Key Facts: Mexico vs North Macedonia Wages
- Mexico Minimum Wage
- MX$9,583.52/mo ($553.10 USD)
- North Macedonia Minimum Wage
- ден207/hr ($3.95 USD)
- Mexico Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- MX$16,500 /mo ($952.27 USD)
- North Macedonia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- ден55,000 /mo ($1,050.62 USD)
- Data Sources
- CONASAMI (Comision Nacional de los Salarios Minimos) (2026-03-02), Ministry of Labour and Social Policy of North Macedonia (2026-02-25)
Mexico
North Macedonia
Updated 2026-03-02
The minimum wage in Mexico is roughly 140 times higher than in North Macedonia in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a upper-middle-income and a upper-middle-income economy. Average salaries are lower in Mexico at $952/mo compared to $1,051/mo in North Macedonia. Mexico has the tighter labor market, with unemployment at 2.7% compared to 12.3%.
Mexico has lower GDP per capita ($26,185 vs $26,995). Mexico's unemployment rate is 2.7% compared to North Macedonia's 12.3%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Mexico | North Macedonia |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | ден207 $3.95 |
| Minimum wage /day | MX$315.04 $18.18 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | MX$9,583.52 $553.10 | ден36,037 $688.39 |
| Minimum wage /yr | MX$114,989.60 $6,636.44 | ден432,444 $8,260.63 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | MX$16,500 /mo $952.27 | ден55,000 /mo $1,050.62 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | MX$14,200 /mo $819.53 | ден38,000 /mo $725.88 |
| Median individual income /yr | MX$96,000 /yr $5,540.49 | ден264,000 /yr $5,042.98 |
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.
- North Macedonia
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.35x pay
Labour Relations Law sets standard workweek at 40 hours (8 hrs/day). Overtime limited to 8 hours per week, up to 190 hours per year. Overtime premium at least 35%. Night work (22:00-06:00) premium at least 35%. Work on rest days and holidays at least 50% premium.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from North Macedonia to Mexico would see a 13888% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings. Standard work weeks differ: Mexico mandates 48 hours while North Macedonia mandates 40 hours. A minimum wage worker's weekly earnings in Mexico are $26,549 vs $158 in North Macedonia.
See this comparison from North Macedonia's perspective: North Macedonia vs Mexico
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Mexico or North Macedonia?
In Mexico, the minimum wage is MX$9,583.52/mo ($553.10 USD). In North Macedonia, it is ден207/hr ($3.95 USD). Mexico has the higher rate by 13888% 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 North Macedonia may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much less does the average worker earn in Mexico compared to North Macedonia?
The average gross salary in Mexico is MX$16,500/mo ($952.27 USD), compared to ден55,000/mo ($1,050.62 USD) in North Macedonia. In USD terms, workers in Mexico earn approximately 10% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Mexico and North Macedonia is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in North Macedonia earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Mexico.
How do work hours compare between Mexico and North Macedonia?
Mexico has a longer standard work week at 48 hours, compared to 40 hours in North Macedonia. Workers in Mexico work 48 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in North Macedonia 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 North Macedonia?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. North Macedonia has the higher GDP per capita at $26,995, which is 1.0x that of Mexico at $26,185. From Mexico'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.