Key Facts: Gambia vs China Wages
- Gambia Minimum Wage
- D1,300/mo ($17.53 USD)
- China Minimum Wage
- ¥25/hr ($3.70 USD)
- Gambia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- D8,000 /mo ($107.90 USD)
- China Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- ¥10,343 /mo ($1,528.88 USD)
- Data Sources
- ILO ILOSTAT / Gambia Bureau of Statistics / Department of Labour (2026-02-25), Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MOHRSS); regional rates verified via china-briefing.com aggregator (April 2026) (2026-05-04)
Gambia
China
Updated 2026-05-04
The minimum wage in the Gambia is 374% higher than in China when converted to USD. Average gross salaries diverge further: $108/mo in the Gambia versus $1,529/mo in China, a 14.2:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in China is 7.8x that of Gambia, underscoring the structural economic divide.
The Gambia has lower GDP per capita ($3,476 vs $27,105). The Gambia's unemployment rate is 6.5% compared to China's 4.6%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Gambia | China |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | ¥25 $3.70 |
| Minimum wage /day | D50 $0.67 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | D1,300 $17.53 | ¥2,740 $405.02 |
| Minimum wage /yr | — | ¥32,880 $4,860.24 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | D8,000 /mo $107.90 | ¥10,343 /mo $1,528.88 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | N/A/mo | ¥8,274 /mo $1,223.04 |
| Median individual income /yr | N/A/yr | ¥34,707 /yr $5,130.30 |
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.
- China
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 44 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Law sets 40 hours/week standard (8 hrs/day, 5 days). Overtime limited to 36 hours/month. Weekday overtime: 150%, rest day overtime: 200%, statutory holiday overtime: 300%. The '996' culture (9am-9pm, 6 days/week) is widespread in tech but was ruled illegal by the Supreme People's Court in 2021.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from China to the Gambia would see a 374% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings.
See this comparison from China's perspective: China vs Gambia
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Gambia or China?
In the Gambia, the minimum wage is D1,300/mo ($17.53 USD). In China, it is ¥25/hr ($3.70 USD). Gambia has the higher rate by 374% 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 China 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 China?
The average gross salary in the Gambia is D8,000/mo ($107.90 USD), compared to ¥10,343/mo ($1,528.88 USD) in China. In USD terms, workers in the Gambia earn approximately 1317% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Gambia and China is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in China 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 China?
Both Gambia and China 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 Gambia and China?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. China has the higher GDP per capita at $27,105, which is 7.8x 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.