Key Facts: Lebanon vs Eswatini Wages
- Lebanon Minimum Wage
- L£161,600/hr ($1.81 USD)
- Eswatini Minimum Wage
- L2,500/mo ($156.15 USD)
- Lebanon Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- L£27,000,000 /mo ($301.68 USD)
- Eswatini Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- L6,000 /mo ($374.77 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Labour — Lebanon (2026-02-25), ILO / Ministry of Labour and Social Security (Eswatini) / Wages Regulation Order (2026-02-25)
Lebanon
Eswatini
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Lebanon is roughly 86 times lower than in Eswatini in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a lower-middle-income and a lower-middle-income economy. Average salaries are lower in Lebanon at $302/mo compared to $375/mo in Eswatini. Lebanon has the tighter labor market, with unemployment at 11.0% compared to 34.2%.
Lebanon has higher GDP per capita ($12,575 vs $11,799). Lebanon's unemployment rate is 11.0% compared to Eswatini's 34.2%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Lebanon | Eswatini |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | L£161,600 $1.81 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | L£28,000,000 $312.85 | L2,500 $156.15 |
| Minimum wage /yr | L£336,000,000 $3,754.19 | — |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | L£27,000,000 /mo $301.68 | L6,000 /mo $374.77 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | L£24,000,000 /mo $268.16 | L5,000 /mo $312.30 |
| Median individual income /yr | L£144,000,000 /yr $1,608.94 | L24,000 /yr $1,499.06 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Lebanon is higher.
Work Week
- Lebanon
-
48 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Code sets maximum working hours at 48 per week. Overtime is paid at 150% of normal rate. Overtime on holidays at 200%. In practice, many workers work longer hours due to the economic crisis.
- Eswatini
-
48 hrs/wk standard
Max 54 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Employment Act sets standard at 48 hours/week (8 hrs/day, 6 days). Maximum 54 hours per week including overtime. Overtime paid at 1.5x the normal rate. Sunday and public holidays compensated at 2x. Employees are entitled to 14 days paid annual leave.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Lebanon earns 8548% less per hour in USD terms than one in Eswatini.
See this comparison from Eswatini's perspective: Eswatini vs Lebanon
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Lebanon or Eswatini?
In Lebanon, the minimum wage is L£161,600/hr ($1.81 USD). In Eswatini, it is L2,500/mo ($156.15 USD). Eswatini has the higher rate by 8548% 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 Lebanon may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much less does the average worker earn in Lebanon compared to Eswatini?
The average gross salary in Lebanon is L£27,000,000/mo ($301.68 USD), compared to L6,000/mo ($374.77 USD) in Eswatini. In USD terms, workers in Lebanon earn approximately 24% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Lebanon and Eswatini is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Eswatini earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Lebanon.
How do work hours compare between Lebanon and Eswatini?
Both Lebanon and Eswatini 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 Lebanon and Eswatini?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Lebanon has the higher GDP per capita at $12,575, which is 1.1x that of Eswatini at $11,799. From Lebanon'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.