Key Facts: North Macedonia vs Burundi Wages
- North Macedonia Minimum Wage
- ден207/hr ($3.95 USD)
- Burundi Minimum Wage
- FBu4,160/mo ($1.40 USD)
- North Macedonia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- ден55,000 /mo ($1,050.62 USD)
- Burundi Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- FBu60,000 /mo ($20.19 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Labour and Social Policy of North Macedonia (2026-02-25), ILO ILOSTAT / World Bank / Ministère de la Fonction Publique du Burundi (2026-02-25)
North Macedonia
Burundi
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in North Macedonia is 182% higher than in Burundi when converted to USD. Average gross salaries diverge further: $1,051/mo in North Macedonia versus $20/mo in Burundi, a 52.0:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in North Macedonia is 22.6x that of Burundi, underscoring the structural economic divide.
North Macedonia has higher GDP per capita ($26,995 vs $1,195). North Macedonia's unemployment rate is 12.3% compared to Burundi's 0.9%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | North Macedonia | Burundi |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | ден207 $3.95 | — |
| Minimum wage /day | — | FBu160 $0.05 |
| Minimum wage /mo | ден36,037 $688.39 | FBu4,160 $1.40 |
| Minimum wage /yr | ден432,444 $8,260.63 | — |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | ден55,000 /mo $1,050.62 | FBu60,000 /mo $20.19 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | ден38,000 /mo $725.88 | N/A/mo |
| Median individual income /yr | ден264,000 /yr $5,042.98 | N/A/yr |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means North Macedonia is higher.
Work Week
- North Macedonia
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.35x pay
Labour Relations Law sets standard workweek at 40 hours (8 hrs/day). Overtime limited to 8 hours per week, up to 190 hours per year. Overtime premium at least 35%. Night work (22:00-06:00) premium at least 35%. Work on rest days and holidays at least 50% premium.
- Burundi
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 45 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Code sets 40 hours/week as the standard. The Code du Travail is French-language, reflecting Belgian colonial heritage. Overtime capped at 45 hours total. Enforcement is minimal outside the formal sector.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from Burundi to North Macedonia would see a 182% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings.
See this comparison from Burundi's perspective: Burundi vs North Macedonia
Compare North Macedonia with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in North Macedonia or Burundi?
In North Macedonia, the minimum wage is ден207/hr ($3.95 USD). In Burundi, it is FBu4,160/mo ($1.40 USD). North Macedonia has the higher rate by 182% 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 Burundi may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much more does the average worker earn in North Macedonia compared to Burundi?
The average gross salary in North Macedonia is ден55,000/mo ($1,050.62 USD), compared to FBu60,000/mo ($20.19 USD) in Burundi. In USD terms, workers in North Macedonia earn approximately 5104% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between North Macedonia and Burundi is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in North Macedonia earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Burundi.
How do work hours compare between North Macedonia and Burundi?
Both North Macedonia and Burundi 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 North Macedonia and Burundi?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. North Macedonia has the higher GDP per capita at $26,995, which is 22.6x that of Burundi at $1,195. From North Macedonia'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.