Key Facts: Burundi vs Gabon Wages
- Burundi Minimum Wage
- FBu4,160/mo ($1.40 USD)
- Gabon Minimum Wage
- FCFA865.38/hr ($1.55 USD)
- Burundi Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- FBu60,000 /mo ($20.19 USD)
- Gabon Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- FCFA555,000 /mo ($996.41 USD)
- Data Sources
- ILO ILOSTAT / World Bank / Ministère de la Fonction Publique du Burundi (2026-02-25), Ministry of Labour, Employment and Vocational Training / Labour Code of Gabon (2026-02-25)
Burundi
Gabon
Updated 2026-02-25
Burundi, a low-income economy, and Gabon, classified as upper-middle-income, take different approaches to wage policy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $20/mo in Burundi versus $996/mo in Gabon, a 49.4:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Gabon is 18.0x that of Burundi, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Burundi has lower GDP per capita ($1,195 vs $21,510). Burundi's unemployment rate is 0.9% compared to Gabon's 20.1%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Burundi | Gabon |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | FCFA865.38 $1.55 |
| Minimum wage /day | FBu160 $0.05 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | FBu4,160 $1.40 | FCFA150,000 $269.30 |
| Minimum wage /yr | — | FCFA1,800,000 $3,231.60 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | FBu60,000 /mo $20.19 | FCFA555,000 /mo $996.41 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | N/A/mo | FCFA430,000 /mo $771.99 |
| Median individual income /yr | N/A/yr | FCFA2,400,000 /yr $4,308.80 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Burundi is higher.
Work Week
- Burundi
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 45 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Code sets 40 hours/week as the standard. The Code du Travail is French-language, reflecting Belgian colonial heritage. Overtime capped at 45 hours total. Enforcement is minimal outside the formal sector.
- Gabon
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 60 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.25x pay
Standard workweek is 40 hours (8 hours/day, 5 days). Overtime capped at 20 hours/week, permitted only for exceptional, urgent, or seasonal work. Weekday overtime at 125% of normal rate; Sundays/public holidays at 150-200%. Employees entitled to 10 consecutive hours of daily rest and one full day of weekly rest (usually Sunday). Governed by the Labour Code (Code du Travail).
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Burundi earns 11% less per hour in USD terms than one in Gabon.
See this comparison from Gabon's perspective: Gabon vs Burundi
Compare Burundi with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Burundi or Gabon?
In Burundi, the minimum wage is FBu4,160/mo ($1.40 USD). In Gabon, it is FCFA865.38/hr ($1.55 USD). Gabon has the higher rate by 11% 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 Burundi may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much less does the average worker earn in Burundi compared to Gabon?
The average gross salary in Burundi is FBu60,000/mo ($20.19 USD), compared to FCFA555,000/mo ($996.41 USD) in Gabon. In USD terms, workers in Burundi earn approximately 4836% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Burundi and Gabon is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Gabon earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Burundi.
How do work hours compare between Burundi and Gabon?
Both Burundi and Gabon 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 Burundi and Gabon?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Gabon has the higher GDP per capita at $21,510, which is 18.0x that of Burundi at $1,195. From Burundi'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.