Key Facts: Mexico vs Ukraine Wages
- Mexico Minimum Wage
- MX$9,583.52/mo ($553.10 USD)
- Ukraine Minimum Wage
- ₴48/hr ($1.15 USD)
- Mexico Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- MX$16,500 /mo ($952.27 USD)
- Ukraine Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- ₴20,000 /mo ($478.47 USD)
- Data Sources
- CONASAMI (Comision Nacional de los Salarios Minimos) (2026-03-02), Ministry of Economy of Ukraine / State Statistics Service (2026-02-24)
Mexico
Ukraine
Updated 2026-03-02
The minimum wage in Mexico is roughly 482 times higher than in Ukraine in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a upper-middle-income and a lower-middle-income economy. Average salaries are higher in Mexico at $952/mo compared to $478/mo in Ukraine. Mexico has the tighter labor market, with unemployment at 2.7% compared to 9.8%.
Mexico has higher GDP per capita ($26,185 vs $18,550). Mexico's unemployment rate is 2.7% compared to Ukraine's 9.8%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Mexico | Ukraine |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | ₴48 $1.15 |
| Minimum wage /day | MX$315.04 $18.18 | ₴266.67 $6.38 |
| Minimum wage /mo | MX$9,583.52 $553.10 | ₴8,000 $191.39 |
| Minimum wage /yr | MX$114,989.60 $6,636.44 | ₴96,000 $2,296.65 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | MX$16,500 /mo $952.27 | ₴20,000 /mo $478.47 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | MX$14,200 /mo $819.53 | ₴16,400 /mo $392.34 |
| Median individual income /yr | MX$96,000 /yr $5,540.49 | ₴120,000 /yr $2,870.81 |
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.
- Ukraine
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 40 hrs/wk
Overtime : 2x pay
Labour Code sets standard working time at 40 hours/week. Overtime is compensated at double the normal rate and limited to 4 hours over 2 consecutive days, 120 hours/year. Under martial law (from Feb 2022), employers may increase working hours to 60/week and suspend certain labour protections with government approval.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from Ukraine to Mexico would see a 48066% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings. Standard work weeks differ: Mexico mandates 48 hours while Ukraine mandates 40 hours. A minimum wage worker's weekly earnings in Mexico are $26,549 vs $46 in Ukraine.
See this comparison from Ukraine's perspective: Ukraine vs Mexico
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Mexico or Ukraine?
In Mexico, the minimum wage is MX$9,583.52/mo ($553.10 USD). In Ukraine, it is ₴48/hr ($1.15 USD). Mexico has the higher rate by 48066% 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 Ukraine 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 Ukraine?
The average gross salary in Mexico is MX$16,500/mo ($952.27 USD), compared to ₴20,000/mo ($478.47 USD) in Ukraine. In USD terms, workers in Mexico earn approximately 99% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Mexico and Ukraine 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 Ukraine.
How do work hours compare between Mexico and Ukraine?
Mexico has a longer standard work week at 48 hours, compared to 40 hours in Ukraine. Workers in Mexico work 48 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in Ukraine 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 Ukraine?
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 1.4x that of Ukraine at $18,550. 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.