,051/mo in North Macedonia, a 52.0:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in North Macedonia is 22.6x that of Burundi, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Burundi has lower GDP per capita ($1,195 vs $26,995). Burundi's unemployment rate is 0.9% compared to North Macedonia's 12.3%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Burundi | North Macedonia |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | ден207 $3.95 |
| Minimum wage /day | FBu160 $0.05 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | FBu4,160 $1.40 | ден36,037 $688.39 |
| Minimum wage /yr | — | ден432,444 $8,260.63 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | FBu60,000 /mo $20.19 | ден55,000 /mo $1,050.62 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | N/A/mo | ден38,000 /mo $725.88 |
| Median individual income /yr | N/A/yr | ден264,000 /yr $5,042.98 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Burundi is higher.
Work Week
- Burundi
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 45 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Code sets 40 hours/week as the standard. The Code du Travail is French-language, reflecting Belgian colonial heritage. Overtime capped at 45 hours total. Enforcement is minimal outside the formal sector.
- North Macedonia
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.35x pay
Labour Relations Law sets standard workweek at 40 hours (8 hrs/day). Overtime limited to 8 hours per week, up to 190 hours per year. Overtime premium at least 35%. Night work (22:00-06:00) premium at least 35%. Work on rest days and holidays at least 50% premium.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Burundi earns 182% less per hour in USD terms than one in North Macedonia.
See this comparison from North Macedonia's perspective: North Macedonia vs Burundi
Compare Burundi with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Burundi or North Macedonia?
In Burundi, the minimum wage is FBu4,160/mo ($1.40 USD). In North Macedonia, it is ден207/hr ($3.95 USD). North Macedonia has the higher rate by 182% 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 Burundi may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much less does the average worker earn in Burundi compared to North Macedonia?
The average gross salary in Burundi is FBu60,000/mo ($20.19 USD), compared to ден55,000/mo ($1,050.62 USD) in North Macedonia. In USD terms, workers in Burundi earn approximately 5104% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Burundi and North Macedonia is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in North Macedonia earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Burundi.
How do work hours compare between Burundi and North Macedonia?
Both Burundi and North Macedonia mandate a similar standard work week of 40 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 Burundi and North Macedonia?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. North Macedonia has the higher GDP per capita at $26,995, which is 22.6x that of Burundi at $1,195. From Burundi'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.