Key Facts: Tunisia vs Suriname Wages
- Tunisia Minimum Wage
- TND2.31/hr ($0.74 USD)
- Suriname Minimum Wage
- Sr$2,166/mo ($59.02 USD)
- Tunisia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- TND1,200 /mo ($383.39 USD)
- Suriname Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Sr$5,500 /mo ($149.86 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministère des Affaires Sociales / SMIG/SMAG decrees (2026-02-24), Ministry of Labour, Technological Development and Environment — Suriname / ILO (2026-02-25)
Tunisia
Suriname
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Tunisia is roughly 80 times lower than in Suriname in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a lower-middle-income and a upper-middle-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $383/mo in Tunisia versus $150/mo in Suriname, a 2.6:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Suriname is 1.5x that of Tunisia, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Tunisia has lower GDP per capita ($14,521 vs $21,801). Tunisia's unemployment rate is 15.1% compared to Suriname's 7.8%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Tunisia | Suriname |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | TND2.31 $0.74 | — |
| Minimum wage /day | TND16 $5.11 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | TND480 $153.35 | Sr$2,166 $59.02 |
| Minimum wage /yr | TND5,760 $1,840.26 | Sr$25,992 $708.23 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | TND1,200 /mo $383.39 | Sr$5,500 /mo $149.86 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | TND1,020 /mo $325.88 | Sr$4,700 /mo $128.07 |
| Median individual income /yr | TND7,200 /yr $2,300.32 | Sr$28,000 /yr $762.94 |
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.
- 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.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Tunisia earns 7900% less per hour in USD terms than one in Suriname. Standard work weeks differ: Tunisia mandates 48 hours while Suriname mandates 40 hours. A minimum wage worker's weekly earnings in Tunisia are $35 vs $2,361 in Suriname.
See this comparison from Suriname's perspective: Suriname vs Tunisia
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Tunisia or Suriname?
In Tunisia, the minimum wage is TND2.31/hr ($0.74 USD). In Suriname, it is Sr$2,166/mo ($59.02 USD). Suriname has the higher rate by 7900% 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 Suriname?
The average gross salary in Tunisia is TND1,200/mo ($383.39 USD), compared to Sr$5,500/mo ($149.86 USD) in Suriname. In USD terms, workers in Tunisia earn approximately 156% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Tunisia and Suriname 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 Suriname.
How do work hours compare between Tunisia and Suriname?
Tunisia has a longer standard work week at 48 hours, compared to 40 hours in Suriname. Workers in Tunisia work 48 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in Suriname working fewer hours may have comparable or better effective hourly earnings depending on the wage levels of each country. Total annual compensation depends on both the wage rate and the number of hours required.
What is the cost of living difference between Tunisia and Suriname?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Suriname has the higher GDP per capita at $21,801, which is 1.5x that of Tunisia at $14,521. From Tunisia'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.