Key Facts: Jordan vs Libya Wages
- Jordan Minimum Wage
- JD1.67/hr ($2.36 USD)
- Libya Minimum Wage
- LD450/mo ($92.59 USD)
- Jordan Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- JD613 /mo ($864.60 USD)
- Libya Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- LD1,800 /mo ($370.37 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Labour — Jordan (2026-02-25), ILO / Ministry of Labour and Rehabilitation (Libya) (2026-02-25)
Jordan
Libya
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Jordan is roughly 39 times lower than in Libya in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a upper-middle-income and a upper-middle-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $865/mo in Jordan versus $370/mo in Libya, a 2.3:1 ratio. Jordan has the tighter labor market, with unemployment at 16.5% compared to 18.8%.
Jordan has lower GDP per capita ($10,821 vs $14,304). Jordan's unemployment rate is 16.5% compared to Libya's 18.8%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Jordan | Libya |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | JD1.67 $2.36 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | JD290 $409.03 | LD450 $92.59 |
| Minimum wage /yr | JD3,480 $4,908.32 | — |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | JD613 /mo $864.60 | LD1,800 /mo $370.37 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | JD525 /mo $740.48 | N/A/mo |
| Median individual income /yr | JD4,320 /yr $6,093.09 | LD7,200 /yr $1,481.48 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Jordan is higher.
Work Week
- Jordan
-
48 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.25x pay
Labour Code sets maximum working hours at 48 per week. Overtime work must not exceed 4 hours per day and is compensated at 125% of normal wage. Friday is the normal rest day. Overtime on Fridays and public holidays is paid at 150%.
- Libya
-
48 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Law No. 12 (2010) sets standard at 48 hours/week (8 hrs/day, 6 days). Friday is the statutory rest day. During Ramadan, hours are reduced. Overtime paid at 1.5x. These regulations are inconsistently enforced given the political situation.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Jordan earns 3831% less per hour in USD terms than one in Libya.
See this comparison from Libya's perspective: Libya vs Jordan
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Jordan or Libya?
In Jordan, the minimum wage is JD1.67/hr ($2.36 USD). In Libya, it is LD450/mo ($92.59 USD). Libya has the higher rate by 3831% 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 Jordan may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much more does the average worker earn in Jordan compared to Libya?
The average gross salary in Jordan is JD613/mo ($864.60 USD), compared to LD1,800/mo ($370.37 USD) in Libya. In USD terms, workers in Jordan earn approximately 133% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Jordan and Libya is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Jordan earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Libya.
How do work hours compare between Jordan and Libya?
Both Jordan and Libya 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 Jordan and Libya?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Libya has the higher GDP per capita at $14,304, which is 1.3x that of Jordan at $10,821. From Jordan'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.