Key Facts: India vs Cambodia Wages
- India Minimum Wage
- ₹4,576/mo ($48.17 USD)
- Cambodia Minimum Wage
- $0.88/hr
- India Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- ₹31,900 /mo ($335.82 USD)
- Cambodia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- $300 /mo ($300 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Labour and Employment. Central VDA April 2026 update verified via clc.gov.in/clc/min-wages: CPI rose 11.28 points triggering increase in centrally-regulated minimum wages (covers construction, sweeping/cleaning, watch & ward, and other Central Sphere employments). Note: Central VDA does NOT replace state minimum wages — most workers are subject to state-set rates which vary by state and update on different cycles. (2026-05-04), Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) — Cambodia (2026-06-01)
India
Cambodia
Updated 2026-06-01
The minimum wage in India is roughly 55 times higher than in Cambodia in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a lower-middle-income and a lower-middle-income economy. Average salaries are higher in India at $336/mo compared to $300/mo in Cambodia. Cambodia has the tighter labor market, with unemployment at 0.3% compared to 4.2%.
India has higher GDP per capita ($11,160 vs $7,967). India's unemployment rate is 4.2% compared to Cambodia's 0.3%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | India | Cambodia |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | $0.88 |
| Minimum wage /day | ₹176 $1.85 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | ₹4,576 $48.17 | $210 |
| Minimum wage /yr | ₹54,912 $578.08 | $2,520 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | ₹31,900 /mo $335.82 | $300 /mo |
| Avg. net salary /mo | ₹27,500 /mo $289.50 | $285 /mo |
| Median individual income /yr | ₹150,000 /yr $1,579.11 | $1,800 /yr |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means India is higher.
Work Week
- India
-
48 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 2x pay
Factories Act sets 48 hours/week, 9 hours/day. Overtime paid at double the ordinary rate. New Labour Codes (when implemented) may standardize at 48 hours across 4-6 day weeks.
- 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.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from Cambodia to India would see a 5406% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings.
See this comparison from Cambodia's perspective: Cambodia vs India
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in India or Cambodia?
In India, the minimum wage is ₹4,576/mo ($48.17 USD). In Cambodia, it is $0.88/hr. India has the higher rate by 5406% 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 India compared to Cambodia?
The average gross salary in India is ₹31,900/mo ($335.82 USD), compared to $300/mo in Cambodia. In USD terms, workers in India earn approximately 12% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between India and Cambodia is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in India earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Cambodia.
How do work hours compare between India and Cambodia?
Both India and Cambodia 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 India and Cambodia?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. India has the higher GDP per capita at $11,160, which is 1.4x that of Cambodia at $7,967. From India'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.