Key Facts: Iraq Wages
- Country
- Iraq (IRQ)
- Continent
- Asia
- Currency
- Iraqi Dinar (IQD)
- Minimum Wage
- ع.د1,823 /hr ($1.40 USD)
- Average Gross Monthly Salary
- ع.د700,000 /month
- Average Gross Annual Salary
- ع.د8,400,000 /year
- Median Individual Income
- ع.د3,360,000 /year
- Standard Work Week
- 48 hours
- Data Source
- Iraqi Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs / ILO
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-25
Iraq — Average Salary & Wages
Iraqi Dinar (IQD) Data verified Jan 2026 Sources
The average salary in Iraq is
ع.د8,400,000 a year
But half of all workers earn less than ع.د3,360,000 .
The average is lifted by bonuses and high earners. Most workers earn less than that.
The minimum wage in Iraq is ع.د1,823/hr ($1.40 USD) as of 2026. The average gross monthly salary is ع.د700,000 ($536.40 USD). The median monthly income is ع.د280,000 ($214.56 USD).
Estimates based on World Bank survey data. Significant variation between Baghdad (higher), oil-producing governorates (higher), and southern/western governorates (lower).
Estimated average gross monthly wage for formal-sector employees. Public sector wages (which employ a large share of the formal workforce) are well above the minimum. Oil sector wages are significantly higher. The average reflects formal employment primarily in Baghdad and major cities. Informal workers earn considerably less.
Minimum Wage Trend
• PPP ADJUSTED
In Iraq, the minimum wage has the purchasing power of $3.34/hr in the United States, adjusted for local cost of living using the World Bank PPP conversion factor.
In Context
At minimum wage, a full-time worker in Iraq earns ع.د315,981/mo. That is 45% of the average gross salary.
- Monthly (full-time)
- ع.د315,981 at min. wage
- Share of avg. salary
- 45% gross, before tax
- USD equivalent
- $242.13/mo monthly
Wage Breakdown
- Hourly
- ع.د1,823
- Daily
- ع.د14,583Monthly rate divided by 24 working days (6 days/week)
- Monthly
- ع.د350,000
- Annual
- ع.د4,200,00012 monthly payments
Iraq's Labour Law No. 37 of 2015 establishes the right to a minimum wage. The current rate of IQD 350,000/month was set by executive order. Enforcement is stronger in the public sector and larger private firms. Oil sector workers typically earn multiples of the minimum. The Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) operates semi-autonomously and public sector wages in the KRI are set separately. There have been discussions about increasing the minimum wage but the nominal figure has remained stable for several years, meaning real value has eroded modestly.
Work Week
- Standard
- 48 hrs/wk
- Maximum
- 48 hrs/wk
- Overtime
- 1.5x pay
Labour Law No. 37 of 2015 sets maximum ordinary working hours at 8 per day / 48 per week. Friday is the weekly rest day. Overtime is compensated at 150% of normal hourly rate. Work on official holidays is paid at 200%. Ramadan working hours are reduced. Public sector employees typically work ~40 hours/week in practice.
How Iraq Compares
| Metric | Iraq | Asia Avg. | Asia Highest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Min. wage (USD equiv.) | $1.40/hr | $2.61/hr | $11.89/hr (Israel) |
| Avg. salary (USD equiv.) | $536.40/mo | $1,185.31/mo | $4,472.55/mo (Singapore) |
Countries with Similar Minimum Wages
| Country | Min. Wage /hr (USD) |
|---|---|
| Brazil | $1.42 |
| Qatar | $1.43 |
| Azerbaijan | $1.35 |
| Papua New Guinea | $1.33 |
| Mongolia | $1.31 |
| Iraq | $1.40 |
Related Wage Comparisons
• NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES
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Bhutan Cost of Living
Wages tell half the story. See purchasing power, prices, and quality-of-life context for Iraq on our sister site.
Cost of living in Iraq on costofliving.is →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in Iraq?
The minimum wage in Iraq is ع.د1,823/hr (approximately $1.40 USD), effective since 2015-08-17. Iraq's Labour Law No. 37 of 2015 establishes the right to a minimum wage. The current rate of IQD 350,000/month was set by executive order. Enforcement is stronger in the public sector and larger private firms. Oil sector workers typically earn multiples of the minimum. The Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) operates semi-autonomously and public sector wages in the KRI are set separately. There have been discussions about increasing the minimum wage but the nominal figure has remained stable for several years, meaning real value has eroded modestly.
What is the average salary in Iraq?
The average gross monthly salary in Iraq is ع.د700,000 (approximately $536.40 USD). Estimated average gross monthly wage for formal-sector employees. Public sector wages (which employ a large share of the formal workforce) are well above the minimum. Oil sector wages are significantly higher. The average reflects formal employment primarily in Baghdad and major cities. Informal workers earn considerably less. Source: World Bank / ILO estimates / Central Bank of Iraq (2024).
How many hours is the standard work week in Iraq?
The standard work week in Iraq is 48 hours, with a legal maximum of 48 hours. Overtime is paid at 1.5x the normal rate. Labour Law No. 37 of 2015 sets maximum ordinary working hours at 8 per day / 48 per week. Friday is the weekly rest day. Overtime is compensated at 150% of normal hourly rate. Work on official holidays is paid at 200%. Ramadan working hours are reduced. Public sector employees typically work ~40 hours/week in practice.
How has the minimum wage in Iraq changed over time?
The minimum wage in Iraq has changed as follows: ع.د350,000 in 2015, ع.د350,000 in 2020, ع.د350,000 in 2022, ع.د350,000 in 2024. This represents 4 recorded adjustments.
What is the minimum wage in Iraq in USD?
The minimum wage in Iraq converts to approximately $1.40/hr in US dollars, based on current exchange rates. Actual purchasing power may differ due to local cost of living.
What is the average salary in Iraq in USD?
The average gross monthly salary in Iraq is approximately $536.40 per month in US dollars, based on current exchange rates. Actual purchasing power may differ due to local cost of living.
How does Iraq's minimum wage compare to the Asia average?
Iraq's minimum wage ranks #18 out of 34 countries with statutory minimum wages in Asia, placing it near the median for Asia.
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