Minimum Wage Around the World (2026 Guide)
Minimum wage varies enormously by country and even by state or province within a country. Here's a 2026 snapshot of what workers can expect in major economies, useful for comparing salary offers, planning relocation, or setting freelance rates.
United States
Federal minimum wage stays at $7.25 / hour, unchanged since 2009. Most states pay more: Washington D.C. tops the list at $17.50, Washington State $16.66, California $16.50 (with $20/hr for fast-food workers), and New York City $16.50. About 20 states still follow the federal $7.25 floor.
United Kingdom
The UK National Living Wage for workers aged 21+ is £12.21 / hour in 2026. Lower bands apply to ages 18 to 20 (£10.00) and apprentices (£7.55). London employers often pay above the voluntary "London Living Wage" benchmark of around £13.85.
Canada
Canada has no national minimum wage; each province sets its own. Typical 2026 rates: Ontario CAD $17.20, British Columbia CAD $17.40, Alberta CAD $15.00, and Quebec CAD $15.75. Yukon leads federally regulated workers at CAD $17.59.
Australia
Australia has one of the highest minimum wages in the world: AUD $24.10 / hour, equivalent to roughly AUD $915 per 38-hour week. Casual workers receive an additional 25% loading on top.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE has no statutory national minimum wage for the private sector. Salaries are negotiated per contract. Typical entry-level office roles pay AED 3,000 to 8,000 / month, while skilled professionals and engineers earn AED 15,000 to 35,000+ per month, often tax-free.
Pakistan
The federal minimum wage in Pakistan for 2026 is PKR 37,000 / month for unskilled workers. Provinces such as Punjab and Sindh have similar floors. Skilled IT and corporate roles in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad typically pay PKR 80,000 to 300,000+ per month.
How to Use This Calculator
Pick your rate type (hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, or annual), choose your currency, and enter the amount. Adjust hours per day, days per week, and weeks per year to match your real schedule. The calculator instantly converts between all timeframes so you can compare jobs, set freelance pricing, or plan a budget anywhere in the world.