Key Facts: Ukraine vs Burundi Wages
- Ukraine Minimum Wage
- ₴48/hr ($1.15 USD)
- Burundi Minimum Wage
- FBu4,160/mo ($1.40 USD)
- Ukraine Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- ₴20,000 /mo ($478.47 USD)
- Burundi Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- FBu60,000 /mo ($20.19 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Economy of Ukraine / State Statistics Service (2026-02-24), ILO ILOSTAT / World Bank / Ministère de la Fonction Publique du Burundi (2026-02-25)
Ukraine
Burundi
Updated 2026-02-25
Ukraine, a lower-middle-income economy, and Burundi, classified as low-income, take different approaches to wage policy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $478/mo in Ukraine versus $20/mo in Burundi, a 23.7:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Ukraine is 15.5x that of Burundi, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Ukraine has higher GDP per capita ($18,550 vs $1,195). Ukraine's unemployment rate is 9.8% compared to Burundi's 0.9%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Ukraine | Burundi |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | ₴48 $1.15 | — |
| Minimum wage /day | ₴266.67 $6.38 | FBu160 $0.05 |
| Minimum wage /mo | ₴8,000 $191.39 | FBu4,160 $1.40 |
| Minimum wage /yr | ₴96,000 $2,296.65 | — |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | ₴20,000 /mo $478.47 | FBu60,000 /mo $20.19 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | ₴16,400 /mo $392.34 | N/A/mo |
| Median individual income /yr | ₴120,000 /yr $2,870.81 | N/A/yr |
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.
- Burundi
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 45 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Code sets 40 hours/week as the standard. The Code du Travail is French-language, reflecting Belgian colonial heritage. Overtime capped at 45 hours total. Enforcement is minimal outside the formal sector.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Ukraine earns 22% less per hour in USD terms than one in Burundi.
See this comparison from Burundi's perspective: Burundi vs Ukraine
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Ukraine or Burundi?
In Ukraine, the minimum wage is ₴48/hr ($1.15 USD). In Burundi, it is FBu4,160/mo ($1.40 USD). Burundi has the higher rate by 22% 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 Burundi?
The average gross salary in Ukraine is ₴20,000/mo ($478.47 USD), compared to FBu60,000/mo ($20.19 USD) in Burundi. In USD terms, workers in Ukraine earn approximately 2270% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Ukraine and Burundi 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 Burundi.
How do work hours compare between Ukraine and Burundi?
Both Ukraine and Burundi 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 Burundi?
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 15.5x that of Burundi at $1,195. 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.