Key Facts: Liberia vs Chile Wages
- Liberia Minimum Wage
- $156/mo
- Chile Minimum Wage
- CLP2,994/hr ($3.26 USD)
- Liberia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- $350 /mo ($350 USD)
- Chile Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- CLP750,000 /mo ($816.99 USD)
- Data Sources
- ILO / Ministry of Labour (Liberia) (2026-02-25), Dirección del Trabajo / Ministerio del Trabajo y Previsión Social; 2026 rate per Ley 21.751 (eff 2026-01-01) (2026-05-27)
Liberia
Chile
Updated 2026-05-27
The minimum wage in Liberia is roughly 48 times higher than in Chile in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a low-income and a high-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $350/mo in Liberia versus $817/mo in Chile, a 2.3:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Chile is 19.3x that of Liberia, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Liberia has lower GDP per capita ($1,871 vs $36,181). Liberia's unemployment rate is 2.9% compared to Chile's 9.0%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Liberia | Chile |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | CLP2,994 $3.26 |
| Minimum wage /day | $6 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | $156 | CLP539,000 $587.15 |
| Minimum wage /yr | — | CLP7,007,000 $7,632.90 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | $350 /mo | CLP750,000 /mo $816.99 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | N/A/mo | CLP622,500 /mo $678.10 |
| Median individual income /yr | $900 /yr | CLP6,000,000 /yr $6,535.95 |
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.
- Chile
-
43 hrs/wk standard
Max 43 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Ley de 40 horas (Ley 21.561) is reducing the workweek in steps: 45h → 44h (April 2024) → 43h (April 2026) → 40h (April 2028). As of April 26, 2026 the standard is 43h. Final reduction to 40h takes effect April 2028. Overtime paid at 50% premium, maximum 2 hours/day. Distributed across 5 or 6 working days.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from Chile to Liberia would see a 4683% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings. Standard work weeks differ: Liberia mandates 48 hours while Chile mandates 43 hours. A minimum wage worker's weekly earnings in Liberia are $7,488 vs $140 in Chile.
See this comparison from Chile's perspective: Chile vs Liberia
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Liberia or Chile?
In Liberia, the minimum wage is $156/mo. In Chile, it is CLP2,994/hr ($3.26 USD). Liberia has the higher rate by 4683% 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 Chile 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 Chile?
The average gross salary in Liberia is $350/mo, compared to CLP750,000/mo ($816.99 USD) in Chile. In USD terms, workers in Liberia earn approximately 133% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Liberia and Chile is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Chile 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 Chile?
Liberia has a longer standard work week at 48 hours, compared to 43 hours in Chile. Workers in Liberia work 48 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in Chile 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 Chile?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Chile has the higher GDP per capita at $36,181, which is 19.3x 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.