Key Facts: Iran vs Suriname Wages
- Iran Minimum Wage
- ﷼692,731/hr ($1.02 USD)
- Suriname Minimum Wage
- Sr$2,166/mo ($59.02 USD)
- Iran Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- ﷼400,000,000 /mo ($588.24 USD)
- Suriname Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Sr$5,500 /mo ($149.86 USD)
- Data Sources
- Supreme Labour Council / ILO ILOSTAT. 2026 (Iranian year 1405) figure verified via WageIndicator (March 22, 2026 update) and Euronews coverage of 60% nominal increase amid sanctions pressure. (2026-05-04), Ministry of Labour, Technological Development and Environment — Suriname / ILO (2026-02-25)
Iran
Suriname
Updated 2026-05-04
The minimum wage in Iran is roughly 58 times lower than in Suriname in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a lower-middle-income and a upper-middle-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $588/mo in Iran versus $150/mo in Suriname, a 3.9:1 ratio.
Iran has lower GDP per capita ($19,874 vs $21,801). Iran's unemployment rate is 8.3% compared to Suriname's 7.8%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Iran | Suriname |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | ﷼692,731 $1.02 | — |
| Minimum wage /day | ﷼5,541,850 $8.15 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | ﷼166,255,500 $244.49 | Sr$2,166 $59.02 |
| Minimum wage /yr | ﷼1,995,066,000 $2,933.92 | Sr$25,992 $708.23 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | ﷼400,000,000 /mo $588.24 | Sr$5,500 /mo $149.86 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | N/A/mo | Sr$4,700 /mo $128.07 |
| Median individual income /yr | ﷼1,440,000,000 /yr $2,117.65 | Sr$28,000 /yr $762.94 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Iran is higher.
Work Week
- Iran
-
44 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.4x pay
Article 51 of the Labour Law sets ordinary working hours at 44 hours per week (8 hours/day, 6 days, with 4 hours on the sixth day — or equivalent arrangements). Maximum including overtime is 48 hours/week. Overtime is compensated at 140% of the ordinary hourly rate. Friday is the official weekly rest day. Workers in hazardous conditions have reduced hours.
- Suriname
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Suriname Labour Act sets the standard workweek at 40 hours (8 hours/day, 5 days). Maximum including overtime is 48 hours. Overtime is compensated at a minimum of 1.5x the regular wage. Sunday and public holiday work is typically at 2x.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Iran earns 5693% less per hour in USD terms than one in Suriname. Standard work weeks differ: Iran mandates 44 hours while Suriname mandates 40 hours. A minimum wage worker's weekly earnings in Iran are $45 vs $2,361 in Suriname.
See this comparison from Suriname's perspective: Suriname vs Iran
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Iran or Suriname?
In Iran, the minimum wage is ﷼692,731/hr ($1.02 USD). In Suriname, it is Sr$2,166/mo ($59.02 USD). Suriname has the higher rate by 5693% 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 Iran may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much more does the average worker earn in Iran compared to Suriname?
The average gross salary in Iran is ﷼400,000,000/mo ($588.24 USD), compared to Sr$5,500/mo ($149.86 USD) in Suriname. In USD terms, workers in Iran earn approximately 293% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Iran and Suriname is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Iran earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Suriname.
How do work hours compare between Iran and Suriname?
Iran has a longer standard work week at 44 hours, compared to 40 hours in Suriname. Workers in Iran work 44 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in Suriname 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 Iran and Suriname?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Suriname has the higher GDP per capita at $21,801, which is 1.1x that of Iran at $19,874. From Iran'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.