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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 flag Venezuela Zimbabwe flag Zimbabwe

Updated 2026-05-04

Venezuela flag Venezuela

Minimum Wage

Bs.D0.68 /hr

$0.02 USD

Avg. Gross Salary

Bs.D500 /mo

Zimbabwe flag Zimbabwe

Minimum Wage

$0.87 /hr

Avg. Gross Salary

$253 /mo

Min wage: -98% Venezuela vs Zimbabwe Avg. salary: -95% Venezuela vs Zimbabwe

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

Detailed wage comparison between Venezuela and Zimbabwe
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)

Venezuela Zimbabwe Source: wage.is · USD equivalent/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.