Key Facts: Democratic Republic of the Congo vs Venezuela Wages
- Democratic Republic of the Congo Minimum Wage
- FC884/hr ($0.31 USD)
- Venezuela Minimum Wage
- Bs.D0.68/hr ($0.02 USD)
- Democratic Republic of the Congo Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- FC400,000 /mo ($142.35 USD)
- Venezuela Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Bs.D500 /mo ($13.70 USD)
- Data Sources
- ILO ILOSTAT / DRC Ministry of Labour / World Bank (2026-02-25), Venezuelan Ministry of Labour (MINPPTRASS) / Decreto 4.653/2022 / Cendas-FVM. Confirmed: legal salario mínimo has been UNCHANGED at VES 130 since March 2022 (over 4 years frozen amid hyperinflation). Effective real income for workers is dominated by the 'ingreso integral' (bono de guerra económica + CESTATICKET food bonus), increased to USD 240/month effective 1 May 2026. (2026-05-04)
Democratic Republic of the Congo 
Venezuela
Updated 2026-05-04
The minimum wage in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is roughly 17 times higher than in Venezuela in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a low-income and a upper-middle-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $142/mo in the Democratic Republic of the Congo versus $14/mo in Venezuela, a 10.4:1 ratio.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo's unemployment rate is 4.4% compared to Venezuela's 5.3%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Democratic Republic of the Congo | Venezuela |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | FC884 $0.31 | Bs.D0.68 $0.02 |
| Minimum wage /day | FC7,075 $2.52 | Bs.D5.42 $0.15 |
| Minimum wage /mo | FC184,950 $65.82 | Bs.D130 $3.56 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | FC400,000 /mo $142.35 | Bs.D500 /mo $13.70 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Democratic Republic of the Congo is higher.
Work Week
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
-
45 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Code (Law No. 015-2002) sets standard hours at 9 hours/day for a 5-day week or 7.5 hours/day for a 6-day week, totaling 45 hours/week. Maximum with overtime is 48 hours/week. Overtime is compensated at 130% (day), 150% (night), 200% (Sundays and public holidays). These rules apply only to formal employment. The country observes 6 national public holidays.
- Venezuela
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 44 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Organic Labour Law (LOTTT) of 2012 sets the standard workweek at 40 hours (8 hours/day, 5 days). Certain sectors may work up to 44 hours/week. Overtime is limited to 100 hours/year and paid at a premium of at least 50%. Night work (7pm–5am) carries a 30% premium. Workers are entitled to 2 years advance notice before termination — the LOTTT provides extremely strong job security provisions. Saturday is often worked in practice in commerce/industry.
• WAGE TRAJECTORY (USD/hr)
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from Venezuela to the Democratic Republic of the Congo would see a 1589% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings. Standard work weeks differ: the Democratic Republic of the Congo mandates 45 hours while Venezuela mandates 40 hours. A minimum wage worker's weekly earnings in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are $14 vs $1 in Venezuela.
See this comparison from Venezuela's perspective: Venezuela vs Democratic Republic of the Congo
Compare Democratic Republic of the Congo with...
Democratic Republic of the Congo vs United States $ 7.25 /hr 
Democratic Republic of the Congo vs China ¥ 25 /hr 
Democratic Republic of the Congo vs Germany € 13.9 /hr 
Democratic Republic of the Congo vs United Kingdom £ 12.71 /hr 
Democratic Republic of the Congo vs India ₹ 4,576 /mo 
Democratic Republic of the Congo vs Japan ¥ 1,121 /hr 
Democratic Republic of the Congo vs France € 12.02 /hr 
Democratic Republic of the Congo vs South Korea ₩ 10,320 /hr 
Democratic Republic of the Congo vs Canada C$ 18.1 /hr 
Democratic Republic of the Congo vs Australia A$ 24.95 /hr 
Democratic Republic of the Congo vs Brazil R$ 7.37 /hr 
Democratic Republic of the Congo vs Russia ₽ 156.31 /hr 
Democratic Republic of the Congo vs Mexico MX$ 9,583.52 /mo 
Democratic Republic of the Congo vs Indonesia Rp 33,058 /hr 
Democratic Republic of the Congo vs Netherlands € 14.71 /hr 
Democratic Republic of the Congo vs Saudi Arabia ﷼ 23.08 /hr 
Democratic Republic of the Congo vs Turkey ₺ 164.94 /hr 
Democratic Republic of the Congo vs Taiwan NT$ 190 /hr 
Democratic Republic of the Congo vs Switzerland 
Democratic Republic of the Congo vs Poland zł 31.4 /hr 
Democratic Republic of the Congo vs Thailand ฿ 10,400 /mo 
Democratic Republic of the Congo vs Sweden 
Democratic Republic of the Congo vs Argentina ARS 1,762 /hr 
Democratic Republic of the Congo vs Singapore Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Democratic Republic of the Congo or Venezuela?
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the minimum wage is FC884/hr ($0.31 USD). In Venezuela, it is Bs.D0.68/hr ($0.02 USD). Democratic Republic of the Congo has the higher rate by 1589% 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 Venezuela may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much more does the average worker earn in Democratic Republic of the Congo compared to Venezuela?
The average gross salary in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is FC400,000/mo ($142.35 USD), compared to Bs.D500/mo ($13.70 USD) in Venezuela. In USD terms, workers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo earn approximately 939% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Democratic Republic of the Congo and Venezuela is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Venezuela.
How do work hours compare between Democratic Republic of the Congo and Venezuela?
Democratic Republic of the Congo has a longer standard work week at 45 hours, compared to 40 hours in Venezuela. Workers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo work 45 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in Venezuela 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.