Key Facts: Cambodia vs Somalia Wages
- Cambodia Minimum Wage
- $0.88/hr
- Somalia Minimum Wage
- No statutory minimum wage
- Cambodia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- $300 /mo ($300 USD)
- Somalia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Sh150,000 /mo ($262.70 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) — Cambodia (2026-06-01), ILO ILOSTAT / World Bank / UN OCHA Somalia (2026-02-25)
Cambodia
Somalia
Updated 2026-06-01
Unlike Somalia, which has no statutory minimum wage, Cambodia mandates a wage floor of $1/hr. Average salaries are higher in Cambodia at $300/mo compared to $263/mo in Somalia. GDP per capita (PPP) in Cambodia is 5.0x that of Somalia, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Cambodia has higher GDP per capita ($7,967 vs $1,602). Cambodia's unemployment rate is 0.3% compared to Somalia's 18.9%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Cambodia | Somalia |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | $0.88 | None |
| Minimum wage /mo | $210 | None |
| Minimum wage /yr | $2,520 | None |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | $300 /mo | Sh150,000 /mo $262.70 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | $285 /mo | Sh140,000 /mo $245.18 |
| Median individual income /yr | $1,800 /yr | N/A/yr |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Cambodia is higher.
Work Week
- Cambodia
-
48 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Law (1997) sets the standard workweek at 48 hours (8 hours/day, 6 days). Overtime is paid at 150% for daytime hours and 200% for nighttime/holiday hours. Maximum overtime is limited. Workers are entitled to 1.5 days off per week (Sunday plus Saturday afternoon). Garment workers typically work 6-day weeks with piece-rate bonuses.
- Somalia
-
48 hrs/wk standard
No reliable standardised workweek provisions are enforced. Friday is the weekly rest day. Labour conditions vary widely between sectors — from formal NGO employment with international standards to highly exploitative informal arrangements. Somaliland and Puntland have some locally administered labour rules.
See this comparison from Somalia's perspective: Somalia vs Cambodia
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Cambodia or Somalia?
In Cambodia, the minimum wage is $0.88/hr. In Somalia, it is no statutory minimum wage.
How much more does the average worker earn in Cambodia compared to Somalia?
The average gross salary in Cambodia is $300/mo, compared to Sh150,000/mo ($262.70 USD) in Somalia. In USD terms, workers in Cambodia earn approximately 14% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Cambodia and Somalia is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Cambodia earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Somalia.
How do work hours compare between Cambodia and Somalia?
Both Cambodia and Somalia 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 Cambodia and Somalia?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Cambodia has the higher GDP per capita at $7,967, which is 5.0x that of Somalia at $1,602. From Cambodia'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.