Key Facts: Jamaica vs Sudan Wages
- Jamaica Minimum Wage
- J$325/hr ($2.07 USD)
- Sudan Minimum Wage
- ج.س.30,000/mo ($49.59 USD)
- Jamaica Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- J$160,000 /mo ($1,019.11 USD)
- Sudan Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- ج.س.85,000 /mo ($140.50 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Labour and Social Security — Jamaica (2026-02-24), ILO ILOSTAT / World Bank / Sudan Labour Code (2026-02-25)
Jamaica
Sudan
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Jamaica is roughly 24 times lower than in Sudan 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 $140/mo in Sudan, a 7.3:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Jamaica is 6.1x that of Sudan, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Jamaica has higher GDP per capita ($12,890 vs $2,116). Jamaica's unemployment rate is 3.3% compared to Sudan's 7.5%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Jamaica | Sudan |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | J$325 $2.07 | — |
| Minimum wage /day | J$2,600 $16.56 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | J$56,333 $358.81 | ج.س.30,000 $49.59 |
| Minimum wage /yr | J$676,000 $4,305.73 | — |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | J$160,000 /mo $1,019.11 | ج.س.85,000 /mo $140.50 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | J$128,000 /mo $815.29 | N/A/mo |
| Median individual income /yr | J$960,000 /yr $6,114.65 | N/A/yr |
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.
- Sudan
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Act of 2017 sets standard hours at 8 per day / 40 per week. Maximum with overtime is 48 hours/week. Friday is the weekly rest day (Islamic calendar). These provisions apply to formal employment only and enforcement has been severely disrupted by the 2023 conflict.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Jamaica earns 2295% less per hour in USD terms than one in Sudan.
See this comparison from Sudan's perspective: Sudan vs Jamaica
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Jamaica or Sudan?
In Jamaica, the minimum wage is J$325/hr ($2.07 USD). In Sudan, it is ج.س.30,000/mo ($49.59 USD). Sudan has the higher rate by 2295% 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 Sudan?
The average gross salary in Jamaica is J$160,000/mo ($1,019.11 USD), compared to ج.س.85,000/mo ($140.50 USD) in Sudan. In USD terms, workers in Jamaica earn approximately 625% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Jamaica and Sudan 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 Sudan.
How do work hours compare between Jamaica and Sudan?
Both Jamaica and Sudan 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 Sudan?
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 6.1x that of Sudan at $2,116. 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.