Key Facts: Central African Republic Wages
- Country
- Central African Republic (CAF)
- Continent
- Africa
- Currency
- CFA Franc BEAC (XAF)
- Minimum Wage
- FCFA35,000 /mo ($62.84 USD)
- Average Gross Monthly Salary
- FCFA75,000 /month
- Average Gross Annual Salary
- FCFA900,000 /year
- Standard Work Week
- 40 hours
- Data Source
- ILO ILOSTAT / World Bank / OHADA Labour Code
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-25
Central African Republic — Average Salary & Wages
CFA Franc BEAC (XAF) Data verified Jan 2026 Sources
The average salary in Central African Republic is
FCFA900,000 a year
The minimum wage in Central African Republic is FCFA35,000/mo ($62.84 USD) as of 2026. The average gross monthly salary is FCFA75,000 ($134.65 USD).
The Central African Republic's minimum wage is among the lowest for Africa, ranking #45 out of 54 countries with statutory minimum wages. Over the past 5 years, the minimum wage has increased by 40% in nominal terms. The standard work week is 40 hours.
Estimated average for the very small formal sector, predominantly government employees in Bangui. Data is extremely limited. The vast majority of CAR's population (80%+) earns income through subsistence agriculture, artisanal mining, or informal trade, with no reliable wage data. GDP per capita is among the lowest in the world (~USD 500/year). These figures should be treated as very rough estimates.
Minimum Wage Trend
Since 2019, the minimum wage has grown +40% in nominal terms.
• PPP ADJUSTED
In Central African Republic, the minimum wage has the purchasing power of $141.25/mo in the United States, adjusted for local cost of living using the World Bank PPP conversion factor.
In Context
At minimum wage, a full-time worker in Central African Republic earns FCFA35,000/mo. That is 47% of the average gross salary.
- Monthly (full-time)
- FCFA35,000 at min. wage
- Share of avg. salary
- 47% gross, before tax
- USD equivalent
- $62.84/mo monthly
- Nominal growth
- +40% since 2019
Wage Breakdown
- Daily
- FCFA1,400Monthly rate divided by 25 working days
- Monthly
- FCFA35,000
The Central African Republic sets a SMIG (Salaire Minimum Interprofessionnel Garanti) under the OHADA-aligned Labour Code. The rate of approximately 35,000 XAF/month applies to the formal private sector. The XAF (CFA franc) is pegged to the euro (655.957 XAF per EUR), providing currency stability. However, enforcement in practice is minimal — the formal economy is extremely small and most economic activity is informal or subsistence-based. Bangui is the primary centre of formal employment. Armed group activity in much of the country further limits economic activity.
Work Week
- Standard
- 40 hrs/wk
- Maximum
- 48 hrs/wk
- Overtime
- 1.5x pay
The Labour Code sets a standard 40-hour workweek, with maximum 48 hours including overtime. These provisions apply to formal employment only, which represents a small fraction of total employment. Enforcement capacity is severely constrained by institutional fragility.
How Central African Republic Compares
| Metric | Central African Republic | Africa Avg. | Africa Highest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. salary (USD equiv.) | $134.65/mo | $381.53/mo | $1,625/mo (Mauritania) |
• NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES
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Wages tell half the story. See purchasing power, prices, and quality-of-life context for Central African Republic on our sister site.
Cost of living in Central African Republic on costofliving.is →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in Central African Republic?
The minimum wage in Central African Republic is FCFA35,000/mo (approximately $62.84 USD), effective since 2021-01-01. The Central African Republic sets a SMIG (Salaire Minimum Interprofessionnel Garanti) under the OHADA-aligned Labour Code. The rate of approximately 35,000 XAF/month applies to the formal private sector. The XAF (CFA franc) is pegged to the euro (655.957 XAF per EUR), providing currency stability. However, enforcement in practice is minimal — the formal economy is extremely small and most economic activity is informal or subsistence-based. Bangui is the primary centre of formal employment. Armed group activity in much of the country further limits economic activity.
What is the average salary in Central African Republic?
The average gross monthly salary in Central African Republic is FCFA75,000 (approximately $134.65 USD). Estimated average for the very small formal sector, predominantly government employees in Bangui. Data is extremely limited. The vast majority of CAR's population (80%+) earns income through subsistence agriculture, artisanal mining, or informal trade, with no reliable wage data. GDP per capita is among the lowest in the world (~USD 500/year). These figures should be treated as very rough estimates. Source: World Bank / ILO estimated (formal sector, Bangui) (2022).
How many hours is the standard work week in Central African Republic?
The standard work week in Central African Republic is 40 hours, with a legal maximum of 48 hours. Overtime is paid at 1.5x the normal rate. The Labour Code sets a standard 40-hour workweek, with maximum 48 hours including overtime. These provisions apply to formal employment only, which represents a small fraction of total employment. Enforcement capacity is severely constrained by institutional fragility.
How has the minimum wage in Central African Republic changed over time?
The minimum wage in Central African Republic has changed as follows: FCFA25,000 in 2019, FCFA35,000 in 2021, FCFA35,000 in 2024. This represents 3 recorded adjustments.
What is the minimum wage in Central African Republic in USD?
The minimum wage in Central African Republic converts to approximately $62.84/mo in US dollars, based on current exchange rates. Actual purchasing power may differ due to local cost of living.
What is the average salary in Central African Republic in USD?
The average gross monthly salary in Central African Republic is approximately $134.65 per month in US dollars, based on current exchange rates. Actual purchasing power may differ due to local cost of living.
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