Key Facts: United States vs Venezuela Wages
- United States Minimum Wage
- $7.25/hr
- Venezuela Minimum Wage
- Bs.D0.68/hr ($0.02 USD)
- United States Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- $6,228 /mo ($6,228 USD)
- Venezuela Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Bs.D500 /mo ($13.70 USD)
- Data Sources
- U.S. Department of Labor (2026-05-27), Venezuelan Ministry of Labour (MINPPTRASS) / Decreto 4.653/2022 / Cendas-FVM. Confirmed: legal salario mínimo has been UNCHANGED at VES 130 since March 2022 (over 4 years frozen amid hyperinflation). Effective real income for workers is dominated by the 'ingreso integral' (bono de guerra económica + CESTATICKET food bonus), increased to USD 240/month effective 1 May 2026. (2026-05-04)
United States 
Venezuela
Updated 2026-05-27
The minimum wage in the United States is roughly 389 times higher than in Venezuela in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a high-income and a upper-middle-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $6,228/mo in the United States versus $14/mo in Venezuela, a 454.6:1 ratio.
The United States' unemployment rate is 4.2% compared to Venezuela's 5.3%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | United States | Venezuela |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | $7.25 | Bs.D0.68 $0.02 |
| Minimum wage /day | — | Bs.D5.42 $0.15 |
| Minimum wage /mo | $1,256.67 | Bs.D130 $3.56 |
| Minimum wage /yr | $15,080 | — |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | $6,228 /mo | Bs.D500 /mo $13.70 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | $4,800 /mo | N/A/mo |
| Median individual income /yr | $44,225 /yr | N/A/yr |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means United States is higher.
Work Week
- United States
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Overtime required after 40 hours/week under FLSA. No federal maximum hours for workers 16+.
- Venezuela
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 44 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Organic Labour Law (LOTTT) of 2012 sets the standard workweek at 40 hours (8 hours/day, 5 days). Certain sectors may work up to 44 hours/week. Overtime is limited to 100 hours/year and paid at a premium of at least 50%. Night work (7pm–5am) carries a 30% premium. Workers are entitled to 2 years advance notice before termination — the LOTTT provides extremely strong job security provisions. Saturday is often worked in practice in commerce/industry.
• WAGE TRAJECTORY (USD/hr)
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from Venezuela to the United States would see a 38815% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings.
See this comparison from Venezuela's perspective: Venezuela vs United States
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Is the minimum wage higher in United States or Venezuela?
In the United States, the minimum wage is $7.25/hr. In Venezuela, it is Bs.D0.68/hr ($0.02 USD). United States has the higher rate by 38815% 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 Venezuela may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much more does the average worker earn in United States compared to Venezuela?
The average gross salary in the United States is $6,228/mo, compared to Bs.D500/mo ($13.70 USD) in Venezuela. In USD terms, workers in the United States earn approximately 45364% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between United States and Venezuela is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in the United States earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Venezuela.
How do work hours compare between United States and Venezuela?
Both United States and Venezuela 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.