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Key Facts: Bahamas vs Sweden Wages

Bahamas Minimum Wage
B$6.50/hr ($6.50 USD)
Sweden Minimum Wage
No statutory minimum wage
Bahamas Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
B$3,500 /mo ($3,500 USD)
Sweden Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
kr40,000 /mo ($4,317.74 USD)
Data Sources
Government of The Bahamas / Ministry of Labour (2026-02-25), Medlingsinstitutet (Swedish National Mediation Office) (2026-02-24)

Bahamas flag Bahamas Sweden flag Sweden

Updated 2026-02-25

Bahamas flag Bahamas

Minimum Wage

B$6.50 /hr

$6.50 USD

Avg. Gross Salary

B$3,500 /mo

Sweden flag Sweden

No statutory minimum wage

Avg. Gross Salary

kr40,000 /mo

Avg. salary: -19% Bahamas vs Sweden

Unlike Sweden, 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 $4,318/mo in Sweden. GDP per capita (PPP) in Sweden is 1.7x that of Bahamas, underscoring the structural economic divide.

The Bahamas has lower GDP per capita ($41,198 vs $71,845). The Bahamas' unemployment rate is 9.2% compared to Sweden's 8.7%.

Detailed Comparison

Detailed wage comparison between Bahamas and Sweden
Metric Bahamas Sweden
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 kr40,000 /mo $4,317.74
Avg. net salary /mo B$3,150 /mo $3,150 kr30,000 /mo $3,238.31
Median individual income /yr B$24,000 /yr $24,000 kr367,000 /yr $39,615.29

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.

Sweden

40 hrs/wk standard

Max 48 hrs/wk

Standard workweek is 40 hours (Working Hours Act / Arbetstidslagen). Maximum overtime is 48 hours over 4 weeks or 200 hours per calendar year. Overtime compensation is determined by collective agreements, not statute. Many agreements provide overtime at 150-200% of normal pay. EU Working Time Directive limits average to 48 hrs/week.

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the minimum wage higher in Bahamas or Sweden?

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

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

The average gross salary in the Bahamas is B$3,500/mo ($3,500 USD), compared to kr40,000/mo ($4,317.74 USD) in Sweden. In USD terms, workers in the Bahamas earn approximately 23% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Bahamas and Sweden is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Sweden 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 Sweden?

Both Bahamas and Sweden 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 Sweden?

While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Sweden has the higher GDP per capita at $71,845, which is 1.7x 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.