Key Facts: North Macedonia vs Mexico Wages
- North Macedonia Minimum Wage
- ден207/hr ($3.95 USD)
- Mexico Minimum Wage
- MX$9,583.52/mo ($553.10 USD)
- North Macedonia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- ден55,000 /mo ($1,050.62 USD)
- Mexico Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- MX$16,500 /mo ($952.27 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Labour and Social Policy of North Macedonia (2026-02-25), CONASAMI (Comision Nacional de los Salarios Minimos) (2026-03-02)
North Macedonia
Mexico
Updated 2026-03-02
The minimum wage in North Macedonia is roughly 140 times lower than in Mexico in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a upper-middle-income and a upper-middle-income economy. Average salaries are higher in North Macedonia at $1,051/mo compared to $952/mo in Mexico. Mexico has the tighter labor market, with unemployment at 2.7% compared to 12.3%.
North Macedonia has higher GDP per capita ($26,995 vs $26,185). North Macedonia's unemployment rate is 12.3% compared to Mexico's 2.7%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | North Macedonia | Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | ден207 $3.95 | — |
| Minimum wage /day | — | MX$315.04 $18.18 |
| Minimum wage /mo | ден36,037 $688.39 | MX$9,583.52 $553.10 |
| Minimum wage /yr | ден432,444 $8,260.63 | MX$114,989.60 $6,636.44 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | ден55,000 /mo $1,050.62 | MX$16,500 /mo $952.27 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | ден38,000 /mo $725.88 | MX$14,200 /mo $819.53 |
| Median individual income /yr | ден264,000 /yr $5,042.98 | MX$96,000 /yr $5,540.49 |
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.
- 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 North Macedonia earns 13888% less per hour in USD terms than one in Mexico. Standard work weeks differ: North Macedonia mandates 40 hours while Mexico mandates 48 hours. A minimum wage worker's weekly earnings in North Macedonia are $158 vs $26,549 in Mexico.
See this comparison from Mexico's perspective: Mexico vs North Macedonia
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in North Macedonia or Mexico?
In North Macedonia, the minimum wage is ден207/hr ($3.95 USD). In Mexico, it is MX$9,583.52/mo ($553.10 USD). Mexico has the higher rate by 13888% 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 North Macedonia 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 Mexico?
The average gross salary in North Macedonia is ден55,000/mo ($1,050.62 USD), compared to MX$16,500/mo ($952.27 USD) in Mexico. In USD terms, workers in North Macedonia earn approximately 10% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between North Macedonia and Mexico 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 Mexico.
How do work hours compare between North Macedonia and Mexico?
Mexico has a longer standard work week at 48 hours, compared to 40 hours in North Macedonia. Workers in North Macedonia work 40 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in North Macedonia working fewer hours may have comparable or better effective hourly earnings depending on the wage levels of each country. Total annual compensation depends on both the wage rate and the number of hours required.
What is the cost of living difference between North Macedonia and Mexico?
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 1.0x that of Mexico at $26,185. 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.