10 Best Countries for Highest Minimum Wage

The issue of minimum wage is something that is very important to us as a Canadian call centre especially with a scheduled minimum wage increase approaching here in Ontario. We were curious to see how Canada compared to other countries when it came to minimum wage. We have explored how Canada rates in comparison to other countries in posts like best country to live, smartest countries, the happiest countries, the  most peaceful countries, the friendliest countries, the most charitable countries, the best countries for quality of life, the best countries for business, the top countries for life expectancy, the best countries for working women, the best country for child well-being, the best countries from social progress, the best countries for higher education, the most popular countries, the least corrupt countries, the countries with the best reputation, the best countries for ease of doing business, the best countries for starting a business, the best country for business, the best country for customer satisfaction, the most gay positive country, the best countries with the most competitive economies, the best countries for entrepreneurship, the most sustainable countries, the best countries to grow old, the best country brand, the most youthful cities, the best cities to live for opportunity, the best countries for business, the most sustainable countries, the most charitable countries and the most prosperous countries. Today we’re adding the 10 best countries for the highest minimum wage according to a ranking published by the website TheRichest.

TheRichest based this ranking on average annual income but comparing the minimum wage of various countries is very difficult, as countries have “different laws and enforcement mechanisms, with some setting minimum wages by region, while others do it by industry.” Keep in mind that “These are gross numbers, meaning mandatory deductions are not included. For purpose of easy analysis, only countries that have a tight range of minimum wages across the nation are included. Numbers have also been converted to dollar figures and reflect purchasing power so that they may be compared with each other properly and correctly.” Based on that methodology, the 10 best countries for highest minimum wage are:

1. Netherlands – Minimum wage: There are different wages depending on a person’s age and skill set. Workers over 23 years old generally make a minimum of €66.77 per day. Salary: $23,029 per year.
2. Luxembourg – Minimum wage: Workers over 18 have a minimum wage of €1,801.49- €2,161.79 depending on their skill level. There is another set of minimum wages for those under 18. Salary: $19,426 per year.
3. Ireland – Minimum wage: €8.65 per hour. Salary: $18,965 per year
4. Belgium – Minimum wage: Though Belgium has three sets of minimum wages those over 22 make a minimum of €1,559.38 per month. Salary: $18,813 per year
5. United Kingdom – Minimum wage: There are three minimum wages in the UK; however, the one for those over 21 is £6.19 per hour. Salary: $18,428.24 per year.
6. France – Minimum wage: €9.40 per hour; Salary: $17,108 per year
7. Canada – Minimum wage: It ranges from C$9.50 to C$11 per hour as it varies per province and territory. Salary: $16,710 per year
8. New Zealand – Minimum wage: There are two minimum wages in New Zealand the one for those over 18 is NZ$13.50 per hour. Salary: $16,462 per year
9. San Marino – Minimum wage: €7.04 per hour; Salary: $15,707 per year
10. Switzerland – Minimum wage: There is no minimum wage; however most workers are covered under a collective bargaining agreement. Salary: $15,457 per year

According to The Richest, Canada “has a highly-globalized, mixed economy that is significantly integrated to the United States. It has one of the lowest level of income disparity in the world.” Having a high minimum annual income is reflective of the strength of the country’s economy and it’s good to see that Canada is thriving. Our thanks to TheRichest for this comprehensive list.

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Miratel Solutions is a Toronto call centre, eBusiness, and letter shop mail house specializing in professional fundraising services including inbound telephone fundraising, outbound telephone fundraising, online fundraising, lottery fundraising services, donation processing and receipting and direct mail fundraising services. We are committed to our CSR business values in all our business decisions  and advancing the missions of the nonprofits we proudly serve.