Key Facts: São Tomé and Príncipe Wages
- Country
- São Tomé and Príncipe (STP)
- Continent
- Africa
- Currency
- São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra (STN)
- Minimum Wage
- Db2,600 /mo ($125 USD)
- Average Gross Monthly Salary
- Db5,500 /month
- Average Gross Annual Salary
- Db66,000 /year
- Standard Work Week
- 40 hours
- Data Source
- ILO ILOSTAT / World Bank / Ministério do Trabalho de São Tomé e Príncipe
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-25
São Tomé and Príncipe — Average Salary & Wages
São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra (STN) Data verified Jan 2026 Sources
The average salary in São Tomé and Príncipe is
Db66,000 a year
The minimum wage in São Tomé and Príncipe is Db2,600/mo ($125 USD) as of 2026. The average gross monthly salary is Db5,500 ($264.42 USD).
São Tomé and Príncipe's minimum wage is near the median for Africa, ranking #27 out of 54 countries with statutory minimum wages. Over the past 4 years, the minimum wage has increased by 44% in nominal terms. The standard work week is 40 hours.
Estimated average for formal sector workers in São Tomé city. Government, hospitality (tourism), and agriculture (cocoa) are primary employers. The formal labour market is very small. Many households rely on subsistence agriculture.
Minimum Wage Trend
Since 2020, the minimum wage has grown +44% in nominal terms.
• PPP ADJUSTED
In São Tomé and Príncipe, the minimum wage has the purchasing power of $203.76/mo 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 São Tomé and Príncipe earns Db2,600/mo. That is 47% of the average gross salary.
- Monthly (full-time)
- Db2,600 at min. wage
- Share of avg. salary
- 47% gross, before tax
- USD equivalent
- $125/mo monthly
- Nominal growth
- +44% since 2020
Wage Breakdown
- Daily
- Db104Monthly rate divided by 25 working days
- Monthly
- Db2,600
São Tomé and Príncipe sets a national minimum wage under its Labour Code. The STN (novo dobra) was introduced in 2018 at a rate of 1,000 old dobra = 1 new dobra. The STN is pegged to the euro through the escudo system (24.5 STN per EUR approximately). The country's small formal economy is concentrated in Cocoa production (legacy of Portuguese plantations/roças), fishing, and tourism. Government is a major employer. The island of Príncipe has autonomous regional status. Potential oil revenue from offshore blocks has been anticipated for years but remains largely unrealized.
Work Week
- Standard
- 40 hrs/wk
- Maximum
- 48 hrs/wk
- Overtime
- 1.5x pay
Labour Code sets 40 hours/week. Portuguese is the official language. Labour law reflects Lusophone traditions.
How São Tomé and Príncipe Compares
| Metric | São Tomé and Príncipe | Africa Avg. | Africa Highest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. salary (USD equiv.) | $264.42/mo | $381.86/mo | $1,630.41/mo (South Africa) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in São Tomé and Príncipe?
The minimum wage in São Tomé and Príncipe is Db2,600/mo (approximately $125 USD), effective since 2022-01-01. São Tomé and Príncipe sets a national minimum wage under its Labour Code. The STN (novo dobra) was introduced in 2018 at a rate of 1,000 old dobra = 1 new dobra. The STN is pegged to the euro through the escudo system (24.5 STN per EUR approximately). The country's small formal economy is concentrated in Cocoa production (legacy of Portuguese plantations/roças), fishing, and tourism. Government is a major employer. The island of Príncipe has autonomous regional status. Potential oil revenue from offshore blocks has been anticipated for years but remains largely unrealized.
What is the average salary in São Tomé and Príncipe?
The average gross monthly salary in São Tomé and Príncipe is Db5,500 (approximately $264.42 USD). Estimated average for formal sector workers in São Tomé city. Government, hospitality (tourism), and agriculture (cocoa) are primary employers. The formal labour market is very small. Many households rely on subsistence agriculture. Source: World Bank / ILO estimated (formal sector, São Tomé city) (2023).
How many hours is the standard work week in São Tomé and Príncipe?
The standard work week in São Tomé and Príncipe is 40 hours, with a legal maximum of 48 hours. Overtime is paid at 1.5x the normal rate. Labour Code sets 40 hours/week. Portuguese is the official language. Labour law reflects Lusophone traditions.
How has the minimum wage in São Tomé and Príncipe changed over time?
The minimum wage in São Tomé and Príncipe has changed as follows: Db1,800 in 2020, Db2,600 in 2022, Db2,600 in 2024. This represents 3 recorded adjustments.
What is the minimum wage in São Tomé and Príncipe in USD?
The minimum wage in São Tomé and Príncipe converts to approximately $125/mo 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 São Tomé and Príncipe in USD?
The average gross monthly salary in São Tomé and Príncipe is approximately $264.42 per month in US dollars, based on current exchange rates. Actual purchasing power may differ due to local cost of living.
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