Key Facts: Qatar vs Gambia Wages
- Qatar Minimum Wage
- QAR5.21/hr ($1.43 USD)
- Gambia Minimum Wage
- D1,300/mo ($17.53 USD)
- Qatar Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- QAR11,724 /mo ($3,220.88 USD)
- Gambia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- D8,000 /mo ($107.90 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Labour (MOL) — State of Qatar (2026-02-24), ILO ILOSTAT / Gambia Bureau of Statistics / Department of Labour (2026-02-25)
Qatar
Gambia
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Qatar is roughly 12 times lower than in the Gambia in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a high-income and a low-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $3,221/mo in Qatar versus $108/mo in the Gambia, a 29.8:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Qatar is 36.3x that of Gambia, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Qatar has higher GDP per capita ($126,046 vs $3,476). Qatar's unemployment rate is 0.1% compared to the Gambia's 6.5%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Qatar | Gambia |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | QAR5.21 $1.43 | — |
| Minimum wage /day | — | D50 $0.67 |
| Minimum wage /mo | QAR1,000 $274.73 | D1,300 $17.53 |
| Minimum wage /yr | QAR12,000 $3,296.70 | — |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | QAR11,724 /mo $3,220.88 | D8,000 /mo $107.90 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | QAR11,724 /mo $3,220.88 | N/A/mo |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Qatar is higher.
Work Week
- Qatar
-
48 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.25x pay
Standard workweek is 48 hours (8 hours/day, 6 days/week) under the Labour Law No. 14 of 2004. During Ramadan, working hours are reduced to 36 hours/week (6 hours/day). Overtime premium: 25% of basic wage. Work between 9pm and 6am attracts a 50% premium. Government sector typically works 35-40 hours/week.
- Gambia
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Act 2007 sets a 40-hour standard working week (8 hours/day, 5 days). Overtime is payable at 1.5x for weekdays and 2x for Sundays and public holidays.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Qatar earns 1125% less per hour in USD terms than one in the Gambia. Standard work weeks differ: Qatar mandates 48 hours while the Gambia mandates 40 hours. A minimum wage worker's weekly earnings in Qatar are $69 vs $701 in the Gambia.
See this comparison from Gambia's perspective: Gambia vs Qatar
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Qatar or Gambia?
In Qatar, the minimum wage is QAR5.21/hr ($1.43 USD). In the Gambia, it is D1,300/mo ($17.53 USD). Gambia has the higher rate by 1125% 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 Qatar may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much more does the average worker earn in Qatar compared to Gambia?
The average gross salary in Qatar is QAR11,724/mo ($3,220.88 USD), compared to D8,000/mo ($107.90 USD) in the Gambia. In USD terms, workers in Qatar earn approximately 2885% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Qatar and Gambia is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Qatar earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in the Gambia.
How do work hours compare between Qatar and Gambia?
Qatar has a longer standard work week at 48 hours, compared to 40 hours in the Gambia. Workers in Qatar work 48 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in the Gambia 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 Qatar and Gambia?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Qatar has the higher GDP per capita at $126,046, which is 36.3x that of Gambia at $3,476. From Qatar'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.