Key Facts: New Caledonia vs United Kingdom Wages
- New Caledonia Minimum Wage
- ₣991.73/hr ($7.04 USD)
- United Kingdom Minimum Wage
- £12.71/hr ($17.11 USD)
- United Kingdom Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- £3,253 /mo ($4,379.96 USD)
- Data Sources
- WageIndicator Foundation (2026-05-04), UK Government / Low Pay Commission (2026-06-01)
New Caledonia
United Kingdom
Updated 2026-06-01
Minimum Wage
₣991.73 /hr
$7.04 USD
The minimum wage in New Caledonia is 59% lower than in the United Kingdom in USD terms, though average salaries tell a different story.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | New Caledonia | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | ₣991.73 $7.04 | £12.71 $17.11 |
| Minimum wage /mo | ₣167,602 $1,189.76 | £2,203.07 $2,966.30 |
| Minimum wage /yr | ₣2,011,224 $14,277.08 | £26,436.80 $35,595.53 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | N/A/mo | £3,253 /mo $4,379.96 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | N/A/mo | £2,636 /mo $3,549.21 |
| Median individual income /yr | N/A/yr | £28,000 /yr $37,700.28 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means New Caledonia is higher.
Work Week
- New Caledonia
-
39 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.25x pay
Standard workweek is 39 hours in New Caledonia (differs from metropolitan France's 35 hours). Overtime: 25% premium for hours 40-43, 50% premium beyond 43 hours.
- United Kingdom
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Working Time Regulations limit average to 48 hrs/week (opt-out available). No statutory overtime rate; overtime pay is set by contract.
• WAGE TRAJECTORY (USD/hr)
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in New Caledonia earns 143% less per hour in USD terms than one in the United Kingdom. Standard work weeks differ: New Caledonia mandates 39 hours while the United Kingdom mandates 40 hours. A minimum wage worker's weekly earnings in New Caledonia are $275 vs $685 in the United Kingdom.
See this comparison from United Kingdom's perspective: United Kingdom vs New Caledonia
Compare New Caledonia with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in New Caledonia or United Kingdom?
In New Caledonia, the minimum wage is ₣991.73/hr ($7.04 USD). In the United Kingdom, it is £12.71/hr ($17.11 USD). United Kingdom has the higher rate by 143% 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 New Caledonia may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How do work hours compare between New Caledonia and United Kingdom?
United Kingdom has a longer standard work week at 40 hours, compared to 39 hours in New Caledonia. Workers in New Caledonia work 39 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in New Caledonia working fewer hours may have comparable or better effective hourly earnings depending on the wage levels of each country. Total annual compensation depends on both the wage rate and the number of hours required.