Key Facts: Tunisia vs Somalia Wages
- Tunisia Minimum Wage
- TND2.31/hr ($0.74 USD)
- Somalia Minimum Wage
- No statutory minimum wage
- Tunisia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- TND1,200 /mo ($383.39 USD)
- Somalia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Sh150,000 /mo ($262.70 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministère des Affaires Sociales / SMIG/SMAG decrees (2026-02-24), ILO ILOSTAT / World Bank / UN OCHA Somalia (2026-02-25)
Tunisia
Somalia
Updated 2026-02-25
Unlike Somalia, which has no statutory minimum wage, Tunisia mandates a wage floor of $1/hr. Average salaries are higher in Tunisia at $383/mo compared to $263/mo in Somalia. GDP per capita (PPP) in Tunisia is 9.1x that of Somalia, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Tunisia has higher GDP per capita ($14,521 vs $1,602). Tunisia's unemployment rate is 15.1% compared to Somalia's 18.9%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Tunisia | Somalia |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | TND2.31 $0.74 | None |
| Minimum wage /day | TND16 $5.11 | None |
| Minimum wage /mo | TND480 $153.35 | None |
| Minimum wage /yr | TND5,760 $1,840.26 | None |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | TND1,200 /mo $383.39 | Sh150,000 /mo $262.70 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | TND1,020 /mo $325.88 | Sh140,000 /mo $245.18 |
| Median individual income /yr | TND7,200 /yr $2,300.32 | N/A/yr |
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.
- Somalia
-
48 hrs/wk standard
No reliable standardised workweek provisions are enforced. Friday is the weekly rest day. Labour conditions vary widely between sectors — from formal NGO employment with international standards to highly exploitative informal arrangements. Somaliland and Puntland have some locally administered labour rules.
See this comparison from Somalia's perspective: Somalia vs Tunisia
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Tunisia or Somalia?
In Tunisia, the minimum wage is TND2.31/hr ($0.74 USD). In Somalia, it is no statutory minimum wage.
How much more does the average worker earn in Tunisia compared to Somalia?
The average gross salary in Tunisia is TND1,200/mo ($383.39 USD), compared to Sh150,000/mo ($262.70 USD) in Somalia. In USD terms, workers in Tunisia earn approximately 46% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Tunisia and Somalia 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 Somalia.
How do work hours compare between Tunisia and Somalia?
Both Tunisia and Somalia 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 Somalia?
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 9.1x that of Somalia at $1,602. 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.