Key Facts: North Macedonia vs Sierra Leone Wages
- North Macedonia Minimum Wage
- ден207/hr ($3.95 USD)
- Sierra Leone Minimum Wage
- Le600/mo ($25.97 USD)
- North Macedonia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- ден55,000 /mo ($1,050.62 USD)
- Sierra Leone Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Le2,500 /mo ($108.23 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Labour and Social Policy of North Macedonia (2026-02-25), ILO / Ministry of Labour and Social Security (Sierra Leone). Note: snapshot diff flags 'currency mismatch' against Wikipedia (which still uses old SLL 500,000) — our SLE 600 reflects the post-2022 redenomination (1 SLE = 1,000 SLL) and is the correct current notation (2026-05-04)
North Macedonia
Sierra Leone
Updated 2026-05-04
The minimum wage in North Macedonia is roughly 7 times lower than in Sierra Leone in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a upper-middle-income and a low-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $1,051/mo in North Macedonia versus $108/mo in Sierra Leone, a 9.7:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in North Macedonia is 7.7x that of Sierra Leone, underscoring the structural economic divide.
North Macedonia has higher GDP per capita ($26,995 vs $3,522). North Macedonia's unemployment rate is 12.3% compared to Sierra Leone's 3.1%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | North Macedonia | Sierra Leone |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | ден207 $3.95 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | ден36,037 $688.39 | Le600 $25.97 |
| Minimum wage /yr | ден432,444 $8,260.63 | — |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | ден55,000 /mo $1,050.62 | Le2,500 /mo $108.23 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | ден38,000 /mo $725.88 | N/A/mo |
| Median individual income /yr | ден264,000 /yr $5,042.98 | Le4,200 /yr $181.82 |
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.
- Sierra Leone
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
The Regulation of Wages and Industrial Relations Act sets standard hours at 40 per week for office workers and 48 for industrial workers. Overtime compensated at 1.5x for the first additional 8 hours. These rules apply to the limited formal sector.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in North Macedonia earns 557% less per hour in USD terms than one in Sierra Leone.
See this comparison from Sierra Leone's perspective: Sierra Leone vs North Macedonia
Compare North Macedonia with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in North Macedonia or Sierra Leone?
In North Macedonia, the minimum wage is ден207/hr ($3.95 USD). In Sierra Leone, it is Le600/mo ($25.97 USD). Sierra Leone has the higher rate by 557% 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 Sierra Leone?
The average gross salary in North Macedonia is ден55,000/mo ($1,050.62 USD), compared to Le2,500/mo ($108.23 USD) in Sierra Leone. In USD terms, workers in North Macedonia earn approximately 871% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between North Macedonia and Sierra Leone 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 Sierra Leone.
How do work hours compare between North Macedonia and Sierra Leone?
Both North Macedonia and Sierra Leone 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 Sierra Leone?
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 7.7x that of Sierra Leone at $3,522. 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.