Key Facts: Venezuela vs Suriname Wages
- Venezuela Minimum Wage
- Bs.D0.68/hr ($0.02 USD)
- Suriname Minimum Wage
- Sr$2,166/mo ($59.02 USD)
- Venezuela Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Bs.D500 /mo ($13.70 USD)
- Suriname Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Sr$5,500 /mo ($149.86 USD)
- Data Sources
- 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), Ministry of Labour, Technological Development and Environment — Suriname / ILO (2026-02-25)
Venezuela
Suriname
Updated 2026-05-04
The minimum wage in Venezuela is roughly 3168 times lower than in Suriname in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a upper-middle-income and a upper-middle-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $14/mo in Venezuela versus $150/mo in Suriname, a 10.9:1 ratio. Venezuela has the tighter labor market, with unemployment at 5.3% compared to 7.8%.
Venezuela's unemployment rate is 5.3% compared to Suriname's 7.8%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Venezuela | Suriname |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | Bs.D0.68 $0.02 | — |
| Minimum wage /day | Bs.D5.42 $0.15 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | Bs.D130 $3.56 | Sr$2,166 $59.02 |
| Minimum wage /yr | — | Sr$25,992 $708.23 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | Bs.D500 /mo $13.70 | Sr$5,500 /mo $149.86 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | N/A/mo | Sr$4,700 /mo $128.07 |
| Median individual income /yr | N/A/yr | Sr$28,000 /yr $762.94 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Venezuela is higher.
Work Week
- 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.
- 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 Venezuela earns 316694% less per hour in USD terms than one in Suriname.
See this comparison from Suriname's perspective: Suriname vs Venezuela
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Venezuela or Suriname?
In Venezuela, the minimum wage is Bs.D0.68/hr ($0.02 USD). In Suriname, it is Sr$2,166/mo ($59.02 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 less does the average worker earn in Venezuela compared to Suriname?
The average gross salary in Venezuela is Bs.D500/mo ($13.70 USD), compared to Sr$5,500/mo ($149.86 USD) in Suriname. In USD terms, workers in Venezuela earn approximately 994% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Venezuela and Suriname 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 Venezuela and Suriname?
Both Venezuela and Suriname 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.