Key Facts: Bahamas vs Bhutan Wages
- Bahamas Minimum Wage
- B$6.50/hr ($6.50 USD)
- Bhutan Minimum Wage
- Nu3,250/mo ($35.75 USD)
- Bahamas Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- B$3,500 /mo ($3,500 USD)
- Bhutan Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Nu18,000 /mo ($198.02 USD)
- Data Sources
- Government of The Bahamas / Ministry of Labour (2026-02-25), Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment — Royal Government of Bhutan / ILO (2026-02-25)
Bahamas
Bhutan
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in the Bahamas is roughly 6 times lower than in Bhutan in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a high-income and a lower-middle-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $3,500/mo in the Bahamas versus $198/mo in Bhutan, a 17.7:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Bahamas is 2.5x that of Bhutan, underscoring the structural economic divide.
The Bahamas has higher GDP per capita ($41,198 vs $16,215). The Bahamas' unemployment rate is 9.2% compared to Bhutan's 3.2%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Bahamas | Bhutan |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | B$6.50 $6.50 | — |
| Minimum wage /day | — | Nu125 $1.38 |
| Minimum wage /mo | B$1,126.67 $1,126.67 | Nu3,250 $35.75 |
| Minimum wage /yr | B$13,520 $13,520 | Nu39,000 $429.04 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | B$3,500 /mo $3,500 | Nu18,000 /mo $198.02 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | B$3,150 /mo $3,150 | Nu16,000 /mo $176.02 |
| Median individual income /yr | B$24,000 /yr $24,000 | Nu72,000 /yr $792.08 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Bahamas is higher.
Work Week
- Bahamas
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 40 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Standard workweek is 40 hours (8 hours/day). Overtime is paid at 1.5x the regular rate for hours beyond 40 per week or 8 per day. Work on public holidays or rest days is paid at 2x the regular rate. Governed by the Employment Act, 2001.
- Bhutan
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Bhutan Labour and Employment Act 2007 sets a 40-hour standard workweek (8 hours/day, 5 days). Maximum including overtime is 48 hours. Overtime is paid at 1.5x the regular rate. The public sector follows a 5-day, 8-hour schedule.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in the Bahamas earns 450% less per hour in USD terms than one in Bhutan.
See this comparison from Bhutan's perspective: Bhutan vs Bahamas
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Bahamas or Bhutan?
In the Bahamas, the minimum wage is B$6.50/hr ($6.50 USD). In Bhutan, it is Nu3,250/mo ($35.75 USD). Bhutan has the higher rate by 450% in USD terms. That nominal gap does not account for local prices; see the purchasing power comparison below for a cost-of-living-adjusted view. Workers in the Bahamas may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much more does the average worker earn in Bahamas compared to Bhutan?
The average gross salary in the Bahamas is B$3,500/mo ($3,500 USD), compared to Nu18,000/mo ($198.02 USD) in Bhutan. In USD terms, workers in the Bahamas earn approximately 1668% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Bahamas and Bhutan is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in the Bahamas earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Bhutan.
How do work hours compare between Bahamas and Bhutan?
Both Bahamas and Bhutan mandate a similar standard work week of 40 hours. When work hours are equal, the country with the higher minimum wage delivers proportionally higher weekly earnings. Standard work week rules set the baseline; actual hours worked often differ based on industry norms and individual employment contracts.
What is the cost of living difference between Bahamas and Bhutan?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Bahamas has the higher GDP per capita at $41,198, which is 2.5x that of Bhutan at $16,215. From the Bahamas' perspective, this means goods and services are priced at a higher economic level. A higher GDP per capita generally correlates with higher wages, higher consumer prices, and greater availability of goods and services. Workers moving between these two countries should expect significant differences in rent, food, and transportation costs.