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
Sweden
Updated 2026-02-25
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
| 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.