Key Facts: Niger vs Jamaica Wages
- Niger Minimum Wage
- CFA30,047/mo ($53.94 USD)
- Jamaica Minimum Wage
- J$325/hr ($2.07 USD)
- Niger Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- CFA120,000 /mo ($215.44 USD)
- Jamaica Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- J$160,000 /mo ($1,019.11 USD)
- Data Sources
- ILO / Ministère du Travail et de la Protection Sociale (Niger) (2026-02-25), Ministry of Labour and Social Security — Jamaica (2026-02-24)
Niger
Jamaica
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Niger is roughly 26 times higher than in Jamaica in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a low-income and a upper-middle-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $215/mo in Niger versus $1,019/mo in Jamaica, a 4.7:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Jamaica is 6.3x that of Niger, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Niger has lower GDP per capita ($2,050 vs $12,890). Niger's unemployment rate is 0.4% compared to Jamaica's 3.3%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Niger | Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | J$325 $2.07 |
| Minimum wage /day | — | J$2,600 $16.56 |
| Minimum wage /mo | CFA30,047 $53.94 | J$56,333 $358.81 |
| Minimum wage /yr | — | J$676,000 $4,305.73 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | CFA120,000 /mo $215.44 | J$160,000 /mo $1,019.11 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | N/A/mo | J$128,000 /mo $815.29 |
| Median individual income /yr | CFA150,000 /yr $269.30 | J$960,000 /yr $6,114.65 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Niger is higher.
Work Week
- Niger
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Code sets standard at 40 hours/week. Maximum 48 hours with overtime. Overtime paid at 1.5x. These rules apply only to the small formal sector.
- 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.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from Jamaica to Niger would see a 2506% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings.
See this comparison from Jamaica's perspective: Jamaica vs Niger
Compare Niger with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Niger or Jamaica?
In Niger, the minimum wage is CFA30,047/mo ($53.94 USD). In Jamaica, it is J$325/hr ($2.07 USD). Niger has the higher rate by 2506% 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 less does the average worker earn in Niger compared to Jamaica?
The average gross salary in Niger is CFA120,000/mo ($215.44 USD), compared to J$160,000/mo ($1,019.11 USD) in Jamaica. In USD terms, workers in Niger earn approximately 373% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Niger and Jamaica 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 Niger.
How do work hours compare between Niger and Jamaica?
Both Niger and Jamaica 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 Niger and Jamaica?
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 6.3x that of Niger at $2,050. From Niger's perspective, this means goods and services are priced at a lower 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.