Key Facts: Liberia vs Brazil Wages
- Liberia Minimum Wage
- $156/mo
- Brazil Minimum Wage
- R$7.37/hr ($1.47 USD)
- Liberia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- $350 /mo ($350 USD)
- Brazil Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- R$3,200 /mo ($636.88 USD)
- Data Sources
- ILO / Ministry of Labour (Liberia) (2026-02-25), Brazilian Ministry of Labour and Employment (2026-03-02)
Liberia
Brazil
Updated 2026-03-02
The minimum wage in Liberia is roughly 106 times higher than in Brazil in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a low-income and a upper-middle-income economy. Average salaries are lower in Liberia at $350/mo compared to $637/mo in Brazil. GDP per capita (PPP) in Brazil is 11.9x that of Liberia, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Liberia has lower GDP per capita ($1,871 vs $22,338). Liberia's unemployment rate is 2.9% compared to Brazil's 6.0%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Liberia | Brazil |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | R$7.37 $1.47 |
| Minimum wage /day | $6 | R$54.04 $10.76 |
| Minimum wage /mo | $156 | R$1,621 $322.62 |
| Minimum wage /yr | — | R$21,073 $4,194.05 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | $350 /mo | R$3,200 /mo $636.88 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | N/A/mo | R$2,700 /mo $537.37 |
| Median individual income /yr | $900 /yr | R$22,800 /yr $4,537.76 |
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.
- Brazil
-
44 hrs/wk standard
Max 44 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Constitutional limit of 44 hours/week, 8 hours/day. Overtime minimum 50% premium (often higher by collective agreement). Sundays and holidays: 100% premium.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from Brazil to Liberia would see a 10535% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings. Standard work weeks differ: Liberia mandates 48 hours while Brazil mandates 44 hours. A minimum wage worker's weekly earnings in Liberia are $7,488 vs $65 in Brazil.
See this comparison from Brazil's perspective: Brazil vs Liberia
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Liberia or Brazil?
In Liberia, the minimum wage is $156/mo. In Brazil, it is R$7.37/hr ($1.47 USD). Liberia has the higher rate by 10535% 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 Brazil 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 Brazil?
The average gross salary in Liberia is $350/mo, compared to R$3,200/mo ($636.88 USD) in Brazil. In USD terms, workers in Liberia earn approximately 82% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Liberia and Brazil is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Brazil 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 Brazil?
Liberia has a longer standard work week at 48 hours, compared to 44 hours in Brazil. Workers in Liberia work 48 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in Brazil 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 Brazil?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Brazil has the higher GDP per capita at $22,338, which is 11.9x 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.