Key Facts: Mexico vs Mozambique Wages
- Mexico Minimum Wage
- MX$9,583.52/mo ($553.10 USD)
- Mozambique Minimum Wage
- MT38.60/hr ($0.60 USD)
- Mexico Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- MX$16,500 /mo ($952.27 USD)
- Mozambique Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- MT18,000 /mo ($281.91 USD)
- Data Sources
- CONASAMI (Comision Nacional de los Salarios Minimos) (2026-03-02), Ministério do Trabalho e Segurança Social — Mozambique (2026-02-25)
Mexico
Mozambique
Updated 2026-03-02
The minimum wage in Mexico is roughly 915 times higher than in Mozambique in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a upper-middle-income and a low-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $952/mo in Mexico versus $282/mo in Mozambique, a 3.4:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Mexico is 15.4x that of Mozambique, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Mexico has higher GDP per capita ($26,185 vs $1,705). Mexico's unemployment rate is 2.7% compared to Mozambique's 6.6%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Mexico | Mozambique |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | MT38.60 $0.60 |
| Minimum wage /day | MX$315.04 $18.18 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | MX$9,583.52 $553.10 | MT6,688 $104.75 |
| Minimum wage /yr | MX$114,989.60 $6,636.44 | MT80,256 $1,256.95 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | MX$16,500 /mo $952.27 | MT18,000 /mo $281.91 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | MX$14,200 /mo $819.53 | MT15,500 /mo $242.76 |
| Median individual income /yr | MX$96,000 /yr $5,540.49 | MT60,000 /yr $939.70 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Mexico is higher.
Work Week
- Mexico
-
48 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 2x pay
Standard workweek is 48 hours (daytime). Night shift maximum is 42 hours, mixed shift 45 hours. First 9 hours of overtime per week at 200% rate; beyond that at 300%. A 2023 reform discussion to reduce to 40 hours is pending.
- Mozambique
-
48 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Law sets maximum working hours at 48 per week and 8 hours per day. Overtime is limited to 96 hours per quarter and 200 hours per year. Overtime compensated at 150% for regular days and 200% for holidays and rest days.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from Mozambique to Mexico would see a 91390% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings.
See this comparison from Mozambique's perspective: Mozambique vs Mexico
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Mexico or Mozambique?
In Mexico, the minimum wage is MX$9,583.52/mo ($553.10 USD). In Mozambique, it is MT38.60/hr ($0.60 USD). Mexico has the higher rate by 91390% 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 Mozambique may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much more does the average worker earn in Mexico compared to Mozambique?
The average gross salary in Mexico is MX$16,500/mo ($952.27 USD), compared to MT18,000/mo ($281.91 USD) in Mozambique. In USD terms, workers in Mexico earn approximately 238% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Mexico and Mozambique is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Mexico earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Mozambique.
How do work hours compare between Mexico and Mozambique?
Both Mexico and Mozambique mandate a similar standard work week of 48 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 Mexico and Mozambique?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Mexico has the higher GDP per capita at $26,185, which is 15.4x that of Mozambique at $1,705. From Mexico'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.