Whilst many will not be surprised to hear that Luxembourg's employees receive high average wages, it is however of note that most recent data from the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) has shown that the Grand Duchy's average pay packet of US$61,511 has placed it in the top spot globally.
Small though it is in geographical size, Luxembourg nevertheless surpassed the US whose average wage stood at US$57,139 in 2014, the most recent data year. Switzerland was not far behind, claiming third place with US$57,082. In terms of EU Member States, Ireland was found to be just behind Luxembourg with US$53,286, and just ahead of the Netherlands which held an average wage of US$51,003.
Luxembourg's high average wage could be attributed to its high hourly minimum wage, which a 2013 OECD study found to be US$10.8, placing it once again at the top of the tables. France was close on its heels at US$10.7, followed by Australia at US$10.5.
The figures for 2014 show continued increase for the country's average wage, which stood at US$58,330 in 2012 and US$60,214 in 2013.
Graphic by OECD
