Key Facts: Venezuela vs Jamaica Wages
- Venezuela Minimum Wage
- Bs.D0.68/hr ($0.02 USD)
- Jamaica Minimum Wage
- J$325/hr ($2.07 USD)
- Venezuela Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Bs.D500 /mo ($13.70 USD)
- Jamaica Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- J$160,000 /mo ($1,019.11 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 and Social Security — Jamaica (2026-02-24)
Venezuela
Jamaica
Updated 2026-05-04
The minimum wage in Venezuela is roughly 111 times lower than in Jamaica 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 $1,019/mo in Jamaica, a 74.4:1 ratio. Jamaica has the tighter labor market, with unemployment at 3.3% compared to 5.3%.
Venezuela's unemployment rate is 5.3% compared to Jamaica's 3.3%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Venezuela | Jamaica |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | Bs.D0.68 $0.02 | J$325 $2.07 |
| Minimum wage /day | Bs.D5.42 $0.15 | J$2,600 $16.56 |
| Minimum wage /mo | Bs.D130 $3.56 | J$56,333 $358.81 |
| Minimum wage /yr | — | J$676,000 $4,305.73 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | Bs.D500 /mo $13.70 | J$160,000 /mo $1,019.11 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | N/A/mo | J$128,000 /mo $815.29 |
| Median individual income /yr | N/A/yr | J$960,000 /yr $6,114.65 |
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.
- Jamaica
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 40 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Standard workweek is 40 hours (8 hours/day, 5 days). The Minimum Wage Order defines the reference workweek at 40 hours. Overtime is generally paid at 1.5x the normal rate. Work on public holidays is typically paid at double the normal rate. Some sectors (e.g., hotels, security) may have different arrangements.
• WAGE TRAJECTORY (USD/hr)
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Venezuela earns 11011% less per hour in USD terms than one in Jamaica.
See this comparison from Jamaica's perspective: Jamaica vs Venezuela
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Venezuela or Jamaica?
In Venezuela, the minimum wage is Bs.D0.68/hr ($0.02 USD). In Jamaica, it is J$325/hr ($2.07 USD). Jamaica has the higher rate by 11011% 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 Jamaica?
The average gross salary in Venezuela is Bs.D500/mo ($13.70 USD), compared to J$160,000/mo ($1,019.11 USD) in Jamaica. In USD terms, workers in Venezuela earn approximately 7339% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Venezuela and Jamaica is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Jamaica 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 Jamaica?
Both Venezuela and Jamaica 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.