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Key Facts: Mozambique vs Somalia Wages

Mozambique Minimum Wage
MT38.60/hr ($0.60 USD)
Somalia Minimum Wage
No statutory minimum wage
Mozambique Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
MT18,000 /mo ($281.91 USD)
Somalia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
Sh150,000 /mo ($262.70 USD)
Data Sources
Ministério do Trabalho e Segurança Social — Mozambique (2026-02-25), ILO ILOSTAT / World Bank / UN OCHA Somalia (2026-02-25)

Mozambique flag Mozambique Somalia flag Somalia

Updated 2026-02-25

Mozambique flag Mozambique

Minimum Wage

MT38.60 /hr

$0.60 USD

Avg. Gross Salary

MT18,000 /mo

Somalia flag Somalia

No statutory minimum wage

Avg. Gross Salary

Sh150,000 /mo

Avg. salary: +7% Mozambique vs Somalia

Unlike Somalia, which has no statutory minimum wage, Mozambique mandates a wage floor of $1/hr. Average salaries are higher in Mozambique at $282/mo compared to $263/mo in Somalia. Mozambique has the tighter labor market, with unemployment at 6.6% compared to 18.9%.

Mozambique has higher GDP per capita ($1,705 vs $1,602). Mozambique's unemployment rate is 6.6% compared to Somalia's 18.9%.

Detailed Comparison

Detailed wage comparison between Mozambique and Somalia
Metric Mozambique Somalia
Minimum wage /hr MT38.60 $0.60 None
Minimum wage /mo MT6,688 $104.75 None
Minimum wage /yr MT80,256 $1,256.95 None
Avg. gross salary /mo MT18,000 /mo $281.91 Sh150,000 /mo $262.70
Avg. net salary /mo MT15,500 /mo $242.76 Sh140,000 /mo $245.18
Median individual income /yr MT60,000 /yr $939.70 N/A/yr

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.

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 Mozambique

Compare Mozambique with...

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the minimum wage higher in Mozambique or Somalia?

In Mozambique, the minimum wage is MT38.60/hr ($0.60 USD). In Somalia, it is no statutory minimum wage.

How much more does the average worker earn in Mozambique compared to Somalia?

The average gross salary in Mozambique is MT18,000/mo ($281.91 USD), compared to Sh150,000/mo ($262.70 USD) in Somalia. In USD terms, workers in Mozambique earn approximately 7% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Mozambique and Somalia is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Mozambique earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Somalia.

How do work hours compare between Mozambique and Somalia?

Both Mozambique 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 Mozambique and Somalia?

While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Mozambique has the higher GDP per capita at $1,705, which is 1.1x that of Somalia at $1,602. From Mozambique'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.