Key Facts: Gambia vs Gabon Wages
- Gambia Minimum Wage
- D1,300/mo ($17.53 USD)
- Gabon Minimum Wage
- FCFA865.38/hr ($1.55 USD)
- Gambia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- D8,000 /mo ($107.90 USD)
- Gabon Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- FCFA555,000 /mo ($996.41 USD)
- Data Sources
- ILO ILOSTAT / Gambia Bureau of Statistics / Department of Labour (2026-02-25), Ministry of Labour, Employment and Vocational Training / Labour Code of Gabon (2026-02-25)
Gambia
Gabon
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in the Gambia is roughly 11 times higher than in Gabon in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a low-income and a upper-middle-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $108/mo in the Gambia versus $996/mo in Gabon, a 9.2:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Gabon is 6.2x that of Gambia, underscoring the structural economic divide.
The Gambia has lower GDP per capita ($3,476 vs $21,510). The Gambia's unemployment rate is 6.5% compared to Gabon's 20.1%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Gambia | Gabon |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | FCFA865.38 $1.55 |
| Minimum wage /day | D50 $0.67 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | D1,300 $17.53 | FCFA150,000 $269.30 |
| Minimum wage /yr | — | FCFA1,800,000 $3,231.60 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | D8,000 /mo $107.90 | FCFA555,000 /mo $996.41 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | N/A/mo | FCFA430,000 /mo $771.99 |
| Median individual income /yr | N/A/yr | FCFA2,400,000 /yr $4,308.80 |
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.
- 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).
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from Gabon to the Gambia would see a 1029% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings.
See this comparison from Gabon's perspective: Gabon vs Gambia
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Gambia or Gabon?
In the Gambia, the minimum wage is D1,300/mo ($17.53 USD). In Gabon, it is FCFA865.38/hr ($1.55 USD). Gambia has the higher rate by 1029% 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 less does the average worker earn in Gambia compared to Gabon?
The average gross salary in the Gambia is D8,000/mo ($107.90 USD), compared to FCFA555,000/mo ($996.41 USD) in Gabon. In USD terms, workers in the Gambia earn approximately 823% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Gambia and Gabon 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 the Gambia.
How do work hours compare between Gambia and Gabon?
Both Gambia and Gabon 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 Gabon?
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 6.2x 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.