Key Facts: Barbados vs Kyrgyzstan Wages
- Barbados Minimum Wage
- Bds$10.71/hr ($5.36 USD)
- Kyrgyzstan Minimum Wage
- сом17.16/hr ($0.20 USD)
- Barbados Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Bds$3,900 /mo ($1,950 USD)
- Kyrgyzstan Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- сом37,361 /mo ($427.28 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector — Barbados (2026-02-25), Ministry of Finance of the Kyrgyz Republic / National Statistical Committee (2026-02-25)
Barbados
Kyrgyzstan
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Barbados is roughly 27 times higher than in Kyrgyzstan in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a high-income and a lower-middle-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $1,950/mo in Barbados versus $427/mo in Kyrgyzstan, a 4.6:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Barbados is 3.1x that of Kyrgyzstan, underscoring the structural economic divide.
From Barbados' perspective: adjusting for purchasing power, Barbados' minimum wage buys more than Kyrgyzstan's. The PPP-adjusted hourly rate in Barbados is $5 international dollars, compared to $1 in Kyrgyzstan. Barbados has higher GDP per capita ($24,823 vs $8,012). Barbados' unemployment rate is 6.5% compared to Kyrgyzstan's 3.5%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Barbados | Kyrgyzstan |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | Bds$10.71 $5.36 | сом17.16 $0.20 |
| Minimum wage /mo | Bds$1,855.07 $927.54 | сом2,863 $32.74 |
| Minimum wage /yr | Bds$22,260.80 $11,130.40 | сом34,356 $392.91 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | Bds$3,900 /mo $1,950 | сом37,361 /mo $427.28 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | Bds$3,120 /mo $1,560 | сом33,625 /mo $384.55 |
| Median individual income /yr | Bds$28,000 /yr $14,000 | сом180,000 /yr $2,058.55 |
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.
- Kyrgyzstan
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 40 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Code sets standard workweek at 40 hours (8 hrs/day). Reduced hours (36 hrs) for workers aged 16-18 and hazardous conditions. Overtime limited to 120 hours per year. Overtime premium at least 50%. Night work (22:00-06:00) premium at least 50%. Holiday work at double rate.
• WAGE TRAJECTORY (USD/hr)
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from Kyrgyzstan to Barbados would see a 2629% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings.
See this comparison from Kyrgyzstan's perspective: Kyrgyzstan vs Barbados
Compare Barbados with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Barbados or Kyrgyzstan?
In Barbados, the minimum wage is Bds$10.71/hr ($5.36 USD). In Kyrgyzstan, it is сом17.16/hr ($0.20 USD). Barbados has the higher rate by 2629% 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 Kyrgyzstan 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 Kyrgyzstan?
The average gross salary in Barbados is Bds$3,900/mo ($1,950 USD), compared to сом37,361/mo ($427.28 USD) in Kyrgyzstan. In USD terms, workers in Barbados earn approximately 356% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Barbados and Kyrgyzstan 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 Kyrgyzstan.
Which country has better purchasing power for minimum wage workers, Barbados or Kyrgyzstan?
After adjusting for local prices using purchasing power parity (PPP), minimum wage workers in Barbados can afford more than those in Kyrgyzstan. The PPP-adjusted rate is $5 in Barbados and $1 in Kyrgyzstan. PPP converts wages into equivalent US dollar buying power, accounting for what a unit of currency actually buys locally. The 668% purchasing power gap means that even if the nominal wage in Kyrgyzstan appears competitive, minimum wage workers there face greater constraints on day-to-day spending.
How do work hours compare between Barbados and Kyrgyzstan?
Both Barbados and Kyrgyzstan 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 Kyrgyzstan?
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 3.1x that of Kyrgyzstan at $8,012. 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.