Key Facts: Iceland vs Kyrgyzstan Wages
- Iceland Minimum Wage
- No statutory minimum wage
- Kyrgyzstan Minimum Wage
- сом17.16/hr ($0.20 USD)
- Iceland Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- kr800,000 /mo ($6,478.78 USD)
- Kyrgyzstan Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- сом37,361 /mo ($427.28 USD)
- Data Sources
- Directorate of Labour (Vinnumálastofnun) / Statistics Iceland (2026-02-24), Ministry of Finance of the Kyrgyz Republic / National Statistical Committee (2026-02-25)
Iceland
Kyrgyzstan
Updated 2026-02-25
Iceland has no statutory minimum wage, while Kyrgyzstan sets a floor of $0/hr. Average gross salaries diverge further: $6,479/mo in Iceland versus $427/mo in Kyrgyzstan, a 15.2:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Iceland is 10.5x that of Kyrgyzstan, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Iceland has higher GDP per capita ($84,257 vs $8,012). Iceland's unemployment rate is 3.6% compared to Kyrgyzstan's 3.5%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Iceland | Kyrgyzstan |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | None | сом17.16 $0.20 |
| Minimum wage /mo | None | сом2,863 $32.74 |
| Minimum wage /yr | None | сом34,356 $392.91 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | kr800,000 /mo $6,478.78 | сом37,361 /mo $427.28 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | kr560,000 /mo $4,535.15 | сом33,625 /mo $384.55 |
| Median individual income /yr | kr7,800,000 /yr $63,168.12 | сом180,000 /yr $2,058.55 |
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.
- Kyrgyzstan
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 40 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Code sets standard workweek at 40 hours (8 hrs/day). Reduced hours (36 hrs) for workers aged 16-18 and hazardous conditions. Overtime limited to 120 hours per year. Overtime premium at least 50%. Night work (22:00-06:00) premium at least 50%. Holiday work at double rate.
See this comparison from Kyrgyzstan's perspective: Kyrgyzstan vs Iceland
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Iceland or Kyrgyzstan?
In Iceland, the minimum wage is no statutory minimum wage. In Kyrgyzstan, it is сом17.16/hr ($0.20 USD).
How much more does the average worker earn in Iceland compared to Kyrgyzstan?
The average gross salary in Iceland is kr800,000/mo ($6,478.78 USD), compared to сом37,361/mo ($427.28 USD) in Kyrgyzstan. In USD terms, workers in Iceland earn approximately 1416% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Iceland and Kyrgyzstan 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 Kyrgyzstan.
How do work hours compare between Iceland and Kyrgyzstan?
Both Iceland and Kyrgyzstan 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 Kyrgyzstan?
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 10.5x that of Kyrgyzstan at $8,012. 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.