Key Facts: Tunisia vs Libya Wages
- Tunisia Minimum Wage
- TND2.31/hr ($0.74 USD)
- Libya Minimum Wage
- LD450/mo ($92.59 USD)
- Tunisia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- TND1,200 /mo ($383.39 USD)
- Libya Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- LD1,800 /mo ($370.37 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministère des Affaires Sociales / SMIG/SMAG decrees (2026-02-24), ILO / Ministry of Labour and Rehabilitation (Libya) (2026-02-25)
Tunisia
Libya
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Tunisia is roughly 126 times lower than in Libya in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a lower-middle-income and a upper-middle-income economy. Average salaries are higher in Tunisia at $383/mo compared to $370/mo in Libya. Tunisia has the tighter labor market, with unemployment at 15.1% compared to 18.8%.
Tunisia has higher GDP per capita ($14,521 vs $14,304). Tunisia's unemployment rate is 15.1% compared to Libya's 18.8%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Tunisia | Libya |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | TND2.31 $0.74 | — |
| Minimum wage /day | TND16 $5.11 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | TND480 $153.35 | LD450 $92.59 |
| Minimum wage /yr | TND5,760 $1,840.26 | — |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | TND1,200 /mo $383.39 | LD1,800 /mo $370.37 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | TND1,020 /mo $325.88 | N/A/mo |
| Median individual income /yr | TND7,200 /yr $2,300.32 | LD7,200 /yr $1,481.48 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Tunisia is higher.
Work Week
- Tunisia
-
48 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.75x pay
Labour Code allows both 48-hour and 40-hour regimes depending on sector and collective agreements. Most industrial/services workers are on 48 hours. Overtime surcharge: 75% for daytime hours beyond standard. Night and holiday overtime receive higher premiums. The 40-hour regime is increasingly common in services and offices.
- Libya
-
48 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Law No. 12 (2010) sets standard at 48 hours/week (8 hrs/day, 6 days). Friday is the statutory rest day. During Ramadan, hours are reduced. Overtime paid at 1.5x. These regulations are inconsistently enforced given the political situation.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Tunisia earns 12452% less per hour in USD terms than one in Libya.
See this comparison from Libya's perspective: Libya vs Tunisia
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Tunisia or Libya?
In Tunisia, the minimum wage is TND2.31/hr ($0.74 USD). In Libya, it is LD450/mo ($92.59 USD). Libya has the higher rate by 12452% 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 Tunisia may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much more does the average worker earn in Tunisia compared to Libya?
The average gross salary in Tunisia is TND1,200/mo ($383.39 USD), compared to LD1,800/mo ($370.37 USD) in Libya. In USD terms, workers in Tunisia earn approximately 4% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Tunisia and Libya is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Tunisia earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Libya.
How do work hours compare between Tunisia and Libya?
Both Tunisia and Libya 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 Tunisia and Libya?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Tunisia has the higher GDP per capita at $14,521, which is 1.0x that of Libya at $14,304. From Tunisia'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.