Daily Earnings in Somalia: Highly Variable, Mostly Informal

There’s no single “daily wage” in Somalia. The economy is over 80% informal—most people earn through:

• Pastoralism & farming: $1–$5/day equivalent (seasonal, in-kind)
• Petty trade: Market vendors, kiosk owners: $3–$15/day
• Skilled labor/trades: $10–$30/day (electricians, mechanics, masons)
• Remittances: ~$2B/year from diaspora—lifeline for many households
• NGO/Govt jobs: $15–$50/day (rare, competitive)

Urban vs. rural, region, clan networks, and security drastically affect income. Data is scarce—no reliable labor surveys exist. Most Somalis survive on diversified, precarious livelihoods.