Key Facts: Gambia vs Chile Wages
- Gambia Minimum Wage
- D1,300/mo ($17.53 USD)
- Chile Minimum Wage
- CLP2,994/hr ($3.26 USD)
- Gambia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- D8,000 /mo ($107.90 USD)
- Chile Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- CLP750,000 /mo ($816.99 USD)
- Data Sources
- ILO ILOSTAT / Gambia Bureau of Statistics / Department of Labour (2026-02-25), Dirección del Trabajo / Ministerio del Trabajo y Previsión Social; 2026 rate per Ley 21.751 (eff 2026-01-01) (2026-05-27)
Gambia
Chile
Updated 2026-05-27
The minimum wage in the Gambia is roughly 5 times higher than in Chile in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a low-income and a high-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $108/mo in the Gambia versus $817/mo in Chile, a 7.6:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Chile is 10.4x that of Gambia, underscoring the structural economic divide.
The Gambia has lower GDP per capita ($3,476 vs $36,181). The Gambia's unemployment rate is 6.5% compared to Chile's 9.0%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Gambia | Chile |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | CLP2,994 $3.26 |
| Minimum wage /day | D50 $0.67 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | D1,300 $17.53 | CLP539,000 $587.15 |
| Minimum wage /yr | — | CLP7,007,000 $7,632.90 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | D8,000 /mo $107.90 | CLP750,000 /mo $816.99 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | N/A/mo | CLP622,500 /mo $678.10 |
| Median individual income /yr | N/A/yr | CLP6,000,000 /yr $6,535.95 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Gambia is higher.
Work Week
- Gambia
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Act 2007 sets a 40-hour standard working week (8 hours/day, 5 days). Overtime is payable at 1.5x for weekdays and 2x for Sundays and public holidays.
- Chile
-
43 hrs/wk standard
Max 43 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Ley de 40 horas (Ley 21.561) is reducing the workweek in steps: 45h → 44h (April 2024) → 43h (April 2026) → 40h (April 2028). As of April 26, 2026 the standard is 43h. Final reduction to 40h takes effect April 2028. Overtime paid at 50% premium, maximum 2 hours/day. Distributed across 5 or 6 working days.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from Chile to the Gambia would see a 438% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings. Standard work weeks differ: the Gambia mandates 40 hours while Chile mandates 43 hours. A minimum wage worker's weekly earnings in the Gambia are $701 vs $140 in Chile.
See this comparison from Chile's perspective: Chile vs Gambia
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Gambia or Chile?
In the Gambia, the minimum wage is D1,300/mo ($17.53 USD). In Chile, it is CLP2,994/hr ($3.26 USD). Gambia has the higher rate by 438% 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 Chile may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much less does the average worker earn in Gambia compared to Chile?
The average gross salary in the Gambia is D8,000/mo ($107.90 USD), compared to CLP750,000/mo ($816.99 USD) in Chile. In USD terms, workers in the Gambia earn approximately 657% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Gambia and Chile is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Chile earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in the Gambia.
How do work hours compare between Gambia and Chile?
Chile has a longer standard work week at 43 hours, compared to 40 hours in the Gambia. Workers in the Gambia work 40 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in the Gambia 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 Gambia and Chile?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Chile has the higher GDP per capita at $36,181, which is 10.4x that of Gambia at $3,476. From the Gambia'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.