Key Facts: Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Iceland Wages
- Bosnia and Herzegovina Minimum Wage
- KM5.75/hr ($3.46 USD)
- Iceland Minimum Wage
- No statutory minimum wage
- Bosnia and Herzegovina Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- KM1,870 /mo ($1,126.51 USD)
- Iceland Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- kr800,000 /mo ($6,478.78 USD)
- Data Sources
- Agency for Statistics of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BHAS) (2026-02-25), Directorate of Labour (Vinnumálastofnun) / Statistics Iceland (2026-02-24)
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Iceland
Updated 2026-02-25
Unlike Iceland, which has no statutory minimum wage, Bosnia and Herzegovina mandates a wage floor of $3/hr. Average gross salaries diverge further: $1,127/mo in Bosnia and Herzegovina versus $6,479/mo in Iceland, a 5.8:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Iceland is 3.4x that of Bosnia and Herzegovina, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Bosnia and Herzegovina has lower GDP per capita ($25,043 vs $84,257). Bosnia and Herzegovina's unemployment rate is 11.0% compared to Iceland's 3.6%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Bosnia and Herzegovina | Iceland |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | KM5.75 $3.46 | None |
| Minimum wage /mo | KM1,000 $602.41 | None |
| Minimum wage /yr | KM12,000 $7,228.92 | None |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | KM1,870 /mo $1,126.51 | kr800,000 /mo $6,478.78 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | KM1,314 /mo $791.57 | kr560,000 /mo $4,535.15 |
| Median individual income /yr | KM10,800 /yr $6,506.02 | kr7,800,000 /yr $63,168.12 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Bosnia and Herzegovina is higher.
Work Week
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.3x pay
Standard workweek is 40 hours (8 hrs/day). Overtime limited to 8 hours per week in FBiH and 4 hours per day in RS. Overtime premium at least 30%. Night work premium at least 30%. Weekend work premium at least 20%. Holiday work premium at least 50%.
- Iceland
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.8x pay
Standard working week is 40 hours (set by collective agreements). The Act on Working Environment and Health sets maximum average of 48 hours/week per EU Working Time Directive. Overtime premiums are set by collective agreements, typically 80% premium (1.8x) for daytime overtime, higher for evenings/weekends. A landmark 2021 agreement reduced standard hours from 40 to 36 for many public sector workers, with the private sector gradually following.
See this comparison from Iceland's perspective: Iceland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Bosnia and Herzegovina or Iceland?
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the minimum wage is KM5.75/hr ($3.46 USD). In Iceland, it is no statutory minimum wage.
How much less does the average worker earn in Bosnia and Herzegovina compared to Iceland?
The average gross salary in Bosnia and Herzegovina is KM1,870/mo ($1,126.51 USD), compared to kr800,000/mo ($6,478.78 USD) in Iceland. In USD terms, workers in Bosnia and Herzegovina earn approximately 475% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Iceland earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
How do work hours compare between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland?
Both Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland 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 Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Iceland has the higher GDP per capita at $84,257, which is 3.4x that of Bosnia and Herzegovina at $25,043. From Bosnia and Herzegovina'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.