Key Facts: Bhutan vs Algeria Wages
- Bhutan Minimum Wage
- Nu3,250/mo ($35.75 USD)
- Algeria Minimum Wage
- DZD138.46/hr ($1.02 USD)
- Bhutan Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Nu18,000 /mo ($198.02 USD)
- Algeria Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- DZD55,000 /mo ($405.90 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment — Royal Government of Bhutan / ILO (2026-02-25), Council of Ministers / Ministère du Travail, de l'Emploi et de la Sécurité Sociale — Algeria (2026-02-25)
Bhutan
Algeria
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Bhutan is roughly 35 times higher than in Algeria in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a lower-middle-income and a lower-middle-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $198/mo in Bhutan versus $406/mo in Algeria, a 2.0:1 ratio. Bhutan has the tighter labor market, with unemployment at 3.2% compared to 11.6%.
Bhutan has lower GDP per capita ($16,215 vs $17,621). Bhutan's unemployment rate is 3.2% compared to Algeria's 11.6%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Bhutan | Algeria |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | DZD138.46 $1.02 |
| Minimum wage /day | Nu125 $1.38 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | Nu3,250 $35.75 | DZD24,000 $177.12 |
| Minimum wage /yr | Nu39,000 $429.04 | DZD288,000 $2,125.46 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | Nu18,000 /mo $198.02 | DZD55,000 /mo $405.90 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | Nu16,000 /mo $176.02 | DZD43,000 /mo $317.34 |
| Median individual income /yr | Nu72,000 /yr $792.08 | DZD300,000 /yr $2,214.02 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Bhutan is higher.
Work Week
- Bhutan
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 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.
- Algeria
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Law (Law 90-11) sets standard working hours at 40 per week for most sectors and 44 hours for certain sectors. Weekly rest is Friday and Saturday. Overtime paid at 150% of normal rate for first 4 hours and 200% for subsequent hours.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from Algeria to Bhutan would see a 3399% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings.
See this comparison from Algeria's perspective: Algeria vs Bhutan
Compare Bhutan with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Bhutan or Algeria?
In Bhutan, the minimum wage is Nu3,250/mo ($35.75 USD). In Algeria, it is DZD138.46/hr ($1.02 USD). Bhutan has the higher rate by 3399% 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 Algeria may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much less does the average worker earn in Bhutan compared to Algeria?
The average gross salary in Bhutan is Nu18,000/mo ($198.02 USD), compared to DZD55,000/mo ($405.90 USD) in Algeria. In USD terms, workers in Bhutan earn approximately 105% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Bhutan and Algeria is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Algeria earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Bhutan.
How do work hours compare between Bhutan and Algeria?
Both Bhutan and Algeria 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 Bhutan and Algeria?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Algeria has the higher GDP per capita at $17,621, which is 1.1x that of Bhutan at $16,215. From Bhutan's perspective, this means goods and services are priced at a lower 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.