Key Facts: Liberia vs Belize Wages
- Liberia Minimum Wage
- $156/mo
- Belize Minimum Wage
- BZ$5/hr ($2.50 USD)
- Liberia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- $350 /mo ($350 USD)
- Belize Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- BZ$1,800 /mo ($900 USD)
- Data Sources
- ILO / Ministry of Labour (Liberia) (2026-02-25), Ministry of Labour, Local Government and Rural Development — Belize (2026-02-25)
Liberia
Belize
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Liberia is roughly 62 times higher than in Belize in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a low-income and a upper-middle-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $350/mo in Liberia versus $900/mo in Belize, a 2.6:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Belize is 7.7x that of Liberia, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Liberia has lower GDP per capita ($1,871 vs $14,347). Liberia's unemployment rate is 2.9% compared to Belize's 8.9%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Liberia | Belize |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | BZ$5 $2.50 |
| Minimum wage /day | $6 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | $156 | BZ$975 $487.50 |
| Minimum wage /yr | — | BZ$11,700 $5,850 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | $350 /mo | BZ$1,800 /mo $900 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | N/A/mo | BZ$1,530 /mo $765 |
| Median individual income /yr | $900 /yr | BZ$12,000 /yr $6,000 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Liberia is higher.
Work Week
- Liberia
-
48 hrs/wk standard
Max 56 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
The Decent Work Act 2015 sets a standard workweek of 8 hours/day, 6 days/week (48 hours). Maximum 56 hours including overtime. Overtime paid at 1.5x. These rules apply to formal-sector employers.
- Belize
-
45 hrs/wk standard
Max 45 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Standard workweek is 45 hours (9 hours/day, 5 days). All workers are entitled to at least 1 day of rest per week. Overtime is paid at 1.5x the regular rate for hours beyond 45/week. Work on Sundays and public holidays is typically paid at double the normal rate. Governed by the Labour Act.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from Belize to Liberia would see a 6140% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings. Standard work weeks differ: Liberia mandates 48 hours while Belize mandates 45 hours. A minimum wage worker's weekly earnings in Liberia are $7,488 vs $113 in Belize.
See this comparison from Belize's perspective: Belize vs Liberia
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Liberia or Belize?
In Liberia, the minimum wage is $156/mo. In Belize, it is BZ$5/hr ($2.50 USD). Liberia has the higher rate by 6140% 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 Belize may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much less does the average worker earn in Liberia compared to Belize?
The average gross salary in Liberia is $350/mo, compared to BZ$1,800/mo ($900 USD) in Belize. In USD terms, workers in Liberia earn approximately 157% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Liberia and Belize is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Belize earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Liberia.
How do work hours compare between Liberia and Belize?
Liberia has a longer standard work week at 48 hours, compared to 45 hours in Belize. Workers in Liberia work 48 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in Belize 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 Liberia and Belize?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Belize has the higher GDP per capita at $14,347, which is 7.7x that of Liberia at $1,871. From Liberia'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.