Minimum Wage in Georgia - Public Perspective, 2020

Population: Adult population of Georgia living in Tbilisi-administered territories, except areas of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
Sample size: 1,351 completed interviews according to AAPOR standard definitions
Fieldwork dates: April 2nd-April 7th, 2020
Minimum response rate (AAPOR RR1): 32.6%
Interview mode: Interviewer-administered phone survey (CATI)
Interview languages: Georgian, Armenian, Azerbaijani
Survey design: Random-Digit-Dial (RDD) sample
Primary sampling units: individuals
Strata: Capital (Tbilisi), urban, rural settlements
Weights: Results are weighted using the 2014 National Census data for adjusting results based on respondents' gender, age, ethnic identity, education, and residence.
Average theoretical margin of error does not exceed 2.67%
Back checks: Ten percent of all interviews were checked via call-backs.

This study explores public opinion on minimum wage in Georgia, where the legal minimum has remained GEL 20 since 1999. Using a nationally representative phone survey of 1,351 people in April 2020, the research examines attitudes toward introducing and setting a fair minimum wage.

Findings show that about three-quarters of Georgians support a minimum wage, with respondents suggesting an average of GEL 854—far above the subsistence minimum and current legal standard. Men, Tbilisi residents, and ethnic Georgians tend to name higher figures, while women, rural residents, and minorities suggest lower ones. Both employed and unemployed respondents also view a "decent wage" for their occupations as well above current average earnings.

Overall, the study highlights broad public backing for a meaningful minimum wage and strong demand for reform to improve living standards.

The study report can be found in the documentation.