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Key Facts: Bahamas vs Norway Wages

Bahamas Minimum Wage
B$6.50/hr ($6.50 USD)
Norway Minimum Wage
No statutory minimum wage
Bahamas Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
B$3,500 /mo ($3,500 USD)
Norway Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
kr55,150 /mo ($5,953.34 USD)
Data Sources
Government of The Bahamas / Ministry of Labour (2026-02-25), Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority (Arbeidstilsynet) (2026-05-28)

Bahamas flag Bahamas Norway flag Norway

Updated 2026-05-28

Bahamas flag Bahamas

Minimum Wage

B$6.50 /hr

$6.50 USD

Avg. Gross Salary

B$3,500 /mo

Norway flag Norway

No statutory minimum wage

Avg. Gross Salary

kr55,150 /mo

Avg. salary: -41% Bahamas vs Norway

Unlike Norway, which has no statutory minimum wage, the Bahamas mandates a wage floor of $7/hr. Average salaries are lower in the Bahamas at $3,500/mo compared to $5,953/mo in Norway. GDP per capita (PPP) in Norway is 2.5x that of Bahamas, underscoring the structural economic divide.

The Bahamas has lower GDP per capita ($41,198 vs $102,038). The Bahamas' unemployment rate is 9.2% compared to Norway's 4.6%.

Detailed Comparison

Detailed wage comparison between Bahamas and Norway
Metric Bahamas Norway
Minimum wage /hr B$6.50 $6.50 None
Minimum wage /mo B$1,126.67 $1,126.67 None
Minimum wage /yr B$13,520 $13,520 None
Avg. gross salary /mo B$3,500 /mo $3,500 kr55,150 /mo $5,953.34
Avg. net salary /mo B$3,150 /mo $3,150 kr38,600 /mo $4,166.80
Median individual income /yr B$24,000 /yr $24,000 kr570,000 /yr $61,530.49

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.

Norway

37.5 hrs/wk standard

Max 40 hrs/wk

Overtime : 1.4x pay

The Working Environment Act sets a maximum of 40 hours/week, but most collective agreements specify 37.5 hours. Overtime premium minimum 40% by law. Maximum overtime: 10 hrs/week, 25 hrs over 4 consecutive weeks, 200 hrs/year. Night and Sunday work requires additional premiums by agreement.

What This Means for Workers

Standard work weeks differ: the Bahamas mandates 40 hours while Norway mandates 37.5 hours.

See this comparison from Norway's perspective: Norway vs Bahamas

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the minimum wage higher in Bahamas or Norway?

In the Bahamas, the minimum wage is B$6.50/hr ($6.50 USD). In Norway, it is no statutory minimum wage.

How much less does the average worker earn in Bahamas compared to Norway?

The average gross salary in the Bahamas is B$3,500/mo ($3,500 USD), compared to kr55,150/mo ($5,953.34 USD) in Norway. In USD terms, workers in the Bahamas earn approximately 70% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Bahamas and Norway is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Norway earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in the Bahamas.

How do work hours compare between Bahamas and Norway?

Bahamas has a longer standard work week at 40 hours, compared to 37.5 hours in Norway. Workers in the Bahamas work 40 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in Norway working fewer hours may have comparable or better effective hourly earnings depending on the wage levels of each country. Total annual compensation depends on both the wage rate and the number of hours required.

What is the cost of living difference between Bahamas and Norway?

While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Norway has the higher GDP per capita at $102,038, which is 2.5x that of Bahamas at $41,198. From the Bahamas' perspective, this means goods and services are priced at a lower 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.