Minimum wage rates by country
These figures compare the main national minimum wage rates for full-time work, converted to a rough monthly US-dollar figure for readability. Rates and exchange rates move often, so always confirm the current amount with an official source.
| Country | Approx. monthly USD | Local rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $1,260 | $7.25 per hour (federal) | Federal floor since 2009; states set higher rates |
| United Kingdom | $2,500 | £11.44 per hour (NLW, 21+) | National Living Wage, updated each April |
| Germany | $2,400 | €12.82 per hour | Statutory minimum, raised periodically |
| France | $2,250 | €11.88 per hour (SMIC) | SMIC revised regularly by the government |
| Japan | $1,250 | ¥1,055 per hour (national avg.) | Set per prefecture; Tokyo pays the most |
| South Korea | $1,500 | ₩10,030 per hour | One national rate, applied from January |
| China | $300–$400 | Provincial monthly floors ≈ ¥2,000–¥2,700 | No single national minimum wage |
| India | $120–$250 | State daily rates ≈ ₹350–₹550 | No national minimum; varies widely by state |
| Brazil | $300 | R$1,518 per month (national) | Adjusted every year in May |
| Mexico | $420 | MXN 279 per day (general zone) | Higher rates on the northern border |
| Australia | $2,750 | A$24.10 per hour | National minimum wage, adjusted 1 July |
| Canada | $1,900–$2,200 | C$15.00–C$17.75 per hour | Set by province or territory; varies |
Notes
- Monthly USD figures are indicative: they assume full-time work (around 40 hours a week) and mid-2025 exchange rates, then round.
- Rates change often — verify the current amount with the official source, such as the national government or labour authority.
- Many countries exempt some groups (youth, trainees, small employers) or pay more in big cities, so actual take-home pay can differ.
Frequently asked questions
- Which country has the highest minimum wage?
- Rates change every year, so there is no fixed answer. In practice Australia, Western European countries and Luxembourg usually top the rankings when compared in US dollars at market exchange rates.
- Is the US federal minimum wage the same everywhere?
- No. The federal rate is $7.25 per hour, but states, cities and counties can set a higher minimum, and many already do — from roughly $10 to over $20 per hour in places like California or Washington, DC.
- Do these monthly figures include tips, bonuses or benefits?
- No, they are rough wage-only conversions for a full-time schedule. Some countries allow a lower rate for tipped workers, and social contributions are usually deducted before you receive the money.
- Why do minimum wages differ so much between countries?
- Cost of living, productivity, social security systems and whether the minimum is set nationally or locally all play a role. Some countries have no national minimum at all and negotiate wages by sector or region.