Key Facts: Bhutan vs Ukraine Wages
- Bhutan Minimum Wage
- Nu3,250/mo ($35.75 USD)
- Ukraine Minimum Wage
- ₴48/hr ($1.15 USD)
- Bhutan Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Nu18,000 /mo ($198.02 USD)
- Ukraine Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- ₴20,000 /mo ($478.47 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment — Royal Government of Bhutan / ILO (2026-02-25), Ministry of Economy of Ukraine / State Statistics Service (2026-02-24)
Bhutan
Ukraine
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Bhutan is roughly 31 times higher than in Ukraine 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 $478/mo in Ukraine, a 2.4:1 ratio. Bhutan has the tighter labor market, with unemployment at 3.2% compared to 9.8%.
Bhutan has lower GDP per capita ($16,215 vs $18,550). Bhutan's unemployment rate is 3.2% compared to Ukraine's 9.8%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Bhutan | Ukraine |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | ₴48 $1.15 |
| Minimum wage /day | Nu125 $1.38 | ₴266.67 $6.38 |
| Minimum wage /mo | Nu3,250 $35.75 | ₴8,000 $191.39 |
| Minimum wage /yr | Nu39,000 $429.04 | ₴96,000 $2,296.65 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | Nu18,000 /mo $198.02 | ₴20,000 /mo $478.47 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | Nu16,000 /mo $176.02 | ₴16,400 /mo $392.34 |
| Median individual income /yr | Nu72,000 /yr $792.08 | ₴120,000 /yr $2,870.81 |
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.
- Ukraine
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 40 hrs/wk
Overtime : 2x pay
Labour Code sets standard working time at 40 hours/week. Overtime is compensated at double the normal rate and limited to 4 hours over 2 consecutive days, 120 hours/year. Under martial law (from Feb 2022), employers may increase working hours to 60/week and suspend certain labour protections with government approval.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from Ukraine to Bhutan would see a 3014% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings.
See this comparison from Ukraine's perspective: Ukraine vs Bhutan
Compare Bhutan with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Bhutan or Ukraine?
In Bhutan, the minimum wage is Nu3,250/mo ($35.75 USD). In Ukraine, it is ₴48/hr ($1.15 USD). Bhutan has the higher rate by 3014% 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 Ukraine 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 Ukraine?
The average gross salary in Bhutan is Nu18,000/mo ($198.02 USD), compared to ₴20,000/mo ($478.47 USD) in Ukraine. In USD terms, workers in Bhutan earn approximately 142% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Bhutan and Ukraine is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Ukraine 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 Ukraine?
Both Bhutan and Ukraine 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 Ukraine?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Ukraine has the higher GDP per capita at $18,550, 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.