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Key Facts: Venezuela vs United States Wages

Venezuela Minimum Wage
Bs.D0.68/hr ($0.02 USD)
United States Minimum Wage
$7.25/hr
Venezuela Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
Bs.D500 /mo ($13.70 USD)
United States Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
$6,228 /mo ($6,228 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), U.S. Department of Labor (2026-05-27)

Venezuela flag Venezuela United States flag United States

Updated 2026-05-27

Venezuela flag Venezuela

Minimum Wage

Bs.D0.68 /hr

$0.02 USD

Avg. Gross Salary

Bs.D500 /mo

United States flag United States

Minimum Wage

$7.25 /hr

Avg. Gross Salary

$6,228 /mo

Min wage: -100% Venezuela vs United States Avg. salary: -100% Venezuela vs United States

The minimum wage in Venezuela is roughly 389 times lower than in the United States 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 $6,228/mo in the United States, a 454.6:1 ratio.

Venezuela's unemployment rate is 5.3% compared to the United States' 4.2%.

Detailed Comparison

Detailed wage comparison between Venezuela and United States
Metric Venezuela United States
Minimum wage /hr Bs.D0.68 $0.02 $7.25
Minimum wage /day Bs.D5.42 $0.15
Minimum wage /mo Bs.D130 $3.56 $1,256.67
Minimum wage /yr $15,080
Avg. gross salary /mo Bs.D500 /mo $13.70 $6,228 /mo
Avg. net salary /mo N/A/mo $4,800 /mo
Median individual income /yr N/A/yr $44,225 /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.

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+.

• WAGE TRAJECTORY (USD/hr)

Venezuela United States Source: wage.is · USD equivalent/hr

What This Means for Workers

A minimum wage worker in Venezuela earns 38815% less per hour in USD terms than one in the United States.

See this comparison from United States's perspective: United States vs Venezuela

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the minimum wage higher in Venezuela or United States?

In Venezuela, the minimum wage is Bs.D0.68/hr ($0.02 USD). In the United States, it is $7.25/hr. 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 less does the average worker earn in Venezuela compared to United States?

The average gross salary in Venezuela is Bs.D500/mo ($13.70 USD), compared to $6,228/mo in the United States. In USD terms, workers in Venezuela earn approximately 45364% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Venezuela and United States 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 Venezuela and United States?

Both Venezuela and United States 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.