Key Facts: Jamaica vs Guinea Wages
- Jamaica Minimum Wage
- J$325/hr ($2.07 USD)
- Guinea Minimum Wage
- FG440,000/mo ($51.04 USD)
- Jamaica Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- J$160,000 /mo ($1,019.11 USD)
- Guinea Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- FG1,500,000 /mo ($174.01 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Labour and Social Security — Jamaica (2026-02-24), ILO / Ministère du Travail et de la Fonction Publique (Guinea) (2026-02-25)
Jamaica
Guinea
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Jamaica is roughly 25 times lower than in Guinea in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a upper-middle-income and a low-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $1,019/mo in Jamaica versus $174/mo in Guinea, a 5.9:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Jamaica is 2.8x that of Guinea, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Jamaica has higher GDP per capita ($12,890 vs $4,565). Jamaica's unemployment rate is 3.3% compared to Guinea's 5.2%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Jamaica | Guinea |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | J$325 $2.07 | — |
| Minimum wage /day | J$2,600 $16.56 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | J$56,333 $358.81 | FG440,000 $51.04 |
| Minimum wage /yr | J$676,000 $4,305.73 | — |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | J$160,000 /mo $1,019.11 | FG1,500,000 /mo $174.01 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | J$128,000 /mo $815.29 | N/A/mo |
| Median individual income /yr | J$960,000 /yr $6,114.65 | FG3,000,000 /yr $348.03 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Jamaica is higher.
Work Week
- Jamaica
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 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.
- Guinea
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Code sets standard at 40 hours/week for formal-sector employees. Overtime compensated at 1.5x for weekday hours, 2x for work on rest days. These rules apply to the limited formal sector.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Jamaica earns 2366% less per hour in USD terms than one in Guinea.
See this comparison from Guinea's perspective: Guinea vs Jamaica
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Jamaica or Guinea?
In Jamaica, the minimum wage is J$325/hr ($2.07 USD). In Guinea, it is FG440,000/mo ($51.04 USD). Guinea has the higher rate by 2366% 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 Jamaica may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much more does the average worker earn in Jamaica compared to Guinea?
The average gross salary in Jamaica is J$160,000/mo ($1,019.11 USD), compared to FG1,500,000/mo ($174.01 USD) in Guinea. In USD terms, workers in Jamaica earn approximately 486% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Jamaica and Guinea is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Jamaica earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Guinea.
How do work hours compare between Jamaica and Guinea?
Both Jamaica and Guinea 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 Jamaica and Guinea?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Jamaica has the higher GDP per capita at $12,890, which is 2.8x that of Guinea at $4,565. From Jamaica'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.