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Key Facts: Mozambique vs Mexico Wages

Mozambique Minimum Wage
MT38.60/hr ($0.60 USD)
Mexico Minimum Wage
MX$9,583.52/mo ($553.10 USD)
Mozambique Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
MT18,000 /mo ($281.91 USD)
Mexico Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
MX$16,500 /mo ($952.27 USD)
Data Sources
Ministério do Trabalho e Segurança Social — Mozambique (2026-02-25), CONASAMI (Comision Nacional de los Salarios Minimos) (2026-03-02)

Mozambique flag Mozambique Mexico flag Mexico

Updated 2026-03-02

Mozambique flag Mozambique

Minimum Wage

MT38.60 /hr

$0.60 USD

Avg. Gross Salary

MT18,000 /mo

Mexico flag Mexico

Minimum Wage

MX$9,583.52 /mo

$553.10 USD

Avg. Gross Salary

MX$16,500 /mo

Min wage: -100% Mozambique vs Mexico Avg. salary: -70% Mozambique vs Mexico

The minimum wage in Mozambique is roughly 915 times lower than in Mexico in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a low-income and a upper-middle-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $282/mo in Mozambique versus $952/mo in Mexico, a 3.4:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Mexico is 15.4x that of Mozambique, underscoring the structural economic divide.

Mozambique has lower GDP per capita ($1,705 vs $26,185). Mozambique's unemployment rate is 6.6% compared to Mexico's 2.7%.

Detailed Comparison

Detailed wage comparison between Mozambique and Mexico
Metric Mozambique Mexico
Minimum wage /hr MT38.60 $0.60
Minimum wage /day MX$315.04 $18.18
Minimum wage /mo MT6,688 $104.75 MX$9,583.52 $553.10
Minimum wage /yr MT80,256 $1,256.95 MX$114,989.60 $6,636.44
Avg. gross salary /mo MT18,000 /mo $281.91 MX$16,500 /mo $952.27
Avg. net salary /mo MT15,500 /mo $242.76 MX$14,200 /mo $819.53
Median individual income /yr MT60,000 /yr $939.70 MX$96,000 /yr $5,540.49

Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Mozambique is higher.

Work Week

Mozambique

48 hrs/wk standard

Max 48 hrs/wk

Overtime : 1.5x pay

Labour Law sets maximum working hours at 48 per week and 8 hours per day. Overtime is limited to 96 hours per quarter and 200 hours per year. Overtime compensated at 150% for regular days and 200% for holidays and rest days.

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.

What This Means for Workers

A minimum wage worker in Mozambique earns 91390% less per hour in USD terms than one in Mexico.

See this comparison from Mexico's perspective: Mexico vs Mozambique

Compare Mozambique with...

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the minimum wage higher in Mozambique or Mexico?

In Mozambique, the minimum wage is MT38.60/hr ($0.60 USD). In Mexico, it is MX$9,583.52/mo ($553.10 USD). Mexico has the higher rate by 91390% 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 Mozambique may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.

How much less does the average worker earn in Mozambique compared to Mexico?

The average gross salary in Mozambique is MT18,000/mo ($281.91 USD), compared to MX$16,500/mo ($952.27 USD) in Mexico. In USD terms, workers in Mozambique earn approximately 238% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Mozambique and Mexico 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 Mozambique.

How do work hours compare between Mozambique and Mexico?

Both Mozambique and Mexico 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 Mozambique and Mexico?

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 15.4x that of Mozambique at $1,705. From Mozambique'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.