Key Facts: Papua New Guinea Wages
- Country
- Papua New Guinea (PNG)
- Continent
- Oceania
- Currency
- Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK)
- Minimum Wage
- K5 /hr ($1.33 USD)
- Average Gross Monthly Salary
- K2,200 /month
- Average Gross Annual Salary
- K26,400 /year
- Median Individual Income
- K7,200 /year
- Standard Work Week
- 40 hours
- Data Source
- PNG minimum wage determination (ILO-supported), effective 2026-01-01, verified 2026-06-08
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-08
Papua New Guinea — Average Salary & Wages
Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK) Data verified Jan 2026 Sources
The average salary in Papua New Guinea is
K26,400 a year
But half of all workers earn less than K7,200 .
The average is lifted by bonuses and high earners. Most workers earn less than that.
The minimum wage in Papua New Guinea is K5/hr ($1.33 USD) as of 2026. The average gross monthly salary is K2,200 ($585.11 USD). The median monthly income is K600 ($159.57 USD).
Estimates. Papua New Guinea is classified as lower-middle income. Most households rely on subsistence agriculture rather than formal wages. The Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) provides the primary data but is conducted infrequently.
Estimated average monthly earnings for formal sector workers. The formal economy is concentrated in Port Moresby, Lae, and resource extraction enclaves. Mining and petroleum sector wages are significantly higher. The vast majority of the population (over 80%) lives in rural areas outside the formal wage economy.
Minimum Wage Trend
Since 2012, the minimum wage has grown +257% in nominal terms.
• PPP ADJUSTED
In Papua New Guinea, the minimum wage has the purchasing power of $2.10/hr in the United States, adjusted for local cost of living using the World Bank PPP conversion factor.
In Context
At minimum wage, a full-time worker in Papua New Guinea earns K866.67/mo. That is 39% of the average gross salary.
- Monthly (full-time)
- K866.67 at min. wage
- Share of avg. salary
- 39% gross, before tax
- USD equivalent
- $230.50/mo monthly
- Nominal growth
- +257% since 2012
Wage Breakdown
- Hourly
- K5
- Monthly
- K866.67Hourly rate × 40 hours/week × 52 weeks / 12 months
- Annual
- K10,400Hourly rate × 40 hours/week × 52 weeks
Papua New Guinea's national minimum wage is set by the Minimum Wages Board and applies to all industries and occupations. The rate rose to PGK 5.00/hour effective 1 January 2026. Scheduled rises take the rate to PGK 5.25 in 2027 and PGK 5.50 in 2028. Historically, PNG had separate urban and rural rates; these were unified under the Employment Act amendments. The extractive sector (oil, gas, copper, gold) pays substantially above minimum wage through enterprise agreements.
Work Week
- Standard
- 40 hrs/wk
- Maximum
- 48 hrs/wk
- Overtime
- 1.5x pay
Papua New Guinea Employment Act sets a standard 40-hour week (8 hours/day, 5 days). Maximum is 48 hours including overtime. Overtime is paid at 1.5x the ordinary rate. Work on Sundays is at 2x. The extractive sector often operates on rotating shift schedules under enterprise agreements.
How Papua New Guinea Compares
| Metric | Papua New Guinea | Oceania Avg. | Oceania Highest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Min. wage (USD equiv.) | $1.33/hr | $4.78/hr | $18.22/hr (Australia) |
| Avg. salary (USD equiv.) | $585.11/mo | $1,346.08/mo | $5,397.97/mo (Australia) |
Countries with Similar Minimum Wages
| Country | Min. Wage /hr (USD) |
|---|---|
| Mongolia | $1.31 |
| Azerbaijan | $1.35 |
| Kuwait | $1.27 |
| Iraq | $1.40 |
| Kiribati | $1.24 |
| Papua New Guinea | $1.33 |
Related Wage Comparisons
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Marshall Islands Cost of Living
Wages tell half the story. See purchasing power, prices, and quality-of-life context for Papua New Guinea on our sister site.
Cost of living in Papua New Guinea on costofliving.is →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in Papua New Guinea?
The minimum wage in Papua New Guinea is K5/hr (approximately $1.33 USD), effective since 2026-01-01. Papua New Guinea's national minimum wage is set by the Minimum Wages Board and applies to all industries and occupations. The rate rose to PGK 5.00/hour effective 1 January 2026. Scheduled rises take the rate to PGK 5.25 in 2027 and PGK 5.50 in 2028. Historically, PNG had separate urban and rural rates; these were unified under the Employment Act amendments. The extractive sector (oil, gas, copper, gold) pays substantially above minimum wage through enterprise agreements.
What is the average salary in Papua New Guinea?
The average gross monthly salary in Papua New Guinea is K2,200 (approximately $585.11 USD). Estimated average monthly earnings for formal sector workers. The formal economy is concentrated in Port Moresby, Lae, and resource extraction enclaves. Mining and petroleum sector wages are significantly higher. The vast majority of the population (over 80%) lives in rural areas outside the formal wage economy. Source: National Statistical Office Papua New Guinea / World Bank estimates (2023).
How many hours is the standard work week in Papua New Guinea?
The standard work week in Papua New Guinea is 40 hours, with a legal maximum of 48 hours. Overtime is paid at 1.5x the normal rate. Papua New Guinea Employment Act sets a standard 40-hour week (8 hours/day, 5 days). Maximum is 48 hours including overtime. Overtime is paid at 1.5x the ordinary rate. Work on Sundays is at 2x. The extractive sector often operates on rotating shift schedules under enterprise agreements.
How has the minimum wage in Papua New Guinea changed over time?
The minimum wage in Papua New Guinea has changed as follows: K1.40 in 2012, K2 in 2014, K3.50 in 2016, K3.20 in 2018, K5 in 2026. This represents 5 recorded adjustments.
What is the minimum wage in Papua New Guinea in USD?
The minimum wage in Papua New Guinea converts to approximately $1.33/hr in US dollars, based on current exchange rates. Actual purchasing power may differ due to local cost of living.
What is the average salary in Papua New Guinea in USD?
The average gross monthly salary in Papua New Guinea is approximately $585.11 per month in US dollars, based on current exchange rates. Actual purchasing power may differ due to local cost of living.
How does Papua New Guinea's minimum wage compare to the Oceania average?
Papua New Guinea's minimum wage ranks #12 out of 15 countries with statutory minimum wages in Oceania, placing it below the median for Oceania.
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