Key Facts: Belize vs Niger Wages
- Belize Minimum Wage
- BZ$5/hr ($2.50 USD)
- Niger Minimum Wage
- CFA30,047/mo ($53.94 USD)
- Belize Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- BZ$1,800 /mo ($900 USD)
- Niger Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- CFA120,000 /mo ($215.44 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Labour, Local Government and Rural Development — Belize (2026-02-25), ILO / Ministère du Travail et de la Protection Sociale (Niger) (2026-02-25)
Belize
Niger
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Belize is roughly 22 times lower than in Niger in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a upper-middle-income and a low-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $900/mo in Belize versus $215/mo in Niger, a 4.2:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Belize is 7.0x that of Niger, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Belize has higher GDP per capita ($14,347 vs $2,050). Belize's unemployment rate is 8.9% compared to Niger's 0.4%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Belize | Niger |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | BZ$5 $2.50 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | BZ$975 $487.50 | CFA30,047 $53.94 |
| Minimum wage /yr | BZ$11,700 $5,850 | — |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | BZ$1,800 /mo $900 | CFA120,000 /mo $215.44 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | BZ$1,530 /mo $765 | N/A/mo |
| Median individual income /yr | BZ$12,000 /yr $6,000 | CFA150,000 /yr $269.30 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Belize is higher.
Work Week
- Belize
-
45 hrs/wk standard
Max 45 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Standard workweek is 45 hours (9 hours/day, 5 days). All workers are entitled to at least 1 day of rest per week. Overtime is paid at 1.5x the regular rate for hours beyond 45/week. Work on Sundays and public holidays is typically paid at double the normal rate. Governed by the Labour Act.
- Niger
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Code sets standard at 40 hours/week. Maximum 48 hours with overtime. Overtime paid at 1.5x. These rules apply only to the small formal sector.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Belize earns 2058% less per hour in USD terms than one in Niger. Standard work weeks differ: Belize mandates 45 hours while Niger mandates 40 hours. A minimum wage worker's weekly earnings in Belize are $113 vs $2,158 in Niger.
See this comparison from Niger's perspective: Niger vs Belize
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Belize or Niger?
In Belize, the minimum wage is BZ$5/hr ($2.50 USD). In Niger, it is CFA30,047/mo ($53.94 USD). Niger has the higher rate by 2058% 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 Belize may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much more does the average worker earn in Belize compared to Niger?
The average gross salary in Belize is BZ$1,800/mo ($900 USD), compared to CFA120,000/mo ($215.44 USD) in Niger. In USD terms, workers in Belize earn approximately 318% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Belize and Niger is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Belize earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Niger.
How do work hours compare between Belize and Niger?
Belize has a longer standard work week at 45 hours, compared to 40 hours in Niger. Workers in Belize work 45 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in Niger working fewer hours may have comparable or better effective hourly earnings depending on the wage levels of each country. Total annual compensation depends on both the wage rate and the number of hours required.
What is the cost of living difference between Belize and Niger?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Belize has the higher GDP per capita at $14,347, which is 7.0x that of Niger at $2,050. From Belize's 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.