Key Facts: Cambodia vs Suriname Wages
- Cambodia Minimum Wage
- $0.88/hr
- Suriname Minimum Wage
- Sr$2,166/mo ($59.02 USD)
- Cambodia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- $300 /mo ($300 USD)
- Suriname Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Sr$5,500 /mo ($149.86 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) — Cambodia (2026-06-01), Ministry of Labour, Technological Development and Environment — Suriname / ILO (2026-02-25)
Cambodia
Suriname
Updated 2026-06-01
The minimum wage in Cambodia is roughly 67 times lower than in Suriname in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a lower-middle-income and a upper-middle-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $300/mo in Cambodia versus $150/mo in Suriname, a 2.0:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Suriname is 2.7x that of Cambodia, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Cambodia has lower GDP per capita ($7,967 vs $21,801). Cambodia's unemployment rate is 0.3% compared to Suriname's 7.8%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Cambodia | Suriname |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | $0.88 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | $210 | Sr$2,166 $59.02 |
| Minimum wage /yr | $2,520 | Sr$25,992 $708.23 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | $300 /mo | Sr$5,500 /mo $149.86 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | $285 /mo | Sr$4,700 /mo $128.07 |
| Median individual income /yr | $1,800 /yr | Sr$28,000 /yr $762.94 |
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.
- Suriname
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Suriname Labour Act sets the standard workweek at 40 hours (8 hours/day, 5 days). Maximum including overtime is 48 hours. Overtime is compensated at a minimum of 1.5x the regular wage. Sunday and public holiday work is typically at 2x.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Cambodia earns 6645% less per hour in USD terms than one in Suriname. Standard work weeks differ: Cambodia mandates 48 hours while Suriname mandates 40 hours. A minimum wage worker's weekly earnings in Cambodia are $42 vs $2,361 in Suriname.
See this comparison from Suriname's perspective: Suriname vs Cambodia
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Cambodia or Suriname?
In Cambodia, the minimum wage is $0.88/hr. In Suriname, it is Sr$2,166/mo ($59.02 USD). Suriname has the higher rate by 6645% 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 Cambodia may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much more does the average worker earn in Cambodia compared to Suriname?
The average gross salary in Cambodia is $300/mo, compared to Sr$5,500/mo ($149.86 USD) in Suriname. In USD terms, workers in Cambodia earn approximately 100% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Cambodia and Suriname 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 Suriname.
How do work hours compare between Cambodia and Suriname?
Cambodia has a longer standard work week at 48 hours, compared to 40 hours in Suriname. Workers in Cambodia work 48 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in Suriname 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 Cambodia and Suriname?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Suriname has the higher GDP per capita at $21,801, which is 2.7x that of Cambodia at $7,967. From Cambodia'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.