Key Facts: Pakistan vs Sierra Leone Wages
- Pakistan Minimum Wage
- ₨160/hr ($0.57 USD)
- Sierra Leone Minimum Wage
- Le600/mo ($25.97 USD)
- Pakistan Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- ₨39,042 /mo ($140.19 USD)
- Sierra Leone Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Le2,500 /mo ($108.23 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), 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)
Pakistan
Sierra Leone
Updated 2026-05-04
The minimum wage in Pakistan is roughly 45 times lower than in Sierra Leone in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a lower-middle-income and a low-income economy. Average salaries are higher in Pakistan at $140/mo compared to $108/mo in Sierra Leone. GDP per capita (PPP) in Pakistan is 1.8x that of Sierra Leone, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Pakistan has higher GDP per capita ($6,252 vs $3,522). Pakistan's unemployment rate is 5.4% compared to Sierra Leone's 3.1%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Pakistan | Sierra Leone |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | ₨160 $0.57 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | ₨37,000 $132.85 | Le600 $25.97 |
| Minimum wage /yr | ₨444,000 $1,594.25 | — |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | ₨39,042 /mo $140.19 | Le2,500 /mo $108.23 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | ₨35,138 /mo $126.17 | N/A/mo |
| Median individual income /yr | ₨403,200 /yr $1,447.76 | Le4,200 /yr $181.82 |
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.
- 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 Pakistan earns 4421% less per hour in USD terms than one in Sierra Leone. Standard work weeks differ: Pakistan mandates 48 hours while Sierra Leone mandates 40 hours. A minimum wage worker's weekly earnings in Pakistan are $28 vs $1,039 in Sierra Leone.
See this comparison from Sierra Leone's perspective: Sierra Leone vs Pakistan
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Pakistan or Sierra Leone?
In Pakistan, the minimum wage is ₨160/hr ($0.57 USD). In Sierra Leone, it is Le600/mo ($25.97 USD). Sierra Leone has the higher rate by 4421% 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 more does the average worker earn in Pakistan compared to Sierra Leone?
The average gross salary in Pakistan is ₨39,042/mo ($140.19 USD), compared to Le2,500/mo ($108.23 USD) in Sierra Leone. In USD terms, workers in Pakistan earn approximately 30% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Pakistan and Sierra Leone is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Pakistan earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Sierra Leone.
How do work hours compare between Pakistan and Sierra Leone?
Pakistan has a longer standard work week at 48 hours, compared to 40 hours in Sierra Leone. Workers in Pakistan work 48 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in Sierra Leone 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 Pakistan and Sierra Leone?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Pakistan has the higher GDP per capita at $6,252, which is 1.8x that of Sierra Leone at $3,522. From Pakistan'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.