Key Facts: Cook Islands Wages
- Country
- Cook Islands (COK)
- Continent
- Oceania
- Currency
- New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
- Minimum Wage
- $10 /hr ($5.67 USD)
- Standard Work Week
- 40 hours
- Data Source
- Cook Islands News
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-04
Cook Islands — Minimum Wage
New Zealand Dollar (NZD) Data verified Jan 2026 Sources
Cook Islands sets a minimum wage of
$10 /hr
It has risen 5% over the past 1 years.
The minimum wage in Cook Islands is $10/hr ($5.67 USD) as of 2026.
Cook Islands' minimum wage is among the highest for Oceania, ranking #5 out of 15 countries with statutory minimum wages. The standard work week is 40 hours.
Minimum Wage Trend
Since 2024, the minimum wage has grown +5% in nominal terms.
In Context
At minimum wage, a full-time worker in Cook Islands earns $1,733/mo.
- Monthly (full-time)
- $1,733 at min. wage
- USD equivalent
- $982.93/mo monthly
- Nominal growth
- +5% since 2024
Wage Breakdown
- Hourly
- $10
- Monthly
- $1,733.33Based on 40-hour workweek (10.00 × 40 × 52 / 12)
- Annual
- $20,800Hourly × 40 hours × 52 weeks
Independent minimum wage, significantly lower than New Zealand's NZD 23.50/hour. Increased from NZD 9.50 to NZD 10.00 on July 1, 2025. Workers have expressed desire for NZD 12/hour.
Work Week
- Standard
- 40 hrs/wk
- Maximum
- 48 hrs/wk
- Overtime
- 1.5x pay
Standard workweek is 40 hours. 50-60% of workforce employed in tourism-related activities.
How Cook Islands Compares
| Metric | Cook Islands | Oceania Avg. | Oceania Highest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Min. wage (USD equiv.) | $5.67/hr | $4.71/hr | $17.19/hr (Australia) |
Countries with Similar Minimum Wages
| Country | Min. Wage /hr (USD) |
|---|---|
| Hungary | $5.96 |
| Hong Kong | $5.37 |
| Slovakia | $5.99 |
| Barbados | $5.36 |
| Anguilla | $6.00 |
| Cook Islands | $5.67 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in Cook Islands?
The minimum wage in Cook Islands is $10/hr (approximately $5.67 USD), effective since 2025-07-01. Independent minimum wage, significantly lower than New Zealand's NZD 23.50/hour. Increased from NZD 9.50 to NZD 10.00 on July 1, 2025. Workers have expressed desire for NZD 12/hour.
How many hours is the standard work week in Cook Islands?
The standard work week in Cook Islands is 40 hours, with a legal maximum of 48 hours. Overtime is paid at 1.5x the normal rate. Standard workweek is 40 hours. 50-60% of workforce employed in tourism-related activities.
How has the minimum wage in Cook Islands changed over time?
The minimum wage in Cook Islands has changed as follows: $9.50 in 2024, $10 in 2025. This represents 2 recorded adjustments.
What is the minimum wage in Cook Islands in USD?
The minimum wage in Cook Islands converts to approximately $5.67/hr in US dollars, based on current exchange rates. Actual purchasing power may differ due to local cost of living.
How does Cook Islands's minimum wage compare to the Oceania average?
Cook Islands's minimum wage ranks #5 out of 15 countries with statutory minimum wages in Oceania, placing it above the median for Oceania.
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