Key Facts: Libya vs Chad Wages
- Libya Minimum Wage
- LD450/mo ($92.59 USD)
- Chad Minimum Wage
- FCFA60,000/mo ($107.72 USD)
- Libya Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- LD1,800 /mo ($370.37 USD)
- Chad Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- FCFA180,000 /mo ($323.16 USD)
- Data Sources
- ILO / Ministry of Labour and Rehabilitation (Libya) (2026-02-25), ILO / Ministère de la Fonction Publique, du Travail et du Dialogue Social (Chad) (2026-02-25)
Libya
Chad
Updated 2026-02-25
Libya, a upper-middle-income economy, and Chad, classified as low-income, take different approaches to wage policy. Average salaries are higher in Libya at $370/mo compared to $323/mo in Chad. GDP per capita (PPP) in Libya is 5.2x that of Chad, underscoring the structural economic divide.
From Libya's perspective: adjusting for purchasing power, Libya's minimum wage buys less than Chad's. The PPP-adjusted hourly rate in Libya is $203 international dollars, compared to $282 in Chad. Libya has higher GDP per capita ($14,304 vs $2,743). Libya's unemployment rate is 18.8% compared to Chad's 1.1%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Libya | Chad |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /mo | LD450 $92.59 | FCFA60,000 $107.72 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | LD1,800 /mo $370.37 | FCFA180,000 /mo $323.16 |
| Median individual income /yr | LD7,200 /yr $1,481.48 | FCFA180,000 /yr $323.16 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Libya is higher.
Work Week
- 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.
- Chad
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Code sets standard at 40 hours/week in the formal sector. Overtime compensated at 1.5x. These provisions apply only to a narrow formal-sector workforce.
• WAGE TRAJECTORY (USD/mo)
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Libya earns 16% less per hour in USD terms than one in Chad. Standard work weeks differ: Libya mandates 48 hours while Chad mandates 40 hours. A minimum wage worker's weekly earnings in Libya are $4,444 vs $4,309 in Chad.
See this comparison from Chad's perspective: Chad vs Libya
Compare Libya with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Libya or Chad?
In Libya, the minimum wage is LD450/mo ($92.59 USD). In Chad, it is FCFA60,000/mo ($107.72 USD). Chad has the higher rate by 16% 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 Libya may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much more does the average worker earn in Libya compared to Chad?
The average gross salary in Libya is LD1,800/mo ($370.37 USD), compared to FCFA180,000/mo ($323.16 USD) in Chad. In USD terms, workers in Libya earn approximately 15% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Libya and Chad 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 Chad.
Which country has better purchasing power for minimum wage workers, Libya or Chad?
After adjusting for local prices using purchasing power parity (PPP), minimum wage workers in Chad can afford more than those in Libya. The PPP-adjusted rate is $203 in Libya and $282 in Chad. PPP converts wages into equivalent US dollar buying power, accounting for what a unit of currency actually buys locally. The 39% purchasing power gap means that even if the nominal wage in Libya appears competitive, minimum wage workers there face greater constraints on day-to-day spending.
How do work hours compare between Libya and Chad?
Libya has a longer standard work week at 48 hours, compared to 40 hours in Chad. Workers in Libya work 48 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in Chad 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 Libya and Chad?
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 5.2x that of Chad at $2,743. From Libya's perspective, this means goods and services are priced at a higher 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.