Key Facts: Barbados Wages
- Country
- Barbados (BRB)
- Continent
- North America
- Currency
- Barbadian dollar (BBD)
- Minimum Wage
- Bds$10.71 /hr ($5.36 USD)
- Average Gross Monthly Salary
- Bds$3,900 /month
- Average Gross Annual Salary
- Bds$46,800 /year
- Median Individual Income
- Bds$28,000 /year
- Standard Work Week
- 40 hours
- Data Source
- Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector — Barbados
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-25
Barbados — Average Salary & Wages
Barbadian dollar (BBD) Data verified Jan 2026 Sources
The average salary in Barbados is
Bds$46,800 a year
But half of all workers earn less than Bds$28,000 .
The average is lifted by bonuses and high earners. Most workers earn less than that.
The minimum wage in Barbados is Bds$10.71/hr ($5.36 USD) as of 2026. The average gross monthly salary is Bds$3,900 ($1,950 USD). The median monthly income is Bds$2,333.33 ($1,166.67 USD).
The Numbers
Estimates. The median salary is approximately BBD 35,000 per year. Roughly 50% of the population earns less than this amount.
Average monthly earnings across formal sector. Net estimated after income tax (progressive rates 12.5%-28.5%) and National Insurance Scheme contributions (11.1% employee share). Tourism, international business/financial services, and the public sector are major employers.
Wage Breakdown
- Hourly
- Bds$10.71
- Monthly
- Bds$1,855.07Hourly rate × 40 hours/week × 52 weeks / 12 months
- Annual
- Bds$22,260.80Hourly rate × 40 hours/week × 52 weeks
The national minimum wage applies to all categories of workers regardless of sector. The rate was increased from BBD 8.50 to BBD 10.50 effective June 1, 2025, and further to BBD 10.71 effective January 21, 2026 (a 2% CPI-indexed increase). The Barbadian dollar is pegged 2:1 to the US dollar (BBD 2 = USD 1).
What It Buys
• PPP ADJUSTED
In Barbados, the minimum wage has the purchasing power of $5.00/hr in the United States, adjusted for local cost of living using the World Bank PPP conversion factor.
In Context
At minimum wage, a full-time worker in Barbados earns Bds$1,855.07/mo. That is 48% of the average gross salary.
- Monthly (full-time)
- Bds$1,855.07 at min. wage
- Share of avg. salary
- 48% gross, before tax
- USD equivalent
- $927.54/mo monthly
- Nominal growth
- +71% since 2012
How It Changed
Minimum Wage Trend
Since 2012, the minimum wage has grown +71% in nominal terms.
Where It Varies
Work Week
- Standard
- 40 hrs/wk
- Maximum
- 48 hrs/wk
- Overtime
- 1.5x pay
Standard workweek is 40 hours (8 hours/day, 5 days/week). The Shops Act allows up to 48 hours in some retail sectors. Overtime is paid at 1.5x the regular rate. Work on Sundays and public holidays typically paid at 2x the regular rate.
How It Compares
How Barbados Compares
| Metric | Barbados | North America Avg. | North America Highest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Min. wage (USD equiv.) | $5.36/hr | $5.84/hr | $17.13/hr (Bermuda) |
| Avg. salary (USD equiv.) | $1,950/mo | $1,573.82/mo | $6,228/mo (United States) |
Countries with Similar Minimum Wages
| Country | Min. Wage /hr (USD) |
|---|---|
| Hong Kong | $5.37 |
| Romania | $5.33 |
| Latvia | $5.17 |
| Oman | $4.88 |
| Cook Islands | $5.86 |
| Barbados | $5.36 |
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Bermuda Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in Barbados?
The minimum wage in Barbados is Bds$10.71/hr (approximately $5.36 USD), effective since 2026-01-21. The national minimum wage applies to all categories of workers regardless of sector. The rate was increased from BBD 8.50 to BBD 10.50 effective June 1, 2025, and further to BBD 10.71 effective January 21, 2026 (a 2% CPI-indexed increase). The Barbadian dollar is pegged 2:1 to the US dollar (BBD 2 = USD 1).
What is the average salary in Barbados?
The average gross monthly salary in Barbados is Bds$3,900 (approximately $1,950 USD). Average monthly earnings across formal sector. Net estimated after income tax (progressive rates 12.5%-28.5%) and National Insurance Scheme contributions (11.1% employee share). Tourism, international business/financial services, and the public sector are major employers. Source: Barbados Statistical Service / Central Bank of Barbados estimates (2024).
How many hours is the standard work week in Barbados?
The standard work week in Barbados is 40 hours, with a legal maximum of 48 hours. Overtime is paid at 1.5x the normal rate. Standard workweek is 40 hours (8 hours/day, 5 days/week). The Shops Act allows up to 48 hours in some retail sectors. Overtime is paid at 1.5x the regular rate. Work on Sundays and public holidays typically paid at 2x the regular rate.
How has the minimum wage in Barbados changed over time?
The minimum wage in Barbados has changed as follows: Bds$1,083.33 in 2012, Bds$1,473.33 in 2021, Bds$1,820 in 2025, Bds$1,855.07 in 2026. This represents 4 recorded adjustments.
What is the minimum wage in Barbados in USD?
The minimum wage in Barbados converts to approximately $5.36/hr in US dollars, based on current exchange rates. Actual purchasing power may differ due to local cost of living.
What is the average salary in Barbados in USD?
The average gross monthly salary in Barbados is approximately $1,950 per month in US dollars, based on current exchange rates. Actual purchasing power may differ due to local cost of living.
How does Barbados's minimum wage compare to the North America average?
Barbados's minimum wage ranks #16 out of 32 countries with statutory minimum wages in North America, placing it near the median for North America.
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