Key Facts: French Polynesia vs Mexico Wages
- French Polynesia Minimum Wage
- ₣904.82/hr ($6.42 USD)
- Mexico Minimum Wage
- MX$9,583.52/mo ($553.10 USD)
- French Polynesia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- ₣145,975 /mo ($1,036.23 USD)
- Mexico Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- MX$16,500 /mo ($952.27 USD)
- Data Sources
- WageIndicator Foundation (2026-05-04), CONASAMI (Comision Nacional de los Salarios Minimos) (2026-03-02)
French Polynesia
Mexico
Updated 2026-05-04
The minimum wage in French Polynesia is roughly 86 times lower than in Mexico in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a high-income and a upper-middle-income economy. Average salaries are higher in French Polynesia at $1,036/mo compared to $952/mo in Mexico.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | French Polynesia | Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | ₣904.82 $6.42 | — |
| Minimum wage /day | — | MX$315.04 $18.18 |
| Minimum wage /mo | ₣156,835 $1,113.32 | MX$9,583.52 $553.10 |
| Minimum wage /yr | ₣1,882,626 $13,364.20 | MX$114,989.60 $6,636.44 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | ₣145,975 /mo $1,036.23 | MX$16,500 /mo $952.27 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | N/A/mo | MX$14,200 /mo $819.53 |
| Median individual income /yr | ₣1,536,000 /yr $10,903.60 | MX$96,000 /yr $5,540.49 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means French Polynesia is higher.
Work Week
- French Polynesia
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.25x pay
Standard workweek is 40 hours in French Polynesia (differs from metropolitan France's 35 hours).
- Mexico
-
48 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 2x pay
Standard workweek is 48 hours (daytime). Night shift maximum is 42 hours, mixed shift 45 hours. First 9 hours of overtime per week at 200% rate; beyond that at 300%. A 2023 reform discussion to reduce to 40 hours is pending.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in French Polynesia earns 8511% less per hour in USD terms than one in Mexico. Standard work weeks differ: French Polynesia mandates 40 hours while Mexico mandates 48 hours. A minimum wage worker's weekly earnings in French Polynesia are $257 vs $26,549 in Mexico.
See this comparison from Mexico's perspective: Mexico vs French Polynesia
Compare French Polynesia with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in French Polynesia or Mexico?
In French Polynesia, the minimum wage is ₣904.82/hr ($6.42 USD). In Mexico, it is MX$9,583.52/mo ($553.10 USD). Mexico has the higher rate by 8511% 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 French Polynesia may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much more does the average worker earn in French Polynesia compared to Mexico?
The average gross salary in French Polynesia is ₣145,975/mo ($1,036.23 USD), compared to MX$16,500/mo ($952.27 USD) in Mexico. In USD terms, workers in French Polynesia earn approximately 9% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between French Polynesia and Mexico is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in French Polynesia earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Mexico.
How do work hours compare between French Polynesia and Mexico?
Mexico has a longer standard work week at 48 hours, compared to 40 hours in French Polynesia. Workers in French Polynesia work 40 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in French Polynesia 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.