Key Facts: Venezuela vs Ecuador Wages
- Venezuela Minimum Wage
- Bs.D0.68/hr ($0.02 USD)
- Ecuador Minimum Wage
- $1.96/hr
- Venezuela Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Bs.D500 /mo ($13.70 USD)
- Ecuador Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- $650 /mo ($650 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), Ministerio del Trabajo — Ecuador; 2025 figure verified via Wikipedia List of countries by minimum wage (eff 2025-01-01) (2026-05-04)
Venezuela
Ecuador
Updated 2026-05-04
The minimum wage in Venezuela is roughly 105 times lower than in Ecuador in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a upper-middle-income and a upper-middle-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $14/mo in Venezuela versus $650/mo in Ecuador, a 47.5:1 ratio.
Venezuela's unemployment rate is 5.3% compared to Ecuador's 3.3%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Venezuela | Ecuador |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | Bs.D0.68 $0.02 | $1.96 |
| Minimum wage /day | Bs.D5.42 $0.15 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | Bs.D130 $3.56 | $470 |
| Minimum wage /yr | — | $6,580 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | Bs.D500 /mo $13.70 | $650 /mo |
| Avg. net salary /mo | N/A/mo | $585 /mo |
| Median individual income /yr | N/A/yr | $4,800 /yr |
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.
- Ecuador
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 40 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Código del Trabajo sets the standard workweek at 40 hours (8 hours/day, 5 days). Overtime (horas suplementarias) is paid at 50% premium for day hours and 100% premium for night hours (7pm-6am) and weekends/holidays. Maximum 4 hours of overtime per day, 12 hours per week. Night work (7pm-6am) has a 25% surcharge even within regular hours.
• WAGE TRAJECTORY (USD/hr)
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Venezuela earns 10421% less per hour in USD terms than one in Ecuador.
See this comparison from Ecuador's perspective: Ecuador vs Venezuela
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Venezuela or Ecuador?
In Venezuela, the minimum wage is Bs.D0.68/hr ($0.02 USD). In Ecuador, it is $1.96/hr. Ecuador has the higher rate by 10421% 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 Ecuador?
The average gross salary in Venezuela is Bs.D500/mo ($13.70 USD), compared to $650/mo in Ecuador. In USD terms, workers in Venezuela earn approximately 4645% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Venezuela and Ecuador is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Ecuador 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 Ecuador?
Both Venezuela and Ecuador 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.