Key Facts: Colombia vs Niger Wages
- Colombia Minimum Wage
- COP7,295.44/hr ($1.77 USD)
- Niger Minimum Wage
- CFA30,047/mo ($53.94 USD)
- Colombia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- COP2,200,000 /mo ($532.69 USD)
- Niger Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- CFA120,000 /mo ($215.44 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministerio del Trabajo y Seguridad Social; 2026 SMLMV per Decretos 1469 y 1470 de 2025 + Decreto 0159 de 2026 (auxilio de transporte) (2026-05-27), ILO / Ministère du Travail et de la Protection Sociale (Niger) (2026-02-25)
Colombia
Niger
Updated 2026-05-27
The minimum wage in Colombia is roughly 31 times lower than in Niger in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a upper-middle-income and a low-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $533/mo in Colombia versus $215/mo in Niger, a 2.5:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Colombia is 10.9x that of Niger, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Colombia has higher GDP per capita ($22,349 vs $2,050). Colombia's unemployment rate is 8.3% compared to Niger's 0.4%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Colombia | Niger |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | COP7,295.44 $1.77 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | COP1,750,905 $423.95 | CFA30,047 $53.94 |
| Minimum wage /yr | COP22,761,765 $5,511.32 | — |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | COP2,200,000 /mo $532.69 | CFA120,000 /mo $215.44 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | COP1,936,000 /mo $468.77 | N/A/mo |
| Median individual income /yr | COP16,800,000 /yr $4,067.80 | CFA150,000 /yr $269.30 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Colombia is higher.
Work Week
- Colombia
-
44 hrs/wk standard
Max 44 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.25x pay
Colombia is reducing the workweek from 48 to 42 hours under Ley 2101 de 2021 in annual steps. As of 2026-01-01, the maximum is 44 hours/week. The final step (44h → 42h) takes effect July 2026. Daytime overtime: 25% premium. Night overtime: 75% premium. Sunday/holiday work: 75% premium (175% if also overtime).
- Niger
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Code sets standard at 40 hours/week. Maximum 48 hours with overtime. Overtime paid at 1.5x. These rules apply only to the small formal sector.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Colombia earns 2954% less per hour in USD terms than one in Niger. Standard work weeks differ: Colombia mandates 44 hours while Niger mandates 40 hours. A minimum wage worker's weekly earnings in Colombia are $78 vs $2,158 in Niger.
See this comparison from Niger's perspective: Niger vs Colombia
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Colombia or Niger?
In Colombia, the minimum wage is COP7,295.44/hr ($1.77 USD). In Niger, it is CFA30,047/mo ($53.94 USD). Niger has the higher rate by 2954% 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 Colombia may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much more does the average worker earn in Colombia compared to Niger?
The average gross salary in Colombia is COP2,200,000/mo ($532.69 USD), compared to CFA120,000/mo ($215.44 USD) in Niger. In USD terms, workers in Colombia earn approximately 147% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Colombia and Niger is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Colombia earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Niger.
How do work hours compare between Colombia and Niger?
Colombia has a longer standard work week at 44 hours, compared to 40 hours in Niger. Workers in Colombia work 44 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in Niger 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 Colombia and Niger?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Colombia has the higher GDP per capita at $22,349, which is 10.9x that of Niger at $2,050. From Colombia's perspective, this means goods and services are priced at a higher 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.