Key Facts: Pakistan vs Mexico Wages
- Pakistan Minimum Wage
- ₨160/hr ($0.57 USD)
- Mexico Minimum Wage
- MX$9,583.52/mo ($553.10 USD)
- Pakistan Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- ₨39,042 /mo ($140.19 USD)
- Mexico Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- MX$16,500 /mo ($952.27 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development; FY2025-26 federal budget confirmed minimum wage UNCHANGED at PKR 37,000/month (no increase despite high inflation; Federal Government Grade 1-16 employees received separate 10% pay rise that does not affect minimum wage). Verified via Brecorder (brecorder.com/news/minimum-wage-to-remain-unchanged-at-rs37000-in-fy26). (2026-05-04), CONASAMI (Comision Nacional de los Salarios Minimos) (2026-03-02)
Pakistan
Mexico
Updated 2026-05-04
The minimum wage in Pakistan is roughly 963 times lower than in Mexico in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a lower-middle-income and a upper-middle-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $140/mo in Pakistan versus $952/mo in Mexico, a 6.8:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Mexico is 4.2x that of Pakistan, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Pakistan has lower GDP per capita ($6,252 vs $26,185). Pakistan's unemployment rate is 5.4% compared to Mexico's 2.7%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Pakistan | Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | ₨160 $0.57 | — |
| Minimum wage /day | — | MX$315.04 $18.18 |
| Minimum wage /mo | ₨37,000 $132.85 | MX$9,583.52 $553.10 |
| Minimum wage /yr | ₨444,000 $1,594.25 | MX$114,989.60 $6,636.44 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | ₨39,042 /mo $140.19 | MX$16,500 /mo $952.27 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | ₨35,138 /mo $126.17 | MX$14,200 /mo $819.53 |
| Median individual income /yr | ₨403,200 /yr $1,447.76 | MX$96,000 /yr $5,540.49 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Pakistan is higher.
Work Week
- Pakistan
-
48 hrs/wk standard
Max 56 hrs/wk
Overtime : 2x pay
Factories Act 1934 sets standard at 48 hours/week (9 hrs/day). Maximum 56 hours including overtime. Overtime paid at double the ordinary rate. Shops and Establishments ordinances vary by province.
- 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 Pakistan earns 96174% less per hour in USD terms than one in Mexico.
See this comparison from Mexico's perspective: Mexico vs Pakistan
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Pakistan or Mexico?
In Pakistan, the minimum wage is ₨160/hr ($0.57 USD). In Mexico, it is MX$9,583.52/mo ($553.10 USD). Mexico has the higher rate by 96174% 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 Pakistan may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much less does the average worker earn in Pakistan compared to Mexico?
The average gross salary in Pakistan is ₨39,042/mo ($140.19 USD), compared to MX$16,500/mo ($952.27 USD) in Mexico. In USD terms, workers in Pakistan earn approximately 579% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Pakistan and Mexico is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Mexico earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Pakistan.
How do work hours compare between Pakistan and Mexico?
Both Pakistan and Mexico mandate a similar standard work week of 48 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 Pakistan and Mexico?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Mexico has the higher GDP per capita at $26,185, which is 4.2x that of Pakistan at $6,252. From Pakistan's perspective, this means goods and services are priced at a lower 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.