Key Facts: Bahamas vs Timor-Leste Wages
- Bahamas Minimum Wage
- B$6.50/hr ($6.50 USD)
- Timor-Leste Minimum Wage
- $115/mo
- Bahamas Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- B$3,500 /mo ($3,500 USD)
- Timor-Leste Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- $350 /mo ($350 USD)
- Data Sources
- Government of The Bahamas / Ministry of Labour (2026-02-25), Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Environment — Timor-Leste / ILO (2026-02-25)
Bahamas
Timor-Leste
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in the Bahamas is roughly 18 times lower than in Timor-Leste 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 $350/mo in Timor-Leste, a 10.0:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Bahamas is 9.3x that of Timor-Leste, underscoring the structural economic divide.
The Bahamas has higher GDP per capita ($41,198 vs $4,423). The Bahamas' unemployment rate is 9.2% compared to Timor-Leste's 1.6%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Bahamas | Timor-Leste |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | B$6.50 $6.50 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | B$1,126.67 $1,126.67 | $115 |
| Minimum wage /yr | B$13,520 $13,520 | $1,380 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | B$3,500 /mo $3,500 | $350 /mo |
| Avg. net salary /mo | B$3,150 /mo $3,150 | $330 /mo |
| Median individual income /yr | B$24,000 /yr $24,000 | $1,500 /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.
- Timor-Leste
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 52 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Timor-Leste Labour Code sets a standard workweek of 40 hours (8 hours/day, 5 days). Maximum including overtime is 52 hours. Overtime is compensated at 1.5x the normal rate. Work on public holidays and Sundays is at 2x.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in the Bahamas earns 1669% less per hour in USD terms than one in Timor-Leste.
See this comparison from Timor-Leste's perspective: Timor-Leste vs Bahamas
Compare Bahamas with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Bahamas or Timor-Leste?
In the Bahamas, the minimum wage is B$6.50/hr ($6.50 USD). In Timor-Leste, it is $115/mo. Timor-Leste has the higher rate by 1669% 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 Timor-Leste?
The average gross salary in the Bahamas is B$3,500/mo ($3,500 USD), compared to $350/mo in Timor-Leste. In USD terms, workers in the Bahamas earn approximately 900% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Bahamas and Timor-Leste 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 Timor-Leste.
How do work hours compare between Bahamas and Timor-Leste?
Both Bahamas and Timor-Leste 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 Timor-Leste?
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 9.3x that of Timor-Leste at $4,423. 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.