Key Facts: Norway vs Bahamas Wages
- Norway Minimum Wage
- No statutory minimum wage
- Bahamas Minimum Wage
- B$6.50/hr ($6.50 USD)
- Norway Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- kr55,150 /mo ($5,953.34 USD)
- Bahamas Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- B$3,500 /mo ($3,500 USD)
- Data Sources
- Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority (Arbeidstilsynet) (2026-05-28), Government of The Bahamas / Ministry of Labour (2026-02-25)
Norway
Bahamas
Updated 2026-05-28
Norway has no statutory minimum wage, while the Bahamas sets a floor of $7/hr. Average salaries are higher in Norway at $5,953/mo compared to $3,500/mo in the Bahamas. GDP per capita (PPP) in Norway is 2.5x that of Bahamas, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Norway has higher GDP per capita ($102,038 vs $41,198). Norway's unemployment rate is 4.6% compared to the Bahamas' 9.2%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Norway | Bahamas |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | None | B$6.50 $6.50 |
| Minimum wage /mo | None | B$1,126.67 $1,126.67 |
| Minimum wage /yr | None | B$13,520 $13,520 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | kr55,150 /mo $5,953.34 | B$3,500 /mo $3,500 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | kr38,600 /mo $4,166.80 | B$3,150 /mo $3,150 |
| Median individual income /yr | kr570,000 /yr $61,530.49 | B$24,000 /yr $24,000 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Norway is higher.
Work Week
- Norway
-
37.5 hrs/wk standard
Max 40 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.4x pay
The Working Environment Act sets a maximum of 40 hours/week, but most collective agreements specify 37.5 hours. Overtime premium minimum 40% by law. Maximum overtime: 10 hrs/week, 25 hrs over 4 consecutive weeks, 200 hrs/year. Night and Sunday work requires additional premiums by agreement.
- Bahamas
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 40 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Standard workweek is 40 hours (8 hours/day). Overtime is paid at 1.5x the regular rate for hours beyond 40 per week or 8 per day. Work on public holidays or rest days is paid at 2x the regular rate. Governed by the Employment Act, 2001.
What This Means for Workers
Standard work weeks differ: Norway mandates 37.5 hours while the Bahamas mandates 40 hours.
See this comparison from Bahamas's perspective: Bahamas vs Norway
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Norway or Bahamas?
In Norway, the minimum wage is no statutory minimum wage. In the Bahamas, it is B$6.50/hr ($6.50 USD).
How much more does the average worker earn in Norway compared to Bahamas?
The average gross salary in Norway is kr55,150/mo ($5,953.34 USD), compared to B$3,500/mo ($3,500 USD) in the Bahamas. In USD terms, workers in Norway earn approximately 70% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Norway and Bahamas is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Norway earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in the Bahamas.
How do work hours compare between Norway and Bahamas?
Bahamas has a longer standard work week at 40 hours, compared to 37.5 hours in Norway. Workers in Norway work 37.5 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in Norway 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 Norway and Bahamas?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Norway has the higher GDP per capita at $102,038, which is 2.5x that of Bahamas at $41,198. From Norway'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.