Key Facts: Chad vs El Salvador Wages
- Chad Minimum Wage
- FCFA60,000/mo ($107.72 USD)
- El Salvador Minimum Wage
- $2.13/hr
- Chad Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- FCFA180,000 /mo ($323.16 USD)
- El Salvador Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- $500 /mo ($500 USD)
- Data Sources
- ILO / Ministère de la Fonction Publique, du Travail et du Dialogue Social (Chad) (2026-02-25), Ministerio de Trabajo y Previsión Social (Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare) — El Salvador (2026-02-25)
Chad
El Salvador
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Chad is roughly 51 times higher than in El Salvador in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a low-income and a lower-middle-income economy. Average salaries are lower in Chad at $323/mo compared to $500/mo in El Salvador. GDP per capita (PPP) in El Salvador is 4.8x that of Chad, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Chad has lower GDP per capita ($2,743 vs $13,264). Chad's unemployment rate is 1.1% compared to El Salvador's 3.3%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Chad | El Salvador |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | $2.13 |
| Minimum wage /mo | FCFA60,000 $107.72 | $408.80 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | FCFA180,000 /mo $323.16 | $500 /mo |
| Avg. net salary /mo | N/A/mo | $435 /mo |
| Median individual income /yr | FCFA180,000 /yr $323.16 | $3,600 /yr |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Chad is higher.
Work Week
- Chad
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Code sets standard at 40 hours/week in the formal sector. Overtime compensated at 1.5x. These provisions apply only to a narrow formal-sector workforce.
- El Salvador
-
44 hrs/wk standard
Max 44 hrs/wk
Overtime : 2x pay
Standard workweek is 44 hours, typically spread over 6 days (8 hours/day plus 4 hours on Saturday, or 5.5 days). Overtime (beyond 44 hours/week) is paid at 2x the regular rate — one of the highest overtime premiums in the region. Work on the mandatory weekly rest day (usually Sunday) or on public holidays is also compensated at double the regular rate. Night work (7pm-6am) limited to 7 hours/day, 39 hours/week.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from El Salvador to Chad would see a 4957% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings. Standard work weeks differ: Chad mandates 40 hours while El Salvador mandates 44 hours. A minimum wage worker's weekly earnings in Chad are $4,309 vs $94 in El Salvador.
See this comparison from El Salvador's perspective: El Salvador vs Chad
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Chad or El Salvador?
In Chad, the minimum wage is FCFA60,000/mo ($107.72 USD). In El Salvador, it is $2.13/hr. Chad has the higher rate by 4957% 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 El Salvador may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much less does the average worker earn in Chad compared to El Salvador?
The average gross salary in Chad is FCFA180,000/mo ($323.16 USD), compared to $500/mo in El Salvador. In USD terms, workers in Chad earn approximately 55% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Chad and El Salvador is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in El Salvador earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Chad.
How do work hours compare between Chad and El Salvador?
El Salvador has a longer standard work week at 44 hours, compared to 40 hours in Chad. Workers in Chad work 40 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in Chad 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 Chad and El Salvador?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. El Salvador has the higher GDP per capita at $13,264, which is 4.8x that of Chad at $2,743. From Chad'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.