Key Facts: Moldova vs Suriname Wages
- Moldova Minimum Wage
- L32.54/hr ($1.90 USD)
- Suriname Minimum Wage
- Sr$2,166/mo ($59.02 USD)
- Moldova Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- L15,500 /mo ($905.90 USD)
- Suriname Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Sr$5,500 /mo ($149.86 USD)
- Data Sources
- Government of the Republic of Moldova / Ministry of Labour and Social Protection (2026-02-25), Ministry of Labour, Technological Development and Environment — Suriname / ILO (2026-02-25)
Moldova
Suriname
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Moldova is roughly 31 times lower than in Suriname in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a upper-middle-income and a upper-middle-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $906/mo in Moldova versus $150/mo in Suriname, a 6.0:1 ratio. Moldova has the tighter labor market, with unemployment at 1.5% compared to 7.8%.
Moldova has lower GDP per capita ($18,615 vs $21,801). Moldova's unemployment rate is 1.5% compared to Suriname's 7.8%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Moldova | Suriname |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | L32.54 $1.90 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | L5,500 $321.45 | Sr$2,166 $59.02 |
| Minimum wage /yr | L66,000 $3,857.39 | Sr$25,992 $708.23 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | L15,500 /mo $905.90 | Sr$5,500 /mo $149.86 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | L12,400 /mo $724.72 | Sr$4,700 /mo $128.07 |
| Median individual income /yr | L84,000 /yr $4,909.41 | Sr$28,000 /yr $762.94 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Moldova is higher.
Work Week
- Moldova
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Code sets standard workweek at 40 hours (8 hrs/day). Reduced hours (35 hrs/week) for hazardous conditions. Overtime limited to 120 hours per year (240 with employee consent). Overtime premium at least 50% for first 2 hours and 100% thereafter. Night work (22:00-06:00) premium at least 50%.
- Suriname
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Suriname Labour Act sets the standard workweek at 40 hours (8 hours/day, 5 days). Maximum including overtime is 48 hours. Overtime is compensated at a minimum of 1.5x the regular wage. Sunday and public holiday work is typically at 2x.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Moldova earns 3003% less per hour in USD terms than one in Suriname.
See this comparison from Suriname's perspective: Suriname vs Moldova
Compare Moldova with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Moldova or Suriname?
In Moldova, the minimum wage is L32.54/hr ($1.90 USD). In Suriname, it is Sr$2,166/mo ($59.02 USD). Suriname has the higher rate by 3003% 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 Moldova may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much more does the average worker earn in Moldova compared to Suriname?
The average gross salary in Moldova is L15,500/mo ($905.90 USD), compared to Sr$5,500/mo ($149.86 USD) in Suriname. In USD terms, workers in Moldova earn approximately 504% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Moldova and Suriname is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Moldova earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Suriname.
How do work hours compare between Moldova and Suriname?
Both Moldova and Suriname mandate a similar standard work week of 40 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 Moldova and Suriname?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Suriname has the higher GDP per capita at $21,801, which is 1.2x that of Moldova at $18,615. From Moldova'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.