Key Facts: Iceland vs Bahamas Wages
- Iceland Minimum Wage
- No statutory minimum wage
- Bahamas Minimum Wage
- B$6.50/hr ($6.50 USD)
- Iceland Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- kr800,000 /mo ($6,478.78 USD)
- Bahamas Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- B$3,500 /mo ($3,500 USD)
- Data Sources
- Directorate of Labour (Vinnumálastofnun) / Statistics Iceland (2026-02-24), Government of The Bahamas / Ministry of Labour (2026-02-25)
Iceland
Bahamas
Updated 2026-02-25
Iceland has no statutory minimum wage, while the Bahamas sets a floor of $7/hr. Average salaries are higher in Iceland at $6,479/mo compared to $3,500/mo in the Bahamas. GDP per capita (PPP) in Iceland is 2.0x that of Bahamas, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Iceland has higher GDP per capita ($84,257 vs $41,198). Iceland's unemployment rate is 3.6% compared to the Bahamas' 9.2%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Iceland | Bahamas |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | None | B$6.50 $6.50 |
| Minimum wage /mo | None | B$1,126.67 $1,126.67 |
| Minimum wage /yr | None | B$13,520 $13,520 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | kr800,000 /mo $6,478.78 | B$3,500 /mo $3,500 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | kr560,000 /mo $4,535.15 | B$3,150 /mo $3,150 |
| Median individual income /yr | kr7,800,000 /yr $63,168.12 | B$24,000 /yr $24,000 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Iceland is higher.
Work Week
- Iceland
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.8x pay
Standard working week is 40 hours (set by collective agreements). The Act on Working Environment and Health sets maximum average of 48 hours/week per EU Working Time Directive. Overtime premiums are set by collective agreements, typically 80% premium (1.8x) for daytime overtime, higher for evenings/weekends. A landmark 2021 agreement reduced standard hours from 40 to 36 for many public sector workers, with the private sector gradually following.
- Bahamas
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 40 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Standard workweek is 40 hours (8 hours/day). Overtime is paid at 1.5x the regular rate for hours beyond 40 per week or 8 per day. Work on public holidays or rest days is paid at 2x the regular rate. Governed by the Employment Act, 2001.
See this comparison from Bahamas's perspective: Bahamas vs Iceland
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Iceland or Bahamas?
In Iceland, the minimum wage is no statutory minimum wage. In the Bahamas, it is B$6.50/hr ($6.50 USD).
How much more does the average worker earn in Iceland compared to Bahamas?
The average gross salary in Iceland is kr800,000/mo ($6,478.78 USD), compared to B$3,500/mo ($3,500 USD) in the Bahamas. In USD terms, workers in Iceland earn approximately 85% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Iceland and Bahamas is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Iceland earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in the Bahamas.
How do work hours compare between Iceland and Bahamas?
Both Iceland and Bahamas 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 Iceland and Bahamas?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Iceland has the higher GDP per capita at $84,257, which is 2.0x that of Bahamas at $41,198. From Iceland'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.