Key Facts: Lebanon vs Libya Wages
- Lebanon Minimum Wage
- L£161,600/hr ($1.81 USD)
- Libya Minimum Wage
- LD450/mo ($92.59 USD)
- Lebanon Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- L£27,000,000 /mo ($301.68 USD)
- Libya Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- LD1,800 /mo ($370.37 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Labour — Lebanon (2026-02-25), ILO / Ministry of Labour and Rehabilitation (Libya) (2026-02-25)
Lebanon
Libya
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Lebanon is roughly 51 times lower than in Libya in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a lower-middle-income and a upper-middle-income economy. Average salaries are lower in Lebanon at $302/mo compared to $370/mo in Libya. Lebanon has the tighter labor market, with unemployment at 11.0% compared to 18.8%.
Lebanon has lower GDP per capita ($12,575 vs $14,304). Lebanon's unemployment rate is 11.0% compared to Libya's 18.8%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Lebanon | Libya |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | L£161,600 $1.81 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | L£28,000,000 $312.85 | LD450 $92.59 |
| Minimum wage /yr | L£336,000,000 $3,754.19 | — |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | L£27,000,000 /mo $301.68 | LD1,800 /mo $370.37 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | L£24,000,000 /mo $268.16 | N/A/mo |
| Median individual income /yr | L£144,000,000 /yr $1,608.94 | LD7,200 /yr $1,481.48 |
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.
- 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 Lebanon earns 5028% less per hour in USD terms than one in Libya.
See this comparison from Libya's perspective: Libya vs Lebanon
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Lebanon or Libya?
In Lebanon, the minimum wage is L£161,600/hr ($1.81 USD). In Libya, it is LD450/mo ($92.59 USD). Libya has the higher rate by 5028% 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 Libya?
The average gross salary in Lebanon is L£27,000,000/mo ($301.68 USD), compared to LD1,800/mo ($370.37 USD) in Libya. In USD terms, workers in Lebanon earn approximately 23% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Lebanon and Libya is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Libya 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 Libya?
Both Lebanon 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 Lebanon 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 1.1x that of Lebanon at $12,575. From Lebanon'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.