Key Facts: Barbados vs Burundi Wages
- Barbados Minimum Wage
- Bds$10.71/hr ($5.36 USD)
- Burundi Minimum Wage
- FBu4,160/mo ($1.40 USD)
- Barbados Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Bds$3,900 /mo ($1,950 USD)
- Burundi Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- FBu60,000 /mo ($20.19 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector — Barbados (2026-02-25), ILO ILOSTAT / World Bank / Ministère de la Fonction Publique du Burundi (2026-02-25)
Barbados
Burundi
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Barbados is 283% higher than in Burundi when converted to USD. Average gross salaries diverge further: $1,950/mo in Barbados versus $20/mo in Burundi, a 96.6:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Barbados is 20.8x that of Burundi, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Barbados has higher GDP per capita ($24,823 vs $1,195). Barbados' unemployment rate is 6.5% compared to Burundi's 0.9%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Barbados | Burundi |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | Bds$10.71 $5.36 | — |
| Minimum wage /day | — | FBu160 $0.05 |
| Minimum wage /mo | Bds$1,855.07 $927.54 | FBu4,160 $1.40 |
| Minimum wage /yr | Bds$22,260.80 $11,130.40 | — |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | Bds$3,900 /mo $1,950 | FBu60,000 /mo $20.19 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | Bds$3,120 /mo $1,560 | N/A/mo |
| Median individual income /yr | Bds$28,000 /yr $14,000 | N/A/yr |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Barbados is higher.
Work Week
- Barbados
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 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.
- Burundi
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 45 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Code sets 40 hours/week as the standard. The Code du Travail is French-language, reflecting Belgian colonial heritage. Overtime capped at 45 hours total. Enforcement is minimal outside the formal sector.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from Burundi to Barbados would see a 283% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings.
See this comparison from Burundi's perspective: Burundi vs Barbados
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Barbados or Burundi?
In Barbados, the minimum wage is Bds$10.71/hr ($5.36 USD). In Burundi, it is FBu4,160/mo ($1.40 USD). Barbados has the higher rate by 283% 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 Burundi may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much more does the average worker earn in Barbados compared to Burundi?
The average gross salary in Barbados is Bds$3,900/mo ($1,950 USD), compared to FBu60,000/mo ($20.19 USD) in Burundi. In USD terms, workers in Barbados earn approximately 9559% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Barbados and Burundi is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Barbados earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Burundi.
How do work hours compare between Barbados and Burundi?
Both Barbados and Burundi 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 Barbados and Burundi?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Barbados has the higher GDP per capita at $24,823, which is 20.8x that of Burundi at $1,195. From Barbados' 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.