Key Facts: Bhutan vs Uzbekistan Wages
- Bhutan Minimum Wage
- Nu3,250/mo ($35.75 USD)
- Uzbekistan Minimum Wage
- сўм6,838/hr ($0.56 USD)
- Bhutan Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Nu18,000 /mo ($198.02 USD)
- Uzbekistan Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- сўм5,357,000 /mo ($439.03 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment — Royal Government of Bhutan / ILO (2026-02-25), Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction of Uzbekistan (2026-02-25)
Bhutan
Uzbekistan
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Bhutan is roughly 64 times higher than in Uzbekistan 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 $439/mo in Uzbekistan, a 2.2:1 ratio.
Bhutan has higher GDP per capita ($16,215 vs $11,879). Bhutan's unemployment rate is 3.2% compared to Uzbekistan's 4.6%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Bhutan | Uzbekistan |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | сўм6,838 $0.56 |
| Minimum wage /day | Nu125 $1.38 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | Nu3,250 $35.75 | сўм1,155,000 $94.66 |
| Minimum wage /yr | Nu39,000 $429.04 | сўм13,860,000 $1,135.88 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | Nu18,000 /mo $198.02 | сўм5,357,000 /mo $439.03 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | Nu16,000 /mo $176.02 | сўм4,714,000 /mo $386.33 |
| Median individual income /yr | Nu72,000 /yr $792.08 | сўм30,000,000 /yr $2,458.61 |
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.
- Uzbekistan
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 40 hrs/wk
Overtime : 2x pay
Labour Code sets standard workweek at 40 hours. Reduced hours (36 hrs) for workers aged 16-18, hazardous conditions, and night work. Overtime limited to 4 hours per day and 120 hours per year. Overtime is compensated at double rate. Night work (22:00-06:00) premium at least 50%. Holiday work at double rate.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from Uzbekistan to Bhutan would see a 6280% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings.
See this comparison from Uzbekistan's perspective: Uzbekistan vs Bhutan
Compare Bhutan with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Bhutan or Uzbekistan?
In Bhutan, the minimum wage is Nu3,250/mo ($35.75 USD). In Uzbekistan, it is сўм6,838/hr ($0.56 USD). Bhutan has the higher rate by 6280% 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 Uzbekistan 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 Uzbekistan?
The average gross salary in Bhutan is Nu18,000/mo ($198.02 USD), compared to сўм5,357,000/mo ($439.03 USD) in Uzbekistan. In USD terms, workers in Bhutan earn approximately 122% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Bhutan and Uzbekistan is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Uzbekistan 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 Uzbekistan?
Both Bhutan and Uzbekistan 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 Uzbekistan?
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 1.4x that of Uzbekistan at $11,879. 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.