Key Facts: Qatar vs Liberia Wages
- Qatar Minimum Wage
- QAR5.21/hr ($1.43 USD)
- Liberia Minimum Wage
- $156/mo
- Qatar Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- QAR11,724 /mo ($3,220.88 USD)
- Liberia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- $350 /mo ($350 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Labour (MOL) — State of Qatar (2026-02-24), ILO / Ministry of Labour (Liberia) (2026-02-25)
Qatar
Liberia
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Qatar is roughly 109 times lower than in Liberia in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a high-income and a low-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $3,221/mo in Qatar versus $350/mo in Liberia, a 9.2:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Qatar is 67.4x that of Liberia, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Qatar has higher GDP per capita ($126,046 vs $1,871). Qatar's unemployment rate is 0.1% compared to Liberia's 2.9%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Qatar | Liberia |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | QAR5.21 $1.43 | — |
| Minimum wage /day | — | $6 |
| Minimum wage /mo | QAR1,000 $274.73 | $156 |
| Minimum wage /yr | QAR12,000 $3,296.70 | — |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | QAR11,724 /mo $3,220.88 | $350 /mo |
| Avg. net salary /mo | QAR11,724 /mo $3,220.88 | N/A/mo |
| Median individual income /yr | N/A/yr | $900 /yr |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Qatar is higher.
Work Week
- Qatar
-
48 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.25x pay
Standard workweek is 48 hours (8 hours/day, 6 days/week) under the Labour Law No. 14 of 2004. During Ramadan, working hours are reduced to 36 hours/week (6 hours/day). Overtime premium: 25% of basic wage. Work between 9pm and 6am attracts a 50% premium. Government sector typically works 35-40 hours/week.
- Liberia
-
48 hrs/wk standard
Max 56 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
The Decent Work Act 2015 sets a standard workweek of 8 hours/day, 6 days/week (48 hours). Maximum 56 hours including overtime. Overtime paid at 1.5x. These rules apply to formal-sector employers.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Qatar earns 10799% less per hour in USD terms than one in Liberia.
See this comparison from Liberia's perspective: Liberia vs Qatar
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Qatar or Liberia?
In Qatar, the minimum wage is QAR5.21/hr ($1.43 USD). In Liberia, it is $156/mo. Liberia has the higher rate by 10799% 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 Qatar may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much more does the average worker earn in Qatar compared to Liberia?
The average gross salary in Qatar is QAR11,724/mo ($3,220.88 USD), compared to $350/mo in Liberia. In USD terms, workers in Qatar earn approximately 820% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Qatar and Liberia is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Qatar earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Liberia.
How do work hours compare between Qatar and Liberia?
Both Qatar and Liberia 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 Qatar and Liberia?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Qatar has the higher GDP per capita at $126,046, which is 67.4x that of Liberia at $1,871. From Qatar'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.