Key Facts: Niger vs Zimbabwe Wages
- Niger Minimum Wage
- CFA30,047/mo ($53.94 USD)
- Zimbabwe Minimum Wage
- $0.87/hr
- Niger Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- CFA120,000 /mo ($215.44 USD)
- Zimbabwe Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- $253 /mo ($253 USD)
- Data Sources
- ILO / Ministère du Travail et de la Protection Sociale (Niger) (2026-02-25), Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare — Zimbabwe (2026-02-25)
Niger
Zimbabwe
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Niger is roughly 62 times higher than in Zimbabwe in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a low-income and a lower-middle-income economy. Average salaries are lower in Niger at $215/mo compared to $253/mo in Zimbabwe. GDP per capita (PPP) in Zimbabwe is 2.9x that of Niger, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Niger has lower GDP per capita ($2,050 vs $5,928). Niger's unemployment rate is 0.4% compared to Zimbabwe's 9.3%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Niger | Zimbabwe |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | $0.87 |
| Minimum wage /mo | CFA30,047 $53.94 | $150 |
| Minimum wage /yr | — | $1,800 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | CFA120,000 /mo $215.44 | $253 /mo |
| Avg. net salary /mo | N/A/mo | $220 /mo |
| Median individual income /yr | CFA150,000 /yr $269.30 | $1,200 /yr |
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.
- Zimbabwe
-
45 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Act sets maximum working hours at 45 per week (9 hours/day for 5-day week). Overtime is limited and must be compensated at 150% of normal rate. Sunday and public holiday work at 200%.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from Zimbabwe to Niger would see a 6100% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings. Standard work weeks differ: Niger mandates 40 hours while Zimbabwe mandates 45 hours. A minimum wage worker's weekly earnings in Niger are $2,158 vs $39 in Zimbabwe.
See this comparison from Zimbabwe's perspective: Zimbabwe vs Niger
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Niger or Zimbabwe?
In Niger, the minimum wage is CFA30,047/mo ($53.94 USD). In Zimbabwe, it is $0.87/hr. Niger has the higher rate by 6100% 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 Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe?
The average gross salary in Niger is CFA120,000/mo ($215.44 USD), compared to $253/mo in Zimbabwe. In USD terms, workers in Niger earn approximately 17% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Niger and Zimbabwe is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe has a longer standard work week at 45 hours, compared to 40 hours in Niger. Workers in Niger work 40 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in Niger 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.
What is the cost of living difference between Niger and Zimbabwe?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Zimbabwe has the higher GDP per capita at $5,928, which is 2.9x 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.