Key Facts: Gabon vs Bhutan Wages
- Gabon Minimum Wage
- FCFA865.38/hr ($1.55 USD)
- Bhutan Minimum Wage
- Nu3,250/mo ($35.75 USD)
- Gabon Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- FCFA555,000 /mo ($996.41 USD)
- Bhutan Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Nu18,000 /mo ($198.02 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Labour, Employment and Vocational Training / Labour Code of Gabon (2026-02-25), Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment — Royal Government of Bhutan / ILO (2026-02-25)
Gabon
Bhutan
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Gabon is roughly 23 times lower than in Bhutan in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a upper-middle-income and a lower-middle-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $996/mo in Gabon versus $198/mo in Bhutan, a 5.0:1 ratio. Bhutan has the tighter labor market, with unemployment at 3.2% compared to 20.1%.
Gabon has higher GDP per capita ($21,510 vs $16,215). Gabon's unemployment rate is 20.1% compared to Bhutan's 3.2%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Gabon | Bhutan |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | FCFA865.38 $1.55 | — |
| Minimum wage /day | — | Nu125 $1.38 |
| Minimum wage /mo | FCFA150,000 $269.30 | Nu3,250 $35.75 |
| Minimum wage /yr | FCFA1,800,000 $3,231.60 | Nu39,000 $429.04 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | FCFA555,000 /mo $996.41 | Nu18,000 /mo $198.02 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | FCFA430,000 /mo $771.99 | Nu16,000 /mo $176.02 |
| Median individual income /yr | FCFA2,400,000 /yr $4,308.80 | Nu72,000 /yr $792.08 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Gabon is higher.
Work Week
- Gabon
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 60 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.25x pay
Standard workweek is 40 hours (8 hours/day, 5 days). Overtime capped at 20 hours/week, permitted only for exceptional, urgent, or seasonal work. Weekday overtime at 125% of normal rate; Sundays/public holidays at 150-200%. Employees entitled to 10 consecutive hours of daily rest and one full day of weekly rest (usually Sunday). Governed by the Labour Code (Code du Travail).
- Bhutan
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Bhutan Labour and Employment Act 2007 sets a 40-hour standard workweek (8 hours/day, 5 days). Maximum including overtime is 48 hours. Overtime is paid at 1.5x the regular rate. The public sector follows a 5-day, 8-hour schedule.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Gabon earns 2201% less per hour in USD terms than one in Bhutan.
See this comparison from Bhutan's perspective: Bhutan vs Gabon
Compare Gabon with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Gabon or Bhutan?
In Gabon, the minimum wage is FCFA865.38/hr ($1.55 USD). In Bhutan, it is Nu3,250/mo ($35.75 USD). Bhutan has the higher rate by 2201% 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 Gabon may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much more does the average worker earn in Gabon compared to Bhutan?
The average gross salary in Gabon is FCFA555,000/mo ($996.41 USD), compared to Nu18,000/mo ($198.02 USD) in Bhutan. In USD terms, workers in Gabon earn approximately 403% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Gabon and Bhutan is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Gabon earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Bhutan.
How do work hours compare between Gabon and Bhutan?
Both Gabon and Bhutan 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 Gabon and Bhutan?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Gabon has the higher GDP per capita at $21,510, which is 1.3x that of Bhutan at $16,215. From Gabon'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.