Key Facts: Turkmenistan vs Ukraine Wages
- Turkmenistan Minimum Wage
- T1,160/mo ($331.43 USD)
- Ukraine Minimum Wage
- ₴48/hr ($1.15 USD)
- Turkmenistan Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- T2,500 /mo ($714.29 USD)
- Ukraine Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- ₴20,000 /mo ($478.47 USD)
- Data Sources
- ILO ILOSTAT / World Bank / Turkmenistan government sources (2026-05-04), Ministry of Economy of Ukraine / State Statistics Service (2026-02-24)
Turkmenistan
Ukraine
Updated 2026-05-04
The minimum wage in Turkmenistan is roughly 289 times higher than in Ukraine in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a upper-middle-income and a lower-middle-income economy. Average salaries are higher in Turkmenistan at $714/mo compared to $478/mo in Ukraine. Turkmenistan has the tighter labor market, with unemployment at 4.3% compared to 9.8%.
Turkmenistan has higher GDP per capita ($21,213 vs $18,550). Turkmenistan's unemployment rate is 4.3% compared to Ukraine's 9.8%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Turkmenistan | Ukraine |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | ₴48 $1.15 |
| Minimum wage /day | — | ₴266.67 $6.38 |
| Minimum wage /mo | T1,160 $331.43 | ₴8,000 $191.39 |
| Minimum wage /yr | — | ₴96,000 $2,296.65 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | T2,500 /mo $714.29 | ₴20,000 /mo $478.47 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | N/A/mo | ₴16,400 /mo $392.34 |
| Median individual income /yr | T30,000 /yr $8,571.43 | ₴120,000 /yr $2,870.81 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Turkmenistan is higher.
Work Week
- Turkmenistan
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Code sets 40 hours/week (8 hours/day, 5 days). Saturday and Sunday are rest days. State-sector employees work standard government hours. The gas industry may have different shift arrangements.
- Ukraine
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 40 hrs/wk
Overtime : 2x pay
Labour Code sets standard working time at 40 hours/week. Overtime is compensated at double the normal rate and limited to 4 hours over 2 consecutive days, 120 hours/year. Under martial law (from Feb 2022), employers may increase working hours to 60/week and suspend certain labour protections with government approval.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from Ukraine to Turkmenistan would see a 28762% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings.
See this comparison from Ukraine's perspective: Ukraine vs Turkmenistan
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Turkmenistan or Ukraine?
In Turkmenistan, the minimum wage is T1,160/mo ($331.43 USD). In Ukraine, it is ₴48/hr ($1.15 USD). Turkmenistan has the higher rate by 28762% 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 Ukraine may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much more does the average worker earn in Turkmenistan compared to Ukraine?
The average gross salary in Turkmenistan is T2,500/mo ($714.29 USD), compared to ₴20,000/mo ($478.47 USD) in Ukraine. In USD terms, workers in Turkmenistan earn approximately 49% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Turkmenistan and Ukraine is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Turkmenistan earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Ukraine.
How do work hours compare between Turkmenistan and Ukraine?
Both Turkmenistan and Ukraine 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 Turkmenistan and Ukraine?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Turkmenistan has the higher GDP per capita at $21,213, which is 1.1x that of Ukraine at $18,550. From Turkmenistan'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.