Key Facts: Jamaica Wages
- Country
- Jamaica (JAM)
- Continent
- North America
- Currency
- Jamaican Dollar (JMD)
- Minimum Wage
- J$325 /hr ($2.07 USD)
- Average Gross Monthly Salary
- J$160,000 /month
- Average Gross Annual Salary
- J$1,920,000 /year
- Median Individual Income
- J$960,000 /year
- Standard Work Week
- 40 hours
- Data Source
- Ministry of Labour and Social Security — Jamaica
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-24
Jamaica — Average Salary & Wages
Jamaican Dollar (JMD) Data verified Jan 2026 Sources
The average salary in Jamaica is
J$1,920,000 a year
But half of all workers earn less than J$960,000 .
The average is lifted by bonuses and high earners. Most workers earn less than that.
The minimum wage in Jamaica is J$325/hr ($2.07 USD) as of 2026. The average gross monthly salary is J$160,000 ($1,019.11 USD). The median monthly income is J$80,000 ($509.55 USD).
Median individual monthly income approximately JMD 80,000. Significant inequality between Kingston metropolitan area and rural parishes. Large informal economy means many workers earn below the official minimum wage in practice.
Average monthly earnings across formal sector. Net estimated after statutory deductions: income tax (25% standard rate with annual threshold of JMD 1,500,096 exempt), NIS (National Insurance Scheme, 3% employee), NHT (National Housing Trust, 2% employee), and education tax (2.25% employee). Effective deduction approximately 20% for earners above the tax threshold. BPO/outsourcing and tourism are major formal employers.
• SECTOR RATES
Industrial security guards
J$62,833 /mo
Since 2024-06-01
JMD 14,500 per 40-hour workweek. Higher rate for industrial security guards.
Minimum Wage Trend
Since 2019, the minimum wage has grown +86% in nominal terms.
• PPP ADJUSTED
In Jamaica, the minimum wage has the purchasing power of $3.45/hr in the United States, adjusted for local cost of living using the World Bank PPP conversion factor.
In Context
At minimum wage, a full-time worker in Jamaica earns J$56,332/mo. That is 35% of the average gross salary.
- Monthly (full-time)
- J$56,332 at min. wage
- Share of avg. salary
- 35% gross, before tax
- USD equivalent
- $358.80/mo monthly
- Nominal growth
- +86% since 2019
Wage Breakdown
- Hourly
- J$325
- Daily
- J$2,600Weekly wage divided by 5 working days
- Monthly
- J$56,333Weekly wage of JMD 13,000 × 52 weeks / 12 months
- Annual
- J$676,000
The National Minimum Wage Order set the minimum at JMD 13,000 per 40-hour workweek effective June 1, 2024, a significant increase from JMD 9,000. This was the largest single increase in Jamaica's minimum wage history. Industrial security guards have a separate, slightly higher minimum. The minimum wage is set by the Minister of Labour after consultation with the Minimum Wage Advisory Commission.
Work Week
- Standard
- 40 hrs/wk
- Maximum
- 40 hrs/wk
- Overtime
- 1.5x pay
Standard workweek is 40 hours (8 hours/day, 5 days). The Minimum Wage Order defines the reference workweek at 40 hours. Overtime is generally paid at 1.5x the normal rate. Work on public holidays is typically paid at double the normal rate. Some sectors (e.g., hotels, security) may have different arrangements.
How Jamaica Compares
| Metric | Jamaica | North America Avg. | North America Highest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Min. wage (USD equiv.) | $2.07/hr | $5.81/hr | $17.13/hr (Bermuda) |
| Avg. salary (USD equiv.) | $1,019.11/mo | $1,569.85/mo | $6,228/mo (United States) |
Countries with Similar Minimum Wages
| Country | Min. Wage /hr (USD) |
|---|---|
| Brunei | $2.06 |
| Malaysia | $2.13 |
| El Salvador | $2.13 |
| Guatemala | $2 |
| Uruguay | $2.15 |
| Jamaica | $2.07 |
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Belize Cost of Living
Wages tell half the story. See purchasing power, prices, and quality-of-life context for Jamaica on our sister site.
Cost of living in Jamaica on costofliving.is →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in Jamaica?
The minimum wage in Jamaica is J$325/hr (approximately $2.07 USD), effective since 2024-06-01. The National Minimum Wage Order set the minimum at JMD 13,000 per 40-hour workweek effective June 1, 2024, a significant increase from JMD 9,000. This was the largest single increase in Jamaica's minimum wage history. Industrial security guards have a separate, slightly higher minimum. The minimum wage is set by the Minister of Labour after consultation with the Minimum Wage Advisory Commission.
What is the average salary in Jamaica?
The average gross monthly salary in Jamaica is J$160,000 (approximately $1,019.11 USD). Average monthly earnings across formal sector. Net estimated after statutory deductions: income tax (25% standard rate with annual threshold of JMD 1,500,096 exempt), NIS (National Insurance Scheme, 3% employee), NHT (National Housing Trust, 2% employee), and education tax (2.25% employee). Effective deduction approximately 20% for earners above the tax threshold. BPO/outsourcing and tourism are major formal employers. Source: Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) — Labour Force Survey (2024).
How many hours is the standard work week in Jamaica?
The standard work week in Jamaica is 40 hours, with a legal maximum of 40 hours. Overtime is paid at 1.5x the normal rate. Standard workweek is 40 hours (8 hours/day, 5 days). The Minimum Wage Order defines the reference workweek at 40 hours. Overtime is generally paid at 1.5x the normal rate. Work on public holidays is typically paid at double the normal rate. Some sectors (e.g., hotels, security) may have different arrangements.
How has the minimum wage in Jamaica changed over time?
The minimum wage in Jamaica has changed as follows: J$30,333 in 2019, J$30,333 in 2020, J$30,333 in 2021, J$39,000 in 2022, J$39,000 in 2023, J$56,333 in 2024. This represents 6 recorded adjustments.
What is the minimum wage in Jamaica in USD?
The minimum wage in Jamaica converts to approximately $2.07/hr in US dollars, based on current exchange rates. Actual purchasing power may differ due to local cost of living.
What is the average salary in Jamaica in USD?
The average gross monthly salary in Jamaica is approximately $1,019.11 per month in US dollars, based on current exchange rates. Actual purchasing power may differ due to local cost of living.
How does Jamaica's minimum wage compare to the North America average?
Jamaica's minimum wage ranks #24 out of 32 countries with statutory minimum wages in North America, placing it below the median for North America.
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