Key Facts: Burkina Faso vs Bhutan Wages
- Burkina Faso Minimum Wage
- CFA259.62/hr ($0.47 USD)
- Bhutan Minimum Wage
- Nu3,250/mo ($35.75 USD)
- Burkina Faso Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- CFA89,000 /mo ($159.78 USD)
- Bhutan Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Nu18,000 /mo ($198.02 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministere du Travail (Ministry of Labour) / Decree No. 2023-1450 (2026-02-25), Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment — Royal Government of Bhutan / ILO (2026-02-25)
Burkina Faso
Bhutan
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Burkina Faso is roughly 77 times lower than in Bhutan in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a low-income and a lower-middle-income economy. Average salaries are lower in Burkina Faso at $160/mo compared to $198/mo in Bhutan. GDP per capita (PPP) in Bhutan is 5.6x that of Burkina Faso, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Burkina Faso has lower GDP per capita ($2,896 vs $16,215). Burkina Faso's unemployment rate is 3.5% compared to Bhutan's 3.2%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Burkina Faso | Bhutan |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | CFA259.62 $0.47 | — |
| Minimum wage /day | — | Nu125 $1.38 |
| Minimum wage /mo | CFA45,000 $80.79 | Nu3,250 $35.75 |
| Minimum wage /yr | CFA540,000 $969.48 | Nu39,000 $429.04 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | CFA89,000 /mo $159.78 | Nu18,000 /mo $198.02 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | CFA75,000 /mo $134.65 | Nu16,000 /mo $176.02 |
| Median individual income /yr | CFA360,000 /yr $646.32 | Nu72,000 /yr $792.08 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Burkina Faso is higher.
Work Week
- Burkina Faso
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.15x pay
Standard workweek is 40 hours (8 hours/day, Monday-Friday). First 8 overtime hours paid at 115% of normal rate; subsequent hours at 135%. Nighttime overtime earns 150% premium. Work on Sundays/public holidays at 160% (nighttime: 220%).
- 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.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Burkina Faso earns 7571% less per hour in USD terms than one in Bhutan.
See this comparison from Bhutan's perspective: Bhutan vs Burkina Faso
Compare Burkina Faso with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Burkina Faso or Bhutan?
In Burkina Faso, the minimum wage is CFA259.62/hr ($0.47 USD). In Bhutan, it is Nu3,250/mo ($35.75 USD). Bhutan has the higher rate by 7571% 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 Burkina Faso may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much less does the average worker earn in Burkina Faso compared to Bhutan?
The average gross salary in Burkina Faso is CFA89,000/mo ($159.78 USD), compared to Nu18,000/mo ($198.02 USD) in Bhutan. In USD terms, workers in Burkina Faso earn approximately 24% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Burkina Faso and Bhutan is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Bhutan earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Burkina Faso.
How do work hours compare between Burkina Faso and Bhutan?
Both Burkina Faso and Bhutan 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 Burkina Faso and Bhutan?
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 5.6x that of Burkina Faso at $2,896. From Burkina Faso'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.