Key Facts: Brazil vs French Polynesia Wages
- Brazil Minimum Wage
- R$7.37/hr ($1.47 USD)
- French Polynesia Minimum Wage
- ₣904.82/hr ($6.42 USD)
- Brazil Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- R$3,200 /mo ($636.88 USD)
- French Polynesia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- ₣145,975 /mo ($1,036.23 USD)
- Data Sources
- Brazilian Ministry of Labour and Employment (2026-03-02), WageIndicator Foundation (2026-05-04)
Brazil
French Polynesia
Updated 2026-05-04
The minimum wage in Brazil is 77% lower than in French Polynesia in USD terms, though average salaries tell a different story. Average salaries are lower in Brazil at $637/mo compared to $1,036/mo in French Polynesia.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Brazil | French Polynesia |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | R$7.37 $1.47 | ₣904.82 $6.42 |
| Minimum wage /day | R$54.04 $10.76 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | R$1,621 $322.62 | ₣156,835 $1,113.32 |
| Minimum wage /yr | R$21,073 $4,194.05 | ₣1,882,626 $13,364.20 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | R$3,200 /mo $636.88 | ₣145,975 /mo $1,036.23 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | R$2,700 /mo $537.37 | N/A/mo |
| Median individual income /yr | R$22,800 /yr $4,537.76 | ₣1,536,000 /yr $10,903.60 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Brazil is higher.
Work Week
- Brazil
-
44 hrs/wk standard
Max 44 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Constitutional limit of 44 hours/week, 8 hours/day. Overtime minimum 50% premium (often higher by collective agreement). Sundays and holidays: 100% premium.
- French Polynesia
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.25x pay
Standard workweek is 40 hours in French Polynesia (differs from metropolitan France's 35 hours).
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Brazil earns 338% less per hour in USD terms than one in French Polynesia. Standard work weeks differ: Brazil mandates 44 hours while French Polynesia mandates 40 hours. A minimum wage worker's weekly earnings in Brazil are $65 vs $257 in French Polynesia.
See this comparison from French Polynesia's perspective: French Polynesia vs Brazil
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Brazil or French Polynesia?
In Brazil, the minimum wage is R$7.37/hr ($1.47 USD). In French Polynesia, it is ₣904.82/hr ($6.42 USD). French Polynesia has the higher rate by 338% 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 Brazil may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much less does the average worker earn in Brazil compared to French Polynesia?
The average gross salary in Brazil is R$3,200/mo ($636.88 USD), compared to ₣145,975/mo ($1,036.23 USD) in French Polynesia. In USD terms, workers in Brazil earn approximately 63% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Brazil and French Polynesia is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in French Polynesia earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Brazil.
How do work hours compare between Brazil and French Polynesia?
Brazil has a longer standard work week at 44 hours, compared to 40 hours in French Polynesia. Workers in Brazil work 44 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in French Polynesia working fewer hours may have comparable or better effective hourly earnings depending on the wage levels of each country. Total annual compensation depends on both the wage rate and the number of hours required.