Key Facts: Eswatini vs Pakistan Wages
- Eswatini Minimum Wage
- L2,500/mo ($156.15 USD)
- Pakistan Minimum Wage
- ₨160/hr ($0.57 USD)
- Eswatini Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- L6,000 /mo ($374.77 USD)
- Pakistan Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- ₨39,042 /mo ($140.19 USD)
- Data Sources
- ILO / Ministry of Labour and Social Security (Eswatini) / Wages Regulation Order (2026-02-25), Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development; FY2025-26 federal budget confirmed minimum wage UNCHANGED at PKR 37,000/month (no increase despite high inflation; Federal Government Grade 1-16 employees received separate 10% pay rise that does not affect minimum wage). Verified via Brecorder (brecorder.com/news/minimum-wage-to-remain-unchanged-at-rs37000-in-fy26). (2026-05-04)
Eswatini
Pakistan
Updated 2026-05-04
The minimum wage in Eswatini is roughly 272 times higher than in Pakistan in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a lower-middle-income and a lower-middle-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $375/mo in Eswatini versus $140/mo in Pakistan, a 2.7:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Eswatini is 1.9x that of Pakistan, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Eswatini has higher GDP per capita ($11,799 vs $6,252). Eswatini's unemployment rate is 34.2% compared to Pakistan's 5.4%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Eswatini | Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | ₨160 $0.57 |
| Minimum wage /mo | L2,500 $156.15 | ₨37,000 $132.85 |
| Minimum wage /yr | — | ₨444,000 $1,594.25 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | L6,000 /mo $374.77 | ₨39,042 /mo $140.19 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | L5,000 /mo $312.30 | ₨35,138 /mo $126.17 |
| Median individual income /yr | L24,000 /yr $1,499.06 | ₨403,200 /yr $1,447.76 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Eswatini is higher.
Work Week
- Eswatini
-
48 hrs/wk standard
Max 54 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Employment Act sets standard at 48 hours/week (8 hrs/day, 6 days). Maximum 54 hours per week including overtime. Overtime paid at 1.5x the normal rate. Sunday and public holidays compensated at 2x. Employees are entitled to 14 days paid annual leave.
- Pakistan
-
48 hrs/wk standard
Max 56 hrs/wk
Overtime : 2x pay
Factories Act 1934 sets standard at 48 hours/week (9 hrs/day). Maximum 56 hours including overtime. Overtime paid at double the ordinary rate. Shops and Establishments ordinances vary by province.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from Pakistan to Eswatini would see a 27080% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings.
See this comparison from Pakistan's perspective: Pakistan vs Eswatini
Compare Eswatini with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Eswatini or Pakistan?
In Eswatini, the minimum wage is L2,500/mo ($156.15 USD). In Pakistan, it is ₨160/hr ($0.57 USD). Eswatini has the higher rate by 27080% 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 Pakistan may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much more does the average worker earn in Eswatini compared to Pakistan?
The average gross salary in Eswatini is L6,000/mo ($374.77 USD), compared to ₨39,042/mo ($140.19 USD) in Pakistan. In USD terms, workers in Eswatini earn approximately 167% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Eswatini and Pakistan is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Eswatini earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Pakistan.
How do work hours compare between Eswatini and Pakistan?
Both Eswatini and Pakistan 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 Eswatini and Pakistan?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Eswatini has the higher GDP per capita at $11,799, which is 1.9x that of Pakistan at $6,252. From Eswatini'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.