Key Facts: North Macedonia vs Suriname Wages
- North Macedonia Minimum Wage
- ден207/hr ($3.95 USD)
- Suriname Minimum Wage
- Sr$2,166/mo ($59.02 USD)
- North Macedonia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- ден55,000 /mo ($1,050.62 USD)
- Suriname Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Sr$5,500 /mo ($149.86 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Labour and Social Policy of North Macedonia (2026-02-25), Ministry of Labour, Technological Development and Environment — Suriname / ILO (2026-02-25)
North Macedonia
Suriname
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in North Macedonia is roughly 15 times lower than in Suriname in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a upper-middle-income and a upper-middle-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $1,051/mo in North Macedonia versus $150/mo in Suriname, a 7.0:1 ratio. Suriname has the tighter labor market, with unemployment at 7.8% compared to 12.3%.
North Macedonia has higher GDP per capita ($26,995 vs $21,801). North Macedonia's unemployment rate is 12.3% compared to Suriname's 7.8%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | North Macedonia | Suriname |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | ден207 $3.95 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | ден36,037 $688.39 | Sr$2,166 $59.02 |
| Minimum wage /yr | ден432,444 $8,260.63 | Sr$25,992 $708.23 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | ден55,000 /mo $1,050.62 | Sr$5,500 /mo $149.86 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | ден38,000 /mo $725.88 | Sr$4,700 /mo $128.07 |
| Median individual income /yr | ден264,000 /yr $5,042.98 | Sr$28,000 /yr $762.94 |
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.
- Suriname
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Suriname Labour Act sets the standard workweek at 40 hours (8 hours/day, 5 days). Maximum including overtime is 48 hours. Overtime is compensated at a minimum of 1.5x the regular wage. Sunday and public holiday work is typically at 2x.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in North Macedonia earns 1393% less per hour in USD terms than one in Suriname.
See this comparison from Suriname's perspective: Suriname vs North Macedonia
Compare North Macedonia with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in North Macedonia or Suriname?
In North Macedonia, the minimum wage is ден207/hr ($3.95 USD). In Suriname, it is Sr$2,166/mo ($59.02 USD). Suriname has the higher rate by 1393% 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 Suriname?
The average gross salary in North Macedonia is ден55,000/mo ($1,050.62 USD), compared to Sr$5,500/mo ($149.86 USD) in Suriname. In USD terms, workers in North Macedonia earn approximately 601% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between North Macedonia and Suriname 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 Suriname.
How do work hours compare between North Macedonia and Suriname?
Both North Macedonia and Suriname 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 Suriname?
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 1.2x that of Suriname at $21,801. 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.