Key Facts: Mexico vs Namibia Wages
- Mexico Minimum Wage
- MX$9,583.52/mo ($553.10 USD)
- Namibia Minimum Wage
- N$18/hr ($1.13 USD)
- Mexico Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- MX$16,500 /mo ($952.27 USD)
- Namibia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- N$13,500 /mo ($845.34 USD)
- Data Sources
- CONASAMI (Comision Nacional de los Salarios Minimos) (2026-03-02), Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation / Wage Order 2024 (2026-02-25)
Mexico
Namibia
Updated 2026-03-02
The minimum wage in Mexico is roughly 491 times higher than in Namibia in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a upper-middle-income and a upper-middle-income economy. Average salaries are higher in Mexico at $952/mo compared to $845/mo in Namibia. GDP per capita (PPP) in Mexico is 2.2x that of Namibia, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Mexico has higher GDP per capita ($26,185 vs $11,687). Mexico's unemployment rate is 2.7% compared to Namibia's 19.3%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Mexico | Namibia |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | N$18 $1.13 |
| Minimum wage /day | MX$315.04 $18.18 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | MX$9,583.52 $553.10 | N$3,510 $219.79 |
| Minimum wage /yr | MX$114,989.60 $6,636.44 | N$42,120 $2,637.45 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | MX$16,500 /mo $952.27 | N$13,500 /mo $845.34 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | MX$14,200 /mo $819.53 | N$11,000 /mo $688.79 |
| Median individual income /yr | MX$96,000 /yr $5,540.49 | N$48,000 /yr $3,005.64 |
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.
- Namibia
-
45 hrs/wk standard
Max 45 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Act sets maximum ordinary hours at 45 per week (9 hrs/day for 5-day week, 8 hrs/day for 6-day week). Overtime limited to 10 hours/week and 3 hours/day. Overtime paid at 1.5x normal rate. Rest days at 2x. Daily rest period of at least 12 consecutive hours. Weekly rest of at least 36 consecutive hours (ideally including Sunday). Annual leave: 20 working days for 5-day week.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from Namibia to Mexico would see a 48972% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings. Standard work weeks differ: Mexico mandates 48 hours while Namibia mandates 45 hours. A minimum wage worker's weekly earnings in Mexico are $26,549 vs $51 in Namibia.
See this comparison from Namibia's perspective: Namibia vs Mexico
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Mexico or Namibia?
In Mexico, the minimum wage is MX$9,583.52/mo ($553.10 USD). In Namibia, it is N$18/hr ($1.13 USD). Mexico has the higher rate by 48972% 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 Namibia 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 Namibia?
The average gross salary in Mexico is MX$16,500/mo ($952.27 USD), compared to N$13,500/mo ($845.34 USD) in Namibia. In USD terms, workers in Mexico earn approximately 13% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Mexico and Namibia 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 Namibia.
How do work hours compare between Mexico and Namibia?
Mexico has a longer standard work week at 48 hours, compared to 45 hours in Namibia. Workers in Mexico work 48 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in Namibia 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 Mexico and Namibia?
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 2.2x that of Namibia at $11,687. 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.