Key Facts: Suriname vs Venezuela Wages
- Suriname Minimum Wage
- Sr$2,166/mo ($59.02 USD)
- Venezuela Minimum Wage
- Bs.D0.68/hr ($0.02 USD)
- Suriname Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Sr$5,500 /mo ($149.86 USD)
- Venezuela Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Bs.D500 /mo ($13.70 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Labour, Technological Development and Environment — Suriname / ILO (2026-02-25), Venezuelan Ministry of Labour (MINPPTRASS) / Decreto 4.653/2022 / Cendas-FVM. Confirmed: legal salario mínimo has been UNCHANGED at VES 130 since March 2022 (over 4 years frozen amid hyperinflation). Effective real income for workers is dominated by the 'ingreso integral' (bono de guerra económica + CESTATICKET food bonus), increased to USD 240/month effective 1 May 2026. (2026-05-04)
Suriname
Venezuela
Updated 2026-05-04
The minimum wage in Suriname is roughly 3168 times higher than in Venezuela 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 $14/mo in Venezuela, a 10.9:1 ratio. Venezuela has the tighter labor market, with unemployment at 5.3% compared to 7.8%.
Suriname's unemployment rate is 7.8% compared to Venezuela's 5.3%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Suriname | Venezuela |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | Bs.D0.68 $0.02 |
| Minimum wage /day | — | Bs.D5.42 $0.15 |
| Minimum wage /mo | Sr$2,166 $59.02 | Bs.D130 $3.56 |
| Minimum wage /yr | Sr$25,992 $708.23 | — |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | Sr$5,500 /mo $149.86 | Bs.D500 /mo $13.70 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | Sr$4,700 /mo $128.07 | N/A/mo |
| Median individual income /yr | Sr$28,000 /yr $762.94 | N/A/yr |
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.
- Venezuela
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 44 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Organic Labour Law (LOTTT) of 2012 sets the standard workweek at 40 hours (8 hours/day, 5 days). Certain sectors may work up to 44 hours/week. Overtime is limited to 100 hours/year and paid at a premium of at least 50%. Night work (7pm–5am) carries a 30% premium. Workers are entitled to 2 years advance notice before termination — the LOTTT provides extremely strong job security provisions. Saturday is often worked in practice in commerce/industry.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from Venezuela to Suriname would see a 316694% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings.
See this comparison from Venezuela's perspective: Venezuela vs Suriname
Compare Suriname with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Suriname or Venezuela?
In Suriname, the minimum wage is Sr$2,166/mo ($59.02 USD). In Venezuela, it is Bs.D0.68/hr ($0.02 USD). Suriname has the higher rate by 316694% 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 Venezuela may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much more does the average worker earn in Suriname compared to Venezuela?
The average gross salary in Suriname is Sr$5,500/mo ($149.86 USD), compared to Bs.D500/mo ($13.70 USD) in Venezuela. In USD terms, workers in Suriname earn approximately 994% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Suriname and Venezuela 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 Venezuela.
How do work hours compare between Suriname and Venezuela?
Both Suriname and Venezuela 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.