Key Facts: Venezuela vs Zimbabwe Wages
- Venezuela Minimum Wage
- Bs.D0.68/hr ($0.02 USD)
- Zimbabwe Minimum Wage
- $0.87/hr
- Venezuela Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Bs.D500 /mo ($13.70 USD)
- Zimbabwe Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- $253 /mo ($253 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 Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare — Zimbabwe (2026-02-25)
Venezuela
Zimbabwe
Updated 2026-05-04
The minimum wage in Venezuela is roughly 47 times lower than in Zimbabwe in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a upper-middle-income and a lower-middle-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $14/mo in Venezuela versus $253/mo in Zimbabwe, a 18.5:1 ratio. Venezuela has the tighter labor market, with unemployment at 5.3% compared to 9.3%.
Venezuela's unemployment rate is 5.3% compared to Zimbabwe's 9.3%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Venezuela | Zimbabwe |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | Bs.D0.68 $0.02 | $0.87 |
| Minimum wage /day | Bs.D5.42 $0.15 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | Bs.D130 $3.56 | $150 |
| Minimum wage /yr | — | $1,800 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | Bs.D500 /mo $13.70 | $253 /mo |
| Avg. net salary /mo | N/A/mo | $220 /mo |
| Median individual income /yr | N/A/yr | $1,200 /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.
- Zimbabwe
-
45 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Act sets maximum working hours at 45 per week (9 hours/day for 5-day week). Overtime is limited and must be compensated at 150% of normal rate. Sunday and public holiday work at 200%.
• WAGE TRAJECTORY (USD/hr)
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Venezuela earns 4570% less per hour in USD terms than one in Zimbabwe. Standard work weeks differ: Venezuela mandates 40 hours while Zimbabwe mandates 45 hours. A minimum wage worker's weekly earnings in Venezuela are $1 vs $39 in Zimbabwe.
See this comparison from Zimbabwe's perspective: Zimbabwe vs Venezuela
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Venezuela or Zimbabwe?
In Venezuela, the minimum wage is Bs.D0.68/hr ($0.02 USD). In Zimbabwe, it is $0.87/hr. Zimbabwe has the higher rate by 4570% 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 Zimbabwe?
The average gross salary in Venezuela is Bs.D500/mo ($13.70 USD), compared to $253/mo in Zimbabwe. In USD terms, workers in Venezuela earn approximately 1747% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Venezuela and Zimbabwe is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe has a longer standard work week at 45 hours, compared to 40 hours in Venezuela. Workers in Venezuela work 40 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in Venezuela working fewer hours may have comparable or better effective hourly earnings depending on the wage levels of each country. Total annual compensation depends on both the wage rate and the number of hours required.