Key Facts: Zimbabwe vs Central African Republic Wages
- Zimbabwe Minimum Wage
- $0.87/hr
- Central African Republic Minimum Wage
- FCFA35,000/mo ($62.84 USD)
- Zimbabwe Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- $253 /mo ($253 USD)
- Central African Republic Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- FCFA75,000 /mo ($134.65 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare — Zimbabwe (2026-02-25), ILO ILOSTAT / World Bank / OHADA Labour Code (2026-02-25)
Zimbabwe 
Central African Republic
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Zimbabwe is roughly 72 times lower than in the Central African Republic in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a lower-middle-income and a low-income economy. Average salaries are higher in Zimbabwe at $253/mo compared to $135/mo in the Central African Republic. GDP per capita (PPP) in Zimbabwe is 4.7x that of Central African Republic, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Zimbabwe has higher GDP per capita ($5,928 vs $1,263). Zimbabwe's unemployment rate is 9.3% compared to the Central African Republic's 6.3%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Zimbabwe | Central African Republic |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | $0.87 | — |
| Minimum wage /day | — | FCFA1,400 $2.51 |
| Minimum wage /mo | $150 | FCFA35,000 $62.84 |
| Minimum wage /yr | $1,800 | — |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | $253 /mo | FCFA75,000 /mo $134.65 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | $220 /mo | N/A/mo |
| Median individual income /yr | $1,200 /yr | N/A/yr |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Zimbabwe is higher.
Work Week
- 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%.
- Central African Republic
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
The Labour Code sets a standard 40-hour workweek, with maximum 48 hours including overtime. These provisions apply to formal employment only, which represents a small fraction of total employment. Enforcement capacity is severely constrained by institutional fragility.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Zimbabwe earns 7123% less per hour in USD terms than one in the Central African Republic. Standard work weeks differ: Zimbabwe mandates 45 hours while the Central African Republic mandates 40 hours. A minimum wage worker's weekly earnings in Zimbabwe are $39 vs $2,513 in the Central African Republic.
See this comparison from Central African Republic's perspective: Central African Republic vs Zimbabwe
Compare Zimbabwe with...
Zimbabwe vs United States $ 7.25 /hr 
Zimbabwe vs China ¥ 25 /hr 
Zimbabwe vs Germany € 13.9 /hr 
Zimbabwe vs United Kingdom £ 12.71 /hr 
Zimbabwe vs India ₹ 4,576 /mo 
Zimbabwe vs Japan ¥ 1,121 /hr 
Zimbabwe vs France € 12.02 /hr 
Zimbabwe vs South Korea ₩ 10,320 /hr 
Zimbabwe vs Canada C$ 18.1 /hr 
Zimbabwe vs Australia A$ 24.95 /hr 
Zimbabwe vs Brazil R$ 7.37 /hr 
Zimbabwe vs Russia ₽ 156.31 /hr 
Zimbabwe vs Mexico MX$ 9,583.52 /mo 
Zimbabwe vs Indonesia Rp 33,058 /hr 
Zimbabwe vs Netherlands € 14.71 /hr 
Zimbabwe vs Saudi Arabia ﷼ 23.08 /hr 
Zimbabwe vs Turkey ₺ 164.94 /hr 
Zimbabwe vs Taiwan NT$ 190 /hr 
Zimbabwe vs Switzerland 
Zimbabwe vs Poland zł 31.4 /hr 
Zimbabwe vs Thailand ฿ 10,400 /mo 
Zimbabwe vs Sweden 
Zimbabwe vs Argentina ARS 1,762 /hr 
Zimbabwe vs Singapore Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Zimbabwe or Central African Republic?
In Zimbabwe, the minimum wage is $0.87/hr. In the Central African Republic, it is FCFA35,000/mo ($62.84 USD). Central African Republic has the higher rate by 7123% 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 Zimbabwe may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much more does the average worker earn in Zimbabwe compared to Central African Republic?
The average gross salary in Zimbabwe is $253/mo, compared to FCFA75,000/mo ($134.65 USD) in the Central African Republic. In USD terms, workers in Zimbabwe earn approximately 88% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Zimbabwe and Central African Republic 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 the Central African Republic.
How do work hours compare between Zimbabwe and Central African Republic?
Zimbabwe has a longer standard work week at 45 hours, compared to 40 hours in the Central African Republic. Workers in Zimbabwe work 45 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in the Central African Republic 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.
What is the cost of living difference between Zimbabwe and Central African Republic?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Zimbabwe has the higher GDP per capita at $5,928, which is 4.7x that of Central African Republic at $1,263. From Zimbabwe's perspective, this means goods and services are priced at a higher economic level. A higher GDP per capita generally correlates with higher wages, higher consumer prices, and greater availability of goods and services. Workers moving between these two countries should expect significant differences in rent, food, and transportation costs.