Key Facts: Mongolia vs Turkmenistan Wages
- Mongolia Minimum Wage
- ₮4,714/hr ($1.31 USD)
- Turkmenistan Minimum Wage
- T1,160/mo ($331.43 USD)
- Mongolia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- ₮2,000,000 /mo ($555.71 USD)
- Turkmenistan Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- T2,500 /mo ($714.29 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Labour and Social Protection — Mongolia (2026-02-25), ILO ILOSTAT / World Bank / Turkmenistan government sources (2026-05-04)
Mongolia
Turkmenistan
Updated 2026-05-04
The minimum wage in Mongolia is roughly 253 times lower than in Turkmenistan in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a lower-middle-income and a upper-middle-income economy. Average salaries are lower in Mongolia at $556/mo compared to $714/mo in Turkmenistan.
Mongolia has lower GDP per capita ($19,145 vs $21,213). Mongolia's unemployment rate is 5.2% compared to Turkmenistan's 4.3%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Mongolia | Turkmenistan |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | ₮4,714 $1.31 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | ₮792,000 $220.06 | T1,160 $331.43 |
| Minimum wage /yr | ₮9,504,000 $2,640.73 | — |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | ₮2,000,000 /mo $555.71 | T2,500 /mo $714.29 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | ₮1,700,000 /mo $472.35 | N/A/mo |
| Median individual income /yr | ₮12,000,000 /yr $3,334.26 | T30,000 /yr $8,571.43 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Mongolia is higher.
Work Week
- Mongolia
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 56 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Standard workweek is 40 hours (8 hours/day). The Labour Law sets a maximum of 56 hours/week including overtime. Maximum daily overtime is 4 hours. Overtime is paid at 1.5x the regular rate. Work on public holidays is compensated at 2x the regular rate. The government sector typically works 40 hours/week (Monday-Friday).
- Turkmenistan
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Code sets 40 hours/week (8 hours/day, 5 days). Saturday and Sunday are rest days. State-sector employees work standard government hours. The gas industry may have different shift arrangements.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Mongolia earns 25204% less per hour in USD terms than one in Turkmenistan.
See this comparison from Turkmenistan's perspective: Turkmenistan vs Mongolia
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Mongolia or Turkmenistan?
In Mongolia, the minimum wage is ₮4,714/hr ($1.31 USD). In Turkmenistan, it is T1,160/mo ($331.43 USD). Turkmenistan has the higher rate by 25204% 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 Mongolia may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much less does the average worker earn in Mongolia compared to Turkmenistan?
The average gross salary in Mongolia is ₮2,000,000/mo ($555.71 USD), compared to T2,500/mo ($714.29 USD) in Turkmenistan. In USD terms, workers in Mongolia earn approximately 29% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Mongolia and Turkmenistan is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Turkmenistan earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Mongolia.
How do work hours compare between Mongolia and Turkmenistan?
Both Mongolia and Turkmenistan 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 Mongolia and Turkmenistan?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Turkmenistan has the higher GDP per capita at $21,213, which is 1.1x that of Mongolia at $19,145. From Mongolia'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.