Key Facts: Central African Republic vs Ivory Coast Wages
- Central African Republic Minimum Wage
- FCFA35,000/mo ($62.84 USD)
- Ivory Coast Minimum Wage
- CFA432.70/hr ($0.78 USD)
- Central African Republic Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- FCFA75,000 /mo ($134.65 USD)
- Ivory Coast Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- CFA337,000 /mo ($605.03 USD)
- Data Sources
- ILO ILOSTAT / World Bank / OHADA Labour Code (2026-02-25), Ministère de l'Emploi et de la Protection Sociale — Côte d'Ivoire (2026-05-04)
Central African Republic
Ivory Coast
Updated 2026-05-04
The minimum wage in the Central African Republic is roughly 81 times higher than in Ivory Coast in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a low-income and a lower-middle-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $135/mo in the Central African Republic versus $605/mo in Ivory Coast, a 4.5:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Ivory Coast is 6.1x that of Central African Republic, underscoring the structural economic divide.
The Central African Republic has lower GDP per capita ($1,263 vs $7,669). The Central African Republic's unemployment rate is 6.3% compared to Ivory Coast's 2.3%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Central African Republic | Ivory Coast |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | CFA432.70 $0.78 |
| Minimum wage /day | FCFA1,400 $2.51 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | FCFA35,000 $62.84 | CFA75,000 $134.65 |
| Minimum wage /yr | — | CFA900,000 $1,615.80 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | FCFA75,000 /mo $134.65 | CFA337,000 /mo $605.03 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | N/A/mo | CFA280,000 /mo $502.69 |
| Median individual income /yr | N/A/yr | CFA960,000 /yr $1,723.52 |
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.
- Ivory Coast
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.15x pay
Labour Code sets standard working hours at 40 per week (non-agricultural) and 48 hours for agricultural workers. Overtime rates: 115% for the first 8 hours of weekly overtime, 150% for subsequent hours. Night work (9pm-5am) and holiday work have higher multipliers.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from Ivory Coast to the Central African Republic would see a 7989% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings.
See this comparison from Ivory Coast's perspective: Ivory Coast vs Central African Republic
Compare Central African Republic with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Central African Republic or Ivory Coast?
In the Central African Republic, the minimum wage is FCFA35,000/mo ($62.84 USD). In Ivory Coast, it is CFA432.70/hr ($0.78 USD). Central African Republic has the higher rate by 7989% 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 Ivory Coast 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 Ivory Coast?
The average gross salary in the Central African Republic is FCFA75,000/mo ($134.65 USD), compared to CFA337,000/mo ($605.03 USD) in Ivory Coast. In USD terms, workers in the Central African Republic earn approximately 349% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Central African Republic and Ivory Coast is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Ivory Coast 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 Ivory Coast?
Both Central African Republic and Ivory Coast 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 Ivory Coast?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Ivory Coast has the higher GDP per capita at $7,669, which is 6.1x 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.