Key Facts: Niger vs Madagascar Wages
- Niger Minimum Wage
- CFA30,047/mo ($53.94 USD)
- Madagascar Minimum Wage
- Ar1,202/hr ($0.27 USD)
- Niger Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- CFA120,000 /mo ($215.44 USD)
- Madagascar Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Ar500,000 /mo ($112.36 USD)
- Data Sources
- ILO / Ministère du Travail et de la Protection Sociale (Niger) (2026-02-25), Malagasy Ministry of Labour and Social Laws / ILO (2026-02-25)
Niger
Madagascar
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Niger is roughly 200 times higher than in Madagascar in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a low-income and a low-income economy. Average salaries are higher in Niger at $215/mo compared to $112/mo in Madagascar. Niger has the tighter labor market, with unemployment at 0.4% compared to 3.0%.
Niger has higher GDP per capita ($2,050 vs $1,884). Niger's unemployment rate is 0.4% compared to Madagascar's 3.0%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Niger | Madagascar |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | Ar1,202 $0.27 |
| Minimum wage /day | — | Ar9,615 $2.16 |
| Minimum wage /mo | CFA30,047 $53.94 | Ar250,000 $56.18 |
| Minimum wage /yr | — | Ar3,000,000 $674.16 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | CFA120,000 /mo $215.44 | Ar500,000 /mo $112.36 |
| Median individual income /yr | CFA150,000 /yr $269.30 | Ar1,200,000 /yr $269.66 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Niger is higher.
Work Week
- Niger
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Code sets standard at 40 hours/week. Maximum 48 hours with overtime. Overtime paid at 1.5x. These rules apply only to the small formal sector.
- Madagascar
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.3x pay
Labour Code (Law No. 2003-044) sets standard hours at 40 per week (8 hrs/day, 5 days). Maximum including overtime is 48 hours/week. Overtime is compensated at 130% of normal rate (for the first 8 hours of overtime per week), then 160% (for subsequent hours), and 200% on Sundays and public holidays. Night work premium applies. EPZ workers may have different arrangements under zone-specific regulations.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from Madagascar to Niger would see a 19871% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings.
See this comparison from Madagascar's perspective: Madagascar vs Niger
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Niger or Madagascar?
In Niger, the minimum wage is CFA30,047/mo ($53.94 USD). In Madagascar, it is Ar1,202/hr ($0.27 USD). Niger has the higher rate by 19871% 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 Madagascar may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much more does the average worker earn in Niger compared to Madagascar?
The average gross salary in Niger is CFA120,000/mo ($215.44 USD), compared to Ar500,000/mo ($112.36 USD) in Madagascar. In USD terms, workers in Niger earn approximately 92% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Niger and Madagascar is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Niger earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Madagascar.
How do work hours compare between Niger and Madagascar?
Both Niger and Madagascar 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 Niger and Madagascar?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Niger has the higher GDP per capita at $2,050, which is 1.1x that of Madagascar at $1,884. From Niger'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.