Key Facts: Bhutan Wages
- Country
- Bhutan (BTN)
- Continent
- Asia
- Currency
- Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN)
- Minimum Wage
- Nu3,250 /mo ($35.75 USD)
- Average Gross Monthly Salary
- Nu18,000 /month
- Average Gross Annual Salary
- Nu216,000 /year
- Median Individual Income
- Nu72,000 /year
- Standard Work Week
- 40 hours
- Data Source
- Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment — Royal Government of Bhutan / ILO
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-25
Bhutan — Average Salary & Wages
Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) Data verified Jan 2026 Sources
The average salary in Bhutan is
Nu216,000 a year
But half of all workers earn less than Nu72,000 .
The average is lifted by bonuses and high earners. Most workers earn less than that.
The minimum wage in Bhutan is Nu3,250/mo ($35.75 USD) as of 2026. The average gross monthly salary is Nu18,000 ($198.02 USD). The median monthly income is Nu6,000 ($66.01 USD).
Estimates. Bhutan is classified as lower-middle income by the World Bank. Gross National Happiness (GNH) framework influences social policy. Significant rural-urban wage gap.
Estimated average monthly earnings for formal sector workers. The government (civil service) is the largest single employer. Hydropower and construction sectors offer relatively high wages. Urban areas (Thimphu, Phuntsholing) have higher wages than rural dzongkhags.
Minimum Wage Trend
Since 2015, the minimum wage has grown +25% in nominal terms.
• PPP ADJUSTED
In Bhutan, the minimum wage has the purchasing power of $166.50/mo 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 Bhutan earns Nu3,250/mo. That is 18% of the average gross salary.
- Monthly (full-time)
- Nu3,250 at min. wage
- Share of avg. salary
- 18% gross, before tax
- USD equivalent
- $35.75/mo monthly
- Nominal growth
- +25% since 2015
Wage Breakdown
- Daily
- Nu125
- Monthly
- Nu3,250Based on 26 working days/month
- Annual
- Nu39,000Based on 12 months
Bhutan's minimum daily wage is set by the Royal Government of Bhutan and applies to all formal sector workers. The rate was revised in 2022 as part of the 12th Five Year Plan economic framework. The ngultrum (BTN) is pegged 1:1 to the Indian rupee (INR). Civil servants are paid on separate government pay scales above the minimum. Hydropower and construction are major formal sector employers.
Work Week
- Standard
- 40 hrs/wk
- Maximum
- 48 hrs/wk
- Overtime
- 1.5x pay
Bhutan Labour and Employment Act 2007 sets a 40-hour standard workweek (8 hours/day, 5 days). Maximum including overtime is 48 hours. Overtime is paid at 1.5x the regular rate. The public sector follows a 5-day, 8-hour schedule.
How Bhutan Compares
| Metric | Bhutan | Asia Avg. | Asia Highest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. salary (USD equiv.) | $198.02/mo | $1,185.31/mo | $4,472.55/mo (Singapore) |
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Brunei Cost of Living
Wages tell half the story. See purchasing power, prices, and quality-of-life context for Bhutan on our sister site.
Cost of living in Bhutan on costofliving.is →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in Bhutan?
The minimum wage in Bhutan is Nu3,250/mo (approximately $35.75 USD), effective since 2022-07-01. Bhutan's minimum daily wage is set by the Royal Government of Bhutan and applies to all formal sector workers. The rate was revised in 2022 as part of the 12th Five Year Plan economic framework. The ngultrum (BTN) is pegged 1:1 to the Indian rupee (INR). Civil servants are paid on separate government pay scales above the minimum. Hydropower and construction are major formal sector employers.
What is the average salary in Bhutan?
The average gross monthly salary in Bhutan is Nu18,000 (approximately $198.02 USD). Estimated average monthly earnings for formal sector workers. The government (civil service) is the largest single employer. Hydropower and construction sectors offer relatively high wages. Urban areas (Thimphu, Phuntsholing) have higher wages than rural dzongkhags. Source: National Statistics Bureau of Bhutan / Labour Force Survey (2023).
How many hours is the standard work week in Bhutan?
The standard work week in Bhutan is 40 hours, with a legal maximum of 48 hours. Overtime is paid at 1.5x the normal rate. Bhutan Labour and Employment Act 2007 sets a 40-hour standard workweek (8 hours/day, 5 days). Maximum including overtime is 48 hours. Overtime is paid at 1.5x the regular rate. The public sector follows a 5-day, 8-hour schedule.
How has the minimum wage in Bhutan changed over time?
The minimum wage in Bhutan has changed as follows: Nu100 in 2015, Nu125 in 2017, Nu125 in 2019, Nu125 in 2022. This represents 4 recorded adjustments.
What is the minimum wage in Bhutan in USD?
The minimum wage in Bhutan converts to approximately $35.75/mo 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 Bhutan in USD?
The average gross monthly salary in Bhutan is approximately $198.02 per month in US dollars, based on current exchange rates. Actual purchasing power may differ due to local cost of living.
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