Key Facts: Suriname Wages
- Country
- Suriname (SUR)
- Continent
- South America
- Currency
- Surinamese Dollar (SRD)
- Minimum Wage
- Sr$2,166 /mo ($59.02 USD)
- Average Gross Monthly Salary
- Sr$5,500 /month
- Average Gross Annual Salary
- Sr$66,000 /year
- Median Individual Income
- Sr$28,000 /year
- Standard Work Week
- 40 hours
- Data Source
- Ministry of Labour, Technological Development and Environment — Suriname / ILO
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-25
Suriname — Average Salary & Wages
Surinamese Dollar (SRD) Data verified Jan 2026 Sources
The average salary in Suriname is
Sr$66,000 a year
But half of all workers earn less than Sr$28,000 .
The average is lifted by bonuses and high earners. Most workers earn less than that.
The minimum wage in Suriname is Sr$2,166/mo ($59.02 USD) as of 2026. The average gross monthly salary is Sr$5,500 ($149.86 USD). The median monthly income is Sr$2,333.33 ($63.58 USD).
Estimates. Suriname is classified as upper-middle income by the World Bank despite significant income inequality. Resource-dependent economy (oil, gold, bauxite) with a relatively small formal labour market.
Estimated average monthly earnings for the formal sector. The public sector and the oil industry (Staatsolie) are major employers. Mining and petroleum drive GDP but employ relatively few workers directly. Estimates are approximate given limited official statistical releases.
Minimum Wage Trend
Since 2019, the minimum wage has grown +261% in nominal terms.
• PPP ADJUSTED
In Suriname, the minimum wage has the purchasing power of $204.34/mo in the United States, adjusted for local cost of living using the World Bank PPP conversion factor.
In Context
At minimum wage, a full-time worker in Suriname earns Sr$2,166/mo. That is 39% of the average gross salary.
- Monthly (full-time)
- Sr$2,166 at min. wage
- Share of avg. salary
- 39% gross, before tax
- USD equivalent
- $59.02/mo monthly
- Nominal growth
- +261% since 2019
Wage Breakdown
- Monthly
- Sr$2,166
- Annual
- Sr$25,992Based on 12 monthly payments
Suriname's national minimum wage is set by Staatsbesluit (government decree) and periodically updated by the Ministry of Labour. The rate applies across all sectors. The Surinamese dollar (SRD) experienced major depreciation between 2020 and 2022 due to fiscal and monetary crises; real purchasing power has partially recovered following IMF program implementation but remains below 2019 levels.
Work Week
- Standard
- 40 hrs/wk
- Maximum
- 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.
How Suriname Compares
| Metric | Suriname | South America Avg. | South America Highest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. salary (USD equiv.) | $149.86/mo | $656.42/mo | $1,405.33/mo (Trinidad and Tobago) |
• NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES
Compare Suriname
Brazil 
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United Kingdom Popular Comparisons
Brazil Argentina Guyana Paraguay 
Trinidad and Tobago 
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Venezuela United States 
India 
France 
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Netherlands 
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New Zealand More in South America
Bolivia 
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Colombia 
Ecuador Cost of Living
Wages tell half the story. See purchasing power, prices, and quality-of-life context for Suriname on our sister site.
Cost of living in Suriname on costofliving.is →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in Suriname?
The minimum wage in Suriname is Sr$2,166/mo (approximately $59.02 USD), effective since 2023-07-01. Suriname's national minimum wage is set by Staatsbesluit (government decree) and periodically updated by the Ministry of Labour. The rate applies across all sectors. The Surinamese dollar (SRD) experienced major depreciation between 2020 and 2022 due to fiscal and monetary crises; real purchasing power has partially recovered following IMF program implementation but remains below 2019 levels.
What is the average salary in Suriname?
The average gross monthly salary in Suriname is Sr$5,500 (approximately $149.86 USD). Estimated average monthly earnings for the formal sector. The public sector and the oil industry (Staatsolie) are major employers. Mining and petroleum drive GDP but employ relatively few workers directly. Estimates are approximate given limited official statistical releases. Source: Algemeen Bureau voor de Statistiek (ABS) Suriname / World Bank estimates (2023).
How many hours is the standard work week in Suriname?
The standard work week in Suriname is 40 hours, with a legal maximum of 48 hours. Overtime is paid at 1.5x the normal rate. 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.
How has the minimum wage in Suriname changed over time?
The minimum wage in Suriname has changed as follows: Sr$600 in 2019, Sr$750 in 2021, Sr$1,500 in 2022, Sr$2,166 in 2023. This represents 4 recorded adjustments.
What is the minimum wage in Suriname in USD?
The minimum wage in Suriname converts to approximately $59.02/mo in US dollars, based on current exchange rates. Note: this dollar value uses the official reference exchange rate; for this currency, high volatility or parallel/unofficial exchange rates can make the real dollar value differ substantially. Actual purchasing power may differ due to local cost of living.
What is the average salary in Suriname in USD?
The average gross monthly salary in Suriname is approximately $149.86 per month in US dollars, based on current exchange rates. Note: this dollar value uses the official reference exchange rate; for this currency, high volatility or parallel/unofficial exchange rates can make the real dollar value differ substantially. Actual purchasing power may differ due to local cost of living.
From Insights
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