Key Facts: Suriname vs Bosnia and Herzegovina Wages
- Suriname Minimum Wage
- Sr$2,166/mo ($59.02 USD)
- Bosnia and Herzegovina Minimum Wage
- KM5.75/hr ($3.46 USD)
- Suriname Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Sr$5,500 /mo ($149.86 USD)
- Bosnia and Herzegovina Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- KM1,870 /mo ($1,126.51 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Labour, Technological Development and Environment — Suriname / ILO (2026-02-25), Agency for Statistics of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BHAS) (2026-02-25)
Suriname
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Suriname is roughly 17 times higher than in Bosnia and Herzegovina in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a upper-middle-income and a upper-middle-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $150/mo in Suriname versus $1,127/mo in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a 7.5:1 ratio. Suriname has the tighter labor market, with unemployment at 7.8% compared to 11.0%.
Suriname has lower GDP per capita ($21,801 vs $25,043). Suriname's unemployment rate is 7.8% compared to Bosnia and Herzegovina's 11.0%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Suriname | Bosnia and Herzegovina |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | KM5.75 $3.46 |
| Minimum wage /mo | Sr$2,166 $59.02 | KM1,000 $602.41 |
| Minimum wage /yr | Sr$25,992 $708.23 | KM12,000 $7,228.92 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | Sr$5,500 /mo $149.86 | KM1,870 /mo $1,126.51 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | Sr$4,700 /mo $128.07 | KM1,314 /mo $791.57 |
| Median individual income /yr | Sr$28,000 /yr $762.94 | KM10,800 /yr $6,506.02 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Suriname is higher.
Work Week
- 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.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.3x pay
Standard workweek is 40 hours (8 hrs/day). Overtime limited to 8 hours per week in FBiH and 4 hours per day in RS. Overtime premium at least 30%. Night work premium at least 30%. Weekend work premium at least 20%. Holiday work premium at least 50%.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Suriname would see a 1604% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings.
See this comparison from Bosnia and Herzegovina's perspective: Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Suriname
Compare Suriname with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Suriname or Bosnia and Herzegovina?
In Suriname, the minimum wage is Sr$2,166/mo ($59.02 USD). In Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is KM5.75/hr ($3.46 USD). Suriname has the higher rate by 1604% 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 Bosnia and Herzegovina may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much less does the average worker earn in Suriname compared to Bosnia and Herzegovina?
The average gross salary in Suriname is Sr$5,500/mo ($149.86 USD), compared to KM1,870/mo ($1,126.51 USD) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In USD terms, workers in Suriname earn approximately 652% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Suriname and Bosnia and Herzegovina is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Bosnia and Herzegovina earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Suriname.
How do work hours compare between Suriname and Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Both Suriname and Bosnia and Herzegovina mandate a similar standard work week of 40 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 Suriname and Bosnia and Herzegovina?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Bosnia and Herzegovina has the higher GDP per capita at $25,043, which is 1.1x that of Suriname at $21,801. From Suriname'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.