Key Facts: Central African Republic vs Norway Wages
- Central African Republic Minimum Wage
- FCFA35,000/mo ($62.84 USD)
- Norway Minimum Wage
- No statutory minimum wage
- Central African Republic Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- FCFA75,000 /mo ($134.65 USD)
- Norway Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- kr55,150 /mo ($5,953.34 USD)
- Data Sources
- ILO ILOSTAT / World Bank / OHADA Labour Code (2026-02-25), Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority (Arbeidstilsynet) (2026-05-28)
Central African Republic
Norway
Updated 2026-05-28
Unlike Norway, which has no statutory minimum wage, the Central African Republic mandates a wage floor of $63/mo. Average gross salaries diverge further: $135/mo in the Central African Republic versus $5,953/mo in Norway, a 44.2:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Norway is 80.8x that of Central African Republic, underscoring the structural economic divide.
The Central African Republic has lower GDP per capita ($1,263 vs $102,038). The Central African Republic's unemployment rate is 6.3% compared to Norway's 4.6%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Central African Republic | Norway |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /day | FCFA1,400 $2.51 | None |
| Minimum wage /mo | FCFA35,000 $62.84 | None |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | FCFA75,000 /mo $134.65 | kr55,150 /mo $5,953.34 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | N/A/mo | kr38,600 /mo $4,166.80 |
| Median individual income /yr | N/A/yr | kr570,000 /yr $61,530.49 |
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.
- Norway
-
37.5 hrs/wk standard
Max 40 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.4x pay
The Working Environment Act sets a maximum of 40 hours/week, but most collective agreements specify 37.5 hours. Overtime premium minimum 40% by law. Maximum overtime: 10 hrs/week, 25 hrs over 4 consecutive weeks, 200 hrs/year. Night and Sunday work requires additional premiums by agreement.
What This Means for Workers
Standard work weeks differ: the Central African Republic mandates 40 hours while Norway mandates 37.5 hours.
See this comparison from Norway's perspective: Norway vs Central African Republic
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Central African Republic or Norway?
In the Central African Republic, the minimum wage is FCFA35,000/mo ($62.84 USD). In Norway, it is no statutory minimum wage.
How much less does the average worker earn in Central African Republic compared to Norway?
The average gross salary in the Central African Republic is FCFA75,000/mo ($134.65 USD), compared to kr55,150/mo ($5,953.34 USD) in Norway. In USD terms, workers in the Central African Republic earn approximately 4321% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Central African Republic and Norway is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Norway 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 Norway?
Central African Republic has a longer standard work week at 40 hours, compared to 37.5 hours in Norway. Workers in the Central African Republic work 40 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in Norway working fewer hours may have comparable or better effective hourly earnings depending on the wage levels of each country. Total annual compensation depends on both the wage rate and the number of hours required.
What is the cost of living difference between Central African Republic and Norway?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Norway has the higher GDP per capita at $102,038, which is 80.8x 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.