Key Facts: Lebanon vs Suriname Wages
- Lebanon Minimum Wage
- L£161,600/hr ($1.81 USD)
- Suriname Minimum Wage
- Sr$2,166/mo ($59.02 USD)
- Lebanon Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- L£27,000,000 /mo ($301.68 USD)
- Suriname Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Sr$5,500 /mo ($149.86 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Labour — Lebanon (2026-02-25), Ministry of Labour, Technological Development and Environment — Suriname / ILO (2026-02-25)
Lebanon
Suriname
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Lebanon is roughly 33 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: $302/mo in Lebanon versus $150/mo in Suriname, a 2.0:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Suriname is 1.7x that of Lebanon, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Lebanon has lower GDP per capita ($12,575 vs $21,801). Lebanon's unemployment rate is 11.0% compared to Suriname's 7.8%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Lebanon | Suriname |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | L£161,600 $1.81 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | L£28,000,000 $312.85 | Sr$2,166 $59.02 |
| Minimum wage /yr | L£336,000,000 $3,754.19 | Sr$25,992 $708.23 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | L£27,000,000 /mo $301.68 | Sr$5,500 /mo $149.86 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | L£24,000,000 /mo $268.16 | Sr$4,700 /mo $128.07 |
| Median individual income /yr | L£144,000,000 /yr $1,608.94 | Sr$28,000 /yr $762.94 |
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.
- 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 Lebanon earns 3169% less per hour in USD terms than one in Suriname. Standard work weeks differ: Lebanon mandates 48 hours while Suriname mandates 40 hours. A minimum wage worker's weekly earnings in Lebanon are $87 vs $2,361 in Suriname.
See this comparison from Suriname's perspective: Suriname vs Lebanon
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Lebanon or Suriname?
In Lebanon, the minimum wage is L£161,600/hr ($1.81 USD). In Suriname, it is Sr$2,166/mo ($59.02 USD). Suriname has the higher rate by 3169% 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 more does the average worker earn in Lebanon compared to Suriname?
The average gross salary in Lebanon is L£27,000,000/mo ($301.68 USD), compared to Sr$5,500/mo ($149.86 USD) in Suriname. In USD terms, workers in Lebanon earn approximately 101% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Lebanon and Suriname is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Lebanon earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Suriname.
How do work hours compare between Lebanon and Suriname?
Lebanon has a longer standard work week at 48 hours, compared to 40 hours in Suriname. Workers in Lebanon work 48 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 Lebanon 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 1.7x 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.