Key Facts: Oman vs Eswatini Wages
- Oman Minimum Wage
- OMR1.88/hr ($4.88 USD)
- Eswatini Minimum Wage
- L2,500/mo ($156.15 USD)
- Oman Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- OMR850 /mo ($2,207.79 USD)
- Eswatini Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- L6,000 /mo ($374.77 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Labour — Sultanate of Oman (2026-02-25), ILO / Ministry of Labour and Social Security (Eswatini) / Wages Regulation Order (2026-02-25)
Oman
Eswatini
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Oman is roughly 32 times lower than in Eswatini in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a high-income and a lower-middle-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $2,208/mo in Oman versus $375/mo in Eswatini, a 5.9:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Oman is 3.5x that of Eswatini, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Oman has higher GDP per capita ($41,740 vs $11,799). Oman's unemployment rate is 3.3% compared to Eswatini's 34.2%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Oman | Eswatini |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | OMR1.88 $4.88 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | OMR325 $844.16 | L2,500 $156.15 |
| Minimum wage /yr | OMR3,900 $10,129.87 | — |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | OMR850 /mo $2,207.79 | L6,000 /mo $374.77 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | OMR820 /mo $2,129.87 | L5,000 /mo $312.30 |
| Median individual income /yr | OMR5,400 /yr $14,025.97 | L24,000 /yr $1,499.06 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Oman is higher.
Work Week
- Oman
-
45 hrs/wk standard
Max 45 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.25x pay
Labour Law sets maximum working hours at 9 hours/day or 45 hours/week. During Ramadan, Muslim workers' hours are reduced to 6 hours/day or 30 hours/week. Overtime paid at 125% for regular days and 150% for holidays/weekends.
- Eswatini
-
48 hrs/wk standard
Max 54 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Employment Act sets standard at 48 hours/week (8 hrs/day, 6 days). Maximum 54 hours per week including overtime. Overtime paid at 1.5x the normal rate. Sunday and public holidays compensated at 2x. Employees are entitled to 14 days paid annual leave.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Oman earns 3098% less per hour in USD terms than one in Eswatini. Standard work weeks differ: Oman mandates 45 hours while Eswatini mandates 48 hours. A minimum wage worker's weekly earnings in Oman are $220 vs $7,495 in Eswatini.
See this comparison from Eswatini's perspective: Eswatini vs Oman
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Oman or Eswatini?
In Oman, the minimum wage is OMR1.88/hr ($4.88 USD). In Eswatini, it is L2,500/mo ($156.15 USD). Eswatini has the higher rate by 3098% 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 Oman may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much more does the average worker earn in Oman compared to Eswatini?
The average gross salary in Oman is OMR850/mo ($2,207.79 USD), compared to L6,000/mo ($374.77 USD) in Eswatini. In USD terms, workers in Oman earn approximately 489% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Oman and Eswatini is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Oman earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Eswatini.
How do work hours compare between Oman and Eswatini?
Eswatini has a longer standard work week at 48 hours, compared to 45 hours in Oman. Workers in Oman work 45 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in Oman 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 Oman and Eswatini?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Oman has the higher GDP per capita at $41,740, which is 3.5x that of Eswatini at $11,799. From Oman'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.