Key Facts: Central African Republic vs Barbados Wages
- Central African Republic Minimum Wage
- FCFA35,000/mo ($62.84 USD)
- Barbados Minimum Wage
- Bds$10.71/hr ($5.36 USD)
- Central African Republic Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- FCFA75,000 /mo ($134.65 USD)
- Barbados Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Bds$3,900 /mo ($1,950 USD)
- Data Sources
- ILO ILOSTAT / World Bank / OHADA Labour Code (2026-02-25), Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector — Barbados (2026-02-25)
Central African Republic
Barbados
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in the Central African Republic is roughly 12 times higher than in Barbados in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a low-income and a high-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $135/mo in the Central African Republic versus $1,950/mo in Barbados, a 14.5:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Barbados is 19.7x that of Central African Republic, underscoring the structural economic divide.
The Central African Republic has lower GDP per capita ($1,263 vs $24,823). The Central African Republic's unemployment rate is 6.3% compared to Barbados' 6.5%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Central African Republic | Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | Bds$10.71 $5.36 |
| Minimum wage /day | FCFA1,400 $2.51 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | FCFA35,000 $62.84 | Bds$1,855.07 $927.54 |
| Minimum wage /yr | — | Bds$22,260.80 $11,130.40 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | FCFA75,000 /mo $134.65 | Bds$3,900 /mo $1,950 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | N/A/mo | Bds$3,120 /mo $1,560 |
| Median individual income /yr | N/A/yr | Bds$28,000 /yr $14,000 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Central African Republic is higher.
Work Week
- Central African Republic
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 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.
- Barbados
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Standard workweek is 40 hours (8 hours/day, 5 days/week). The Shops Act allows up to 48 hours in some retail sectors. Overtime is paid at 1.5x the regular rate. Work on Sundays and public holidays typically paid at 2x the regular rate.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from Barbados to the Central African Republic would see a 1073% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings.
See this comparison from Barbados's perspective: Barbados vs Central African Republic
Compare Central African Republic with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Central African Republic or Barbados?
In the Central African Republic, the minimum wage is FCFA35,000/mo ($62.84 USD). In Barbados, it is Bds$10.71/hr ($5.36 USD). Central African Republic has the higher rate by 1073% 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 Barbados may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much less does the average worker earn in Central African Republic compared to Barbados?
The average gross salary in the Central African Republic is FCFA75,000/mo ($134.65 USD), compared to Bds$3,900/mo ($1,950 USD) in Barbados. In USD terms, workers in the Central African Republic earn approximately 1348% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Central African Republic and Barbados is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Barbados earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in the Central African Republic.
How do work hours compare between Central African Republic and Barbados?
Both Central African Republic and Barbados 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 Central African Republic and Barbados?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Barbados has the higher GDP per capita at $24,823, which is 19.7x that of Central African Republic at $1,263. From the Central African Republic'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.