According to the Department of Statistics and Economic Social Studies which examined 628 salaries in 2008,  the majority of people earned up to two minimum salaries. The survey took into account professionals in industry, commerce, services and rural occupations.

• 56% earned less than 1.25 minimum salaries
• 77% earned less than 1.5 minimum salaries
• 2% earned just over 2.5 minimum salaries

• 2005:  80.6% earned less than 2 minimum salaries
• 2006:  88.5% earned less than 2 minimum salaries
• 2007:  91.8% earned less than 2 minimum salaries
• 2008:  94.9% earned less than 2 minimum salaries

Average salaries throughout Brazil in Reais:

• Norte 519.89
• Nordeste 509.55
• Centro-Oeste 525.08
• Sudeste 582.58
• Sul 527.38