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Key Facts: Bhutan vs Nigeria Wages

Bhutan Minimum Wage
Nu3,250/mo ($35.75 USD)
Nigeria Minimum Wage
₦404/hr ($0.26 USD)
Bhutan Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
Nu18,000 /mo ($198.02 USD)
Nigeria Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
₦339,000 /mo ($220.42 USD)
Data Sources
Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment — Royal Government of Bhutan / ILO (2026-02-25), National Minimum Wage Amendment Act 2024 (2026-02-24)

Bhutan flag Bhutan Nigeria flag Nigeria

Updated 2026-02-25

Bhutan flag Bhutan

Minimum Wage

Nu3,250 /mo

$35.75 USD

Avg. Gross Salary

Nu18,000 /mo

Nigeria flag Nigeria

Minimum Wage

₦404 /hr

$0.26 USD

Avg. Gross Salary

₦339,000 /mo

Min wage: +13511% Bhutan vs Nigeria Avg. salary: -10% Bhutan vs Nigeria

The minimum wage in Bhutan is roughly 136 times higher than in Nigeria in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a lower-middle-income and a lower-middle-income economy. Average salaries are lower in Bhutan at $198/mo compared to $220/mo in Nigeria. GDP per capita (PPP) in Bhutan is 1.8x that of Nigeria, underscoring the structural economic divide.

Bhutan has higher GDP per capita ($16,215 vs $9,087). Bhutan's unemployment rate is 3.2% compared to Nigeria's 3.1%.

Detailed Comparison

Detailed wage comparison between Bhutan and Nigeria
Metric Bhutan Nigeria
Minimum wage /hr ₦404 $0.26
Minimum wage /day Nu125 $1.38
Minimum wage /mo Nu3,250 $35.75 ₦70,000 $45.51
Minimum wage /yr Nu39,000 $429.04 ₦840,000 $546.16
Avg. gross salary /mo Nu18,000 /mo $198.02 ₦339,000 /mo $220.42
Avg. net salary /mo Nu16,000 /mo $176.02 ₦290,000 /mo $188.56
Median individual income /yr Nu72,000 /yr $792.08 ₦1,200,000 /yr $780.23

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.

Nigeria

40 hrs/wk standard

Max 48 hrs/wk

Labour Act sets standard at 40 hours/week. Overtime rates set by individual employment contracts. No statutory overtime multiplier.

What This Means for Workers

A minimum wage worker moving from Nigeria to Bhutan would see a 13511% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings.

See this comparison from Nigeria's perspective: Nigeria vs Bhutan

Compare Bhutan with...

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the minimum wage higher in Bhutan or Nigeria?

In Bhutan, the minimum wage is Nu3,250/mo ($35.75 USD). In Nigeria, it is ₦404/hr ($0.26 USD). Bhutan has the higher rate by 13511% 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 Nigeria 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 Nigeria?

The average gross salary in Bhutan is Nu18,000/mo ($198.02 USD), compared to ₦339,000/mo ($220.42 USD) in Nigeria. In USD terms, workers in Bhutan earn approximately 11% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Bhutan and Nigeria is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Nigeria 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 Nigeria?

Both Bhutan and Nigeria 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 Nigeria?

While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Bhutan has the higher GDP per capita at $16,215, which is 1.8x that of Nigeria at $9,087. From Bhutan'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.