Minimum Wage By Country

Minimum wage policies play a vital role in a nation's economy, potentially lifting millions of low-wage workers out of poverty, improving their standard of living, and contributing to overall economic growth. Across the globe, minimum wage rates vary significantly, shaped by each country's economic situation, labor markets, political ideologies, and cost of living.

Currently, the United States has an hourly federal minimum wage of $7.25, ranking it 12 out of 31 highlighted countries in terms of minimum wage levels. Differences between the countries' minimum wages can be striking, highlighting the diverse economic realities employees experience worldwide.

Key findings from the global minimum wage data include:

• The country with the highest minimum wage globally is Luxembourg, offering its workers $13.78 per hour, almost double that of the United States.
• Australia and France follow closely behind with hourly minimum wages of $12.14 and $11.66, respectively.
• Among the countries evaluated, Mexico has the lowest minimum wage at just $1.05 per hour.
• In terms of North American countries, Canada has a higher minimum wage than the US, offering $9.52 per hour to its workers.
• Even within Europe, there is a significant disparity among countries, with hourly wages ranging from Luxembourg's high of $13.78 to Lithuania's $4.78.

As we evaluate the impact of minimum wage changes on the global scale, it's clear that these policies not only influence the livelihoods of workers but also reflect the economic and labor market conditions within each country. This comparison sheds light on the worldwide economy and adds valuable context to discussions about labor rights, wage equity, and economic growth.

To sort the data in the table, click on the column headers.