Key Facts: Pakistan vs Suriname Wages
- Pakistan Minimum Wage
- ₨160/hr ($0.57 USD)
- Suriname Minimum Wage
- Sr$2,166/mo ($59.02 USD)
- Pakistan Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- ₨39,042 /mo ($140.19 USD)
- Suriname Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Sr$5,500 /mo ($149.86 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), Ministry of Labour, Technological Development and Environment — Suriname / ILO (2026-02-25)
Pakistan
Suriname
Updated 2026-05-04
The minimum wage in Pakistan is roughly 103 times lower than in Suriname in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a lower-middle-income and a upper-middle-income economy. Average salaries are lower in Pakistan at $140/mo compared to $150/mo in Suriname. GDP per capita (PPP) in Suriname is 3.5x that of Pakistan, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Pakistan has lower GDP per capita ($6,252 vs $21,801). Pakistan's unemployment rate is 5.4% compared to Suriname's 7.8%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Pakistan | Suriname |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | ₨160 $0.57 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | ₨37,000 $132.85 | Sr$2,166 $59.02 |
| Minimum wage /yr | ₨444,000 $1,594.25 | Sr$25,992 $708.23 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | ₨39,042 /mo $140.19 | Sr$5,500 /mo $149.86 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | ₨35,138 /mo $126.17 | Sr$4,700 /mo $128.07 |
| Median individual income /yr | ₨403,200 /yr $1,447.76 | Sr$28,000 /yr $762.94 |
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.
- 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 Pakistan earns 10173% less per hour in USD terms than one in Suriname. Standard work weeks differ: Pakistan mandates 48 hours while Suriname mandates 40 hours. A minimum wage worker's weekly earnings in Pakistan are $28 vs $2,361 in Suriname.
See this comparison from Suriname's perspective: Suriname vs Pakistan
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Pakistan or Suriname?
In Pakistan, the minimum wage is ₨160/hr ($0.57 USD). In Suriname, it is Sr$2,166/mo ($59.02 USD). Suriname has the higher rate by 10173% 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 Suriname?
The average gross salary in Pakistan is ₨39,042/mo ($140.19 USD), compared to Sr$5,500/mo ($149.86 USD) in Suriname. In USD terms, workers in Pakistan earn approximately 7% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Pakistan and Suriname is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Suriname 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 Suriname?
Pakistan has a longer standard work week at 48 hours, compared to 40 hours in Suriname. Workers in Pakistan work 48 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in Suriname 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 Suriname?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Suriname has the higher GDP per capita at $21,801, which is 3.5x 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.