Key Facts: Venezuela vs Barbados Wages
- Venezuela Minimum Wage
- Bs.D0.68/hr ($0.02 USD)
- Barbados Minimum Wage
- Bds$10.71/hr ($5.36 USD)
- Venezuela Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Bs.D500 /mo ($13.70 USD)
- Barbados Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Bds$3,900 /mo ($1,950 USD)
- Data Sources
- 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), Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector — Barbados (2026-02-25)
Venezuela
Barbados
Updated 2026-05-04
The minimum wage in Venezuela is roughly 287 times lower than in Barbados in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a upper-middle-income and a high-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $14/mo in Venezuela versus $1,950/mo in Barbados, a 142.3:1 ratio.
Venezuela's unemployment rate is 5.3% compared to Barbados' 6.5%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Venezuela | Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | Bs.D0.68 $0.02 | Bds$10.71 $5.36 |
| Minimum wage /day | Bs.D5.42 $0.15 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | Bs.D130 $3.56 | Bds$1,855.07 $927.54 |
| Minimum wage /yr | — | Bds$22,260.80 $11,130.40 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | Bs.D500 /mo $13.70 | Bds$3,900 /mo $1,950 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | N/A/mo | Bds$3,120 /mo $1,560 |
| Median individual income /yr | N/A/yr | Bds$28,000 /yr $14,000 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Venezuela is higher.
Work Week
- 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.
- Barbados
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Standard workweek is 40 hours (8 hours/day, 5 days/week). The Shops Act allows up to 48 hours in some retail sectors. Overtime is paid at 1.5x the regular rate. Work on Sundays and public holidays typically paid at 2x the regular rate.
• WAGE TRAJECTORY (USD/hr)
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Venezuela earns 28644% less per hour in USD terms than one in Barbados.
See this comparison from Barbados's perspective: Barbados vs Venezuela
Compare Venezuela with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Venezuela or Barbados?
In Venezuela, the minimum wage is Bs.D0.68/hr ($0.02 USD). In Barbados, it is Bds$10.71/hr ($5.36 USD). Barbados has the higher rate by 28644% 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 less does the average worker earn in Venezuela compared to Barbados?
The average gross salary in Venezuela is Bs.D500/mo ($13.70 USD), compared to Bds$3,900/mo ($1,950 USD) in Barbados. In USD terms, workers in Venezuela earn approximately 14135% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Venezuela and Barbados is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Barbados earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Venezuela.
How do work hours compare between Venezuela and Barbados?
Both Venezuela and Barbados 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.