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Key Facts: Mali vs Chad Wages

Mali Minimum Wage
CFA192.30/hr ($0.35 USD)
Chad Minimum Wage
FCFA60,000/mo ($107.72 USD)
Mali Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
CFA120,000 /mo ($215.44 USD)
Chad Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
FCFA180,000 /mo ($323.16 USD)
Data Sources
Mali Ministry of Labour and Civil Service / ILO (2026-02-25), ILO / Ministère de la Fonction Publique, du Travail et du Dialogue Social (Chad) (2026-02-25)

Mali flag Mali Chad flag Chad

Updated 2026-02-25

Mali flag Mali

Minimum Wage

CFA192.30 /hr

$0.35 USD

Avg. Gross Salary

CFA120,000 /mo

Chad flag Chad

Minimum Wage

FCFA60,000 /mo

$107.72 USD

Avg. Gross Salary

FCFA180,000 /mo

Min wage: -100% Mali vs Chad Avg. salary: -33% Mali vs Chad

The minimum wage in Mali is roughly 312 times lower than in Chad in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a low-income and a low-income economy. Average salaries are lower in Mali at $215/mo compared to $323/mo in Chad.

Mali has higher GDP per capita ($3,315 vs $2,743). Mali's unemployment rate is 2.8% compared to Chad's 1.1%.

Detailed Comparison

Detailed wage comparison between Mali and Chad
Metric Mali Chad
Minimum wage /hr CFA192.30 $0.35
Minimum wage /day CFA1,538 $2.76
Minimum wage /mo CFA40,000 $71.81 FCFA60,000 $107.72
Minimum wage /yr CFA480,000 $861.76
Avg. gross salary /mo CFA120,000 /mo $215.44 FCFA180,000 /mo $323.16
Median individual income /yr CFA360,000 /yr $646.32 FCFA180,000 /yr $323.16

Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Mali is higher.

Work Week

Mali

40 hrs/wk standard

Max 48 hrs/wk

Overtime : 1.15x pay

Labour Code (Law No. 92-020 of 23 September 1992, amended) sets standard hours at 40 per week (8 hrs/day, 5 days). Maximum including overtime is 48 hours/week. Overtime rates: 115% for day hours; 130% for hours between 21:00 and 05:00 on weekdays; 150% for Sunday daytime; 200% for night hours on Sundays/holidays. Workers are entitled to 2.5 days of paid leave per month worked (30 days/year). Friday prayers (Jumu'ah) are accommodated — Mali is ~90% Muslim.

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.

What This Means for Workers

A minimum wage worker in Mali earns 31101% less per hour in USD terms than one in Chad.

See this comparison from Chad's perspective: Chad vs Mali

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the minimum wage higher in Mali or Chad?

In Mali, the minimum wage is CFA192.30/hr ($0.35 USD). In Chad, it is FCFA60,000/mo ($107.72 USD). Chad has the higher rate by 31101% 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 Mali may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.

How much less does the average worker earn in Mali compared to Chad?

The average gross salary in Mali is CFA120,000/mo ($215.44 USD), compared to FCFA180,000/mo ($323.16 USD) in Chad. In USD terms, workers in Mali earn approximately 50% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Mali and Chad is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Chad earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Mali.

How do work hours compare between Mali and Chad?

Both Mali and Chad 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 Mali and Chad?

While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Mali has the higher GDP per capita at $3,315, which is 1.2x that of Chad at $2,743. From Mali'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.