Key Facts: Philippines vs Fiji Wages
- Philippines Minimum Wage
- ₱18,070/mo ($293.13 USD)
- Fiji Minimum Wage
- FJ$5/hr ($2.25 USD)
- Philippines Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- ₱20,000 /mo ($324.44 USD)
- Fiji Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- FJ$2,500 /mo ($1,126.13 USD)
- Data Sources
- Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) / National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC); 2025 figures verified via Wikipedia List of countries by minimum wage (eff 18 July 2025) (2026-05-04), Fiji Government / Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations (2026-02-25)
Philippines
Fiji
Updated 2026-05-04
The minimum wage in the Philippines is roughly 130 times higher than in Fiji in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a lower-middle-income and a upper-middle-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $324/mo in the Philippines versus $1,126/mo in Fiji, a 3.5:1 ratio. Philippines has the tighter labor market, with unemployment at 2.2% compared to 5.3%.
The Philippines has lower GDP per capita ($11,794 vs $15,450). The Philippines' unemployment rate is 2.2% compared to Fiji's 5.3%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Philippines | Fiji |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | FJ$5 $2.25 |
| Minimum wage /day | ₱695 $11.27 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | ₱18,070 $293.13 | FJ$960 $432.43 |
| Minimum wage /yr | ₱234,910 $3,810.69 | FJ$11,520 $5,189.19 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | ₱20,000 /mo $324.44 | FJ$2,500 /mo $1,126.13 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | ₱17,600 /mo $285.51 | FJ$2,100 /mo $945.95 |
| Median individual income /yr | ₱156,000 /yr $2,530.62 | FJ$14,400 /yr $6,486.49 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Philippines is higher.
Work Week
- Philippines
-
48 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.25x pay
Labor Code sets normal working hours at 8 hours/day, 48 hours/week (6-day week). Overtime: 25% premium on regular days, 30% on rest days/holidays. Night shift differential (10pm-6am): 10% additional. Special non-working holidays: 30% premium. Regular holidays: 100% premium.
- Fiji
-
48 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Statutory maximum of 48 hours per week (8 hours/day, 6 days) under the Employment Relations Act 2007. Many office-based employers adopt a 40-hour week (8 hours/day, Monday-Friday) by policy or collective agreement. Overtime paid at 1.5x normal rate. Work on public holidays at 2x.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from Fiji to the Philippines would see a 12915% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings.
See this comparison from Fiji's perspective: Fiji vs Philippines
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Philippines or Fiji?
In the Philippines, the minimum wage is ₱18,070/mo ($293.13 USD). In Fiji, it is FJ$5/hr ($2.25 USD). Philippines has the higher rate by 12915% 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 Fiji may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much less does the average worker earn in Philippines compared to Fiji?
The average gross salary in the Philippines is ₱20,000/mo ($324.44 USD), compared to FJ$2,500/mo ($1,126.13 USD) in Fiji. In USD terms, workers in the Philippines earn approximately 247% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Philippines and Fiji is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Fiji earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in the Philippines.
How do work hours compare between Philippines and Fiji?
Both Philippines and Fiji mandate a similar standard work week of 48 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 Philippines and Fiji?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Fiji has the higher GDP per capita at $15,450, which is 1.3x that of Philippines at $11,794. From the Philippines' 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.