Key Facts: Bahamas vs Central African Republic Wages
- Bahamas Minimum Wage
- B$6.50/hr ($6.50 USD)
- Central African Republic Minimum Wage
- FCFA35,000/mo ($62.84 USD)
- Bahamas Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- B$3,500 /mo ($3,500 USD)
- Central African Republic Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- FCFA75,000 /mo ($134.65 USD)
- Data Sources
- Government of The Bahamas / Ministry of Labour (2026-02-25), ILO ILOSTAT / World Bank / OHADA Labour Code (2026-02-25)
Bahamas
Central African Republic
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in the Bahamas is roughly 10 times lower than in the Central African Republic in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a high-income and a low-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $3,500/mo in the Bahamas versus $135/mo in the Central African Republic, a 26.0:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Bahamas is 32.6x that of Central African Republic, underscoring the structural economic divide.
The Bahamas has higher GDP per capita ($41,198 vs $1,263). The Bahamas' unemployment rate is 9.2% compared to the Central African Republic's 6.3%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Bahamas | Central African Republic |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | B$6.50 $6.50 | — |
| Minimum wage /day | — | FCFA1,400 $2.51 |
| Minimum wage /mo | B$1,126.67 $1,126.67 | FCFA35,000 $62.84 |
| Minimum wage /yr | B$13,520 $13,520 | — |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | B$3,500 /mo $3,500 | FCFA75,000 /mo $134.65 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | B$3,150 /mo $3,150 | N/A/mo |
| Median individual income /yr | B$24,000 /yr $24,000 | N/A/yr |
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.
- Central African Republic
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
The Labour Code sets a standard 40-hour workweek, with maximum 48 hours including overtime. These provisions apply to formal employment only, which represents a small fraction of total employment. Enforcement capacity is severely constrained by institutional fragility.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in the Bahamas earns 867% less per hour in USD terms than one in the Central African Republic.
See this comparison from Central African Republic's perspective: Central African Republic vs Bahamas
Compare Bahamas with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Bahamas or Central African Republic?
In the Bahamas, the minimum wage is B$6.50/hr ($6.50 USD). In the Central African Republic, it is FCFA35,000/mo ($62.84 USD). Central African Republic has the higher rate by 867% 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 Central African Republic?
The average gross salary in the Bahamas is B$3,500/mo ($3,500 USD), compared to FCFA75,000/mo ($134.65 USD) in the Central African Republic. In USD terms, workers in the Bahamas earn approximately 2499% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Bahamas and Central African Republic 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 the Central African Republic.
How do work hours compare between Bahamas and Central African Republic?
Both Bahamas and Central African Republic 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 Central African Republic?
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 32.6x that of Central African Republic at $1,263. 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.