Key Facts: Ukraine vs Bhutan Wages
- Ukraine Minimum Wage
- ₴48/hr ($1.15 USD)
- Bhutan Minimum Wage
- Nu3,250/mo ($35.75 USD)
- Ukraine Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- ₴20,000 /mo ($478.47 USD)
- Bhutan Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Nu18,000 /mo ($198.02 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Economy of Ukraine / State Statistics Service (2026-02-24), Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment — Royal Government of Bhutan / ILO (2026-02-25)
Ukraine
Bhutan
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Ukraine is roughly 31 times lower than in Bhutan in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a lower-middle-income and a lower-middle-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $478/mo in Ukraine versus $198/mo in Bhutan, a 2.4:1 ratio. Bhutan has the tighter labor market, with unemployment at 3.2% compared to 9.8%.
Ukraine has higher GDP per capita ($18,550 vs $16,215). Ukraine's unemployment rate is 9.8% compared to Bhutan's 3.2%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Ukraine | Bhutan |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | ₴48 $1.15 | — |
| Minimum wage /day | ₴266.67 $6.38 | Nu125 $1.38 |
| Minimum wage /mo | ₴8,000 $191.39 | Nu3,250 $35.75 |
| Minimum wage /yr | ₴96,000 $2,296.65 | Nu39,000 $429.04 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | ₴20,000 /mo $478.47 | Nu18,000 /mo $198.02 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | ₴16,400 /mo $392.34 | Nu16,000 /mo $176.02 |
| Median individual income /yr | ₴120,000 /yr $2,870.81 | Nu72,000 /yr $792.08 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Ukraine is higher.
Work Week
- Ukraine
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 40 hrs/wk
Overtime : 2x pay
Labour Code sets standard working time at 40 hours/week. Overtime is compensated at double the normal rate and limited to 4 hours over 2 consecutive days, 120 hours/year. Under martial law (from Feb 2022), employers may increase working hours to 60/week and suspend certain labour protections with government approval.
- Bhutan
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Bhutan Labour and Employment Act 2007 sets a 40-hour standard workweek (8 hours/day, 5 days). Maximum including overtime is 48 hours. Overtime is paid at 1.5x the regular rate. The public sector follows a 5-day, 8-hour schedule.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Ukraine earns 3014% less per hour in USD terms than one in Bhutan.
See this comparison from Bhutan's perspective: Bhutan vs Ukraine
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Ukraine or Bhutan?
In Ukraine, the minimum wage is ₴48/hr ($1.15 USD). In Bhutan, it is Nu3,250/mo ($35.75 USD). Bhutan has the higher rate by 3014% 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 Ukraine may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much more does the average worker earn in Ukraine compared to Bhutan?
The average gross salary in Ukraine is ₴20,000/mo ($478.47 USD), compared to Nu18,000/mo ($198.02 USD) in Bhutan. In USD terms, workers in Ukraine earn approximately 142% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Ukraine and Bhutan is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Ukraine earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Bhutan.
How do work hours compare between Ukraine and Bhutan?
Both Ukraine and Bhutan mandate a similar standard work week of 40 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 Ukraine and Bhutan?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Ukraine has the higher GDP per capita at $18,550, which is 1.1x that of Bhutan at $16,215. From Ukraine'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.