By Yoon Sat - May 06, 2025
Myanmar workers need a minimum daily wage of between 12,000 and 17,000 kyats for an eight-hour workday in order to meet basic living standards, according to a cost-of-living wage survey conducted by the Solidarity Trade Union of Myanmar (STUM).
In the study, most workers surveyed said their expenses for food, healthcare, housing, transportation, communication, and leisure have increased. 58% of workers reported experiencing mental stress due to rising living costs and stagnant wages. The survey also revealed that 57% of respondents believe a daily wage between 12,000 and 17,000 kyats is necessary to cover basic living expenses.
"Honestly, we should be receiving at least that much. I work in home interior decoration, including furniture and chairs, in North Dagon. I earn 15,000 kyats per day, but it’s still not enough. I have to find a side income. How one is supposed to survive if they only make 6,800 or 7,000 kyats a day, —just eat and not die? I wish government officials and employers would try living on 6,800 kyats a day for a month. Maybe then they'd understand," said one worker.
The research found that while 97% of workers earned above the current minimum wage of 4,800 kyats, 88% said their wages were not enough for basic food, clothing, and shelter. About 54% said they constantly struggled with rent, electricity bills, and other household expenses, and 95% said the current minimum wage is inadequate for a decent standard of living.
STUM conducted the survey from April 2024 to 2025 in townships across Yangon Region, including Dagon Seikkan, South Dagon, Shwe Pyi Thar, Hlaing Thar Yar, Mingaladon, and Insein. The survey covered garment workers, construction workers, metal and steel traders, auto workers, plastic industry workers, retail staff, telecom workers, goldsmiths, food industry workers, noodle factory workers, zinc plate workers, car workshop staff, and coffee shop employees. The study assessed income security, workplace conditions, education, health, and current wage levels.
Currently, most workers earn a monthly income of between 200,000 to 300,000 kyats, with the most common daily wage being around 6,800 kyats. Some have already begun calling for the minimum wage to be raised to 13,000 kyats per day.
Myanmar’s current minimum wage of 4,800 kyats for an eight-hour workday was last set in 2018, with a policy to review it every two years. However, no official revision has been made since. The government provided an additional 1,000 kyats in subsidies in October 2023 and again in August 2024, but the base wage remains unchanged.
