Key Facts: Madagascar vs Tajikistan Wages
- Madagascar Minimum Wage
- Ar1,202/hr ($0.27 USD)
- Tajikistan Minimum Wage
- SM600/mo ($54.95 USD)
- Madagascar Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Ar500,000 /mo ($112.36 USD)
- Tajikistan Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- SM1,600 /mo ($146.52 USD)
- Data Sources
- Malagasy Ministry of Labour and Social Laws / ILO (2026-02-25), ILO / Ministry of Labour, Migration and Employment of Population (Tajikistan) (2026-02-25)
Madagascar
Tajikistan
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Madagascar is roughly 203 times lower than in Tajikistan in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a low-income and a low-income economy. Average salaries are lower in Madagascar at $112/mo compared to $147/mo in Tajikistan. GDP per capita (PPP) in Tajikistan is 2.9x that of Madagascar, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Madagascar has lower GDP per capita ($1,884 vs $5,406). Madagascar's unemployment rate is 3.0% compared to Tajikistan's 6.9%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Madagascar | Tajikistan |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | Ar1,202 $0.27 | — |
| Minimum wage /day | Ar9,615 $2.16 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | Ar250,000 $56.18 | SM600 $54.95 |
| Minimum wage /yr | Ar3,000,000 $674.16 | — |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | Ar500,000 /mo $112.36 | SM1,600 /mo $146.52 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | N/A/mo | SM1,450 /mo $132.78 |
| Median individual income /yr | Ar1,200,000 /yr $269.66 | SM7,200 /yr $659.34 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Madagascar is higher.
Work Week
- Madagascar
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.3x pay
Labour Code (Law No. 2003-044) sets standard hours at 40 per week (8 hrs/day, 5 days). Maximum including overtime is 48 hours/week. Overtime is compensated at 130% of normal rate (for the first 8 hours of overtime per week), then 160% (for subsequent hours), and 200% on Sundays and public holidays. Night work premium applies. EPZ workers may have different arrangements under zone-specific regulations.
- Tajikistan
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 52 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Code sets standard at 40 hours/week (8 hrs/day, 5 days). Maximum 52 hours including overtime (12 hours overtime permitted). Overtime paid at 1.5x for weekday hours, 2x for rest days and public holidays. The standard workweek for certain hazardous industries is reduced to 36 hours.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Madagascar earns 20242% less per hour in USD terms than one in Tajikistan.
See this comparison from Tajikistan's perspective: Tajikistan vs Madagascar
Compare Madagascar with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Madagascar or Tajikistan?
In Madagascar, the minimum wage is Ar1,202/hr ($0.27 USD). In Tajikistan, it is SM600/mo ($54.95 USD). Tajikistan has the higher rate by 20242% 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 Madagascar may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much less does the average worker earn in Madagascar compared to Tajikistan?
The average gross salary in Madagascar is Ar500,000/mo ($112.36 USD), compared to SM1,600/mo ($146.52 USD) in Tajikistan. In USD terms, workers in Madagascar earn approximately 30% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Madagascar and Tajikistan is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Tajikistan earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Madagascar.
How do work hours compare between Madagascar and Tajikistan?
Both Madagascar and Tajikistan mandate a similar standard work week of 40 hours. When work hours are equal, the country with the higher minimum wage delivers proportionally higher weekly earnings. Standard work week rules set the baseline; actual hours worked often differ based on industry norms and individual employment contracts.
What is the cost of living difference between Madagascar and Tajikistan?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Tajikistan has the higher GDP per capita at $5,406, which is 2.9x that of Madagascar at $1,884. From Madagascar'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.