Key Facts: Mexico vs Somalia Wages
- Mexico Minimum Wage
- MX$9,583.52/mo ($553.10 USD)
- Somalia Minimum Wage
- No statutory minimum wage
- Mexico Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- MX$16,500 /mo ($952.27 USD)
- Somalia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Sh150,000 /mo ($262.70 USD)
- Data Sources
- CONASAMI (Comision Nacional de los Salarios Minimos) (2026-03-02), ILO ILOSTAT / World Bank / UN OCHA Somalia (2026-02-25)
Mexico
Somalia
Updated 2026-03-02
Unlike Somalia, which has no statutory minimum wage, Mexico mandates a wage floor of $553/mo. Average gross salaries diverge further: $952/mo in Mexico versus $263/mo in Somalia, a 3.6:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Mexico is 16.3x that of Somalia, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Mexico has higher GDP per capita ($26,185 vs $1,602). Mexico's unemployment rate is 2.7% compared to Somalia's 18.9%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Mexico | Somalia |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /day | MX$315.04 $18.18 | None |
| Minimum wage /mo | MX$9,583.52 $553.10 | None |
| Minimum wage /yr | MX$114,989.60 $6,636.44 | None |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | MX$16,500 /mo $952.27 | Sh150,000 /mo $262.70 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | MX$14,200 /mo $819.53 | Sh140,000 /mo $245.18 |
| Median individual income /yr | MX$96,000 /yr $5,540.49 | N/A/yr |
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.
- Somalia
-
48 hrs/wk standard
No reliable standardised workweek provisions are enforced. Friday is the weekly rest day. Labour conditions vary widely between sectors — from formal NGO employment with international standards to highly exploitative informal arrangements. Somaliland and Puntland have some locally administered labour rules.
See this comparison from Somalia's perspective: Somalia vs Mexico
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Mexico or Somalia?
In Mexico, the minimum wage is MX$9,583.52/mo ($553.10 USD). In Somalia, it is no statutory minimum wage.
How much more does the average worker earn in Mexico compared to Somalia?
The average gross salary in Mexico is MX$16,500/mo ($952.27 USD), compared to Sh150,000/mo ($262.70 USD) in Somalia. In USD terms, workers in Mexico earn approximately 262% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Mexico and Somalia 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 Somalia.
How do work hours compare between Mexico and Somalia?
Both Mexico and Somalia 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 Somalia?
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 16.3x that of Somalia at $1,602. 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.