Key Facts: Chad vs Mali Wages
- Chad Minimum Wage
- FCFA60,000/mo ($107.72 USD)
- Mali Minimum Wage
- CFA192.30/hr ($0.35 USD)
- Chad Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- FCFA180,000 /mo ($323.16 USD)
- Mali Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- CFA120,000 /mo ($215.44 USD)
- Data Sources
- ILO / Ministère de la Fonction Publique, du Travail et du Dialogue Social (Chad) (2026-02-25), Mali Ministry of Labour and Civil Service / ILO (2026-02-25)
Chad
Mali
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Chad is roughly 312 times higher than in Mali in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a low-income and a low-income economy. Average salaries are higher in Chad at $323/mo compared to $215/mo in Mali.
Chad has lower GDP per capita ($2,743 vs $3,315). Chad's unemployment rate is 1.1% compared to Mali's 2.8%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Chad | Mali |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | CFA192.30 $0.35 |
| Minimum wage /day | — | CFA1,538 $2.76 |
| Minimum wage /mo | FCFA60,000 $107.72 | CFA40,000 $71.81 |
| Minimum wage /yr | — | CFA480,000 $861.76 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | FCFA180,000 /mo $323.16 | CFA120,000 /mo $215.44 |
| Median individual income /yr | FCFA180,000 /yr $323.16 | CFA360,000 /yr $646.32 |
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.
- Mali
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.15x pay
Labour Code (Law No. 92-020 of 23 September 1992, amended) sets standard hours at 40 per week (8 hrs/day, 5 days). Maximum including overtime is 48 hours/week. Overtime rates: 115% for day hours; 130% for hours between 21:00 and 05:00 on weekdays; 150% for Sunday daytime; 200% for night hours on Sundays/holidays. Workers are entitled to 2.5 days of paid leave per month worked (30 days/year). Friday prayers (Jumu'ah) are accommodated — Mali is ~90% Muslim.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from Mali to Chad would see a 31101% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings.
See this comparison from Mali's perspective: Mali vs Chad
Compare Chad with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Chad or Mali?
In Chad, the minimum wage is FCFA60,000/mo ($107.72 USD). In Mali, it is CFA192.30/hr ($0.35 USD). Chad has the higher rate by 31101% 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 Mali may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much more does the average worker earn in Chad compared to Mali?
The average gross salary in Chad is FCFA180,000/mo ($323.16 USD), compared to CFA120,000/mo ($215.44 USD) in Mali. In USD terms, workers in Chad earn approximately 50% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Chad and Mali is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Chad earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Mali.
How do work hours compare between Chad and Mali?
Both Chad and Mali 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 Chad and Mali?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Mali has the higher GDP per capita at $3,315, which is 1.2x 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.