Key Facts: Zimbabwe vs Chad Wages
- Zimbabwe Minimum Wage
- $0.87/hr
- Chad Minimum Wage
- FCFA60,000/mo ($107.72 USD)
- Zimbabwe Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- $253 /mo ($253 USD)
- Chad Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- FCFA180,000 /mo ($323.16 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare — Zimbabwe (2026-02-25), ILO / Ministère de la Fonction Publique, du Travail et du Dialogue Social (Chad) (2026-02-25)
Zimbabwe
Chad
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Zimbabwe is roughly 124 times lower than in Chad in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a lower-middle-income and a low-income economy. Average salaries are lower in Zimbabwe at $253/mo compared to $323/mo in Chad. GDP per capita (PPP) in Zimbabwe is 2.2x that of Chad, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Zimbabwe has higher GDP per capita ($5,928 vs $2,743). Zimbabwe's unemployment rate is 9.3% compared to Chad's 1.1%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Zimbabwe | Chad |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | $0.87 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | $150 | FCFA60,000 $107.72 |
| Minimum wage /yr | $1,800 | — |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | $253 /mo | FCFA180,000 /mo $323.16 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | $220 /mo | N/A/mo |
| Median individual income /yr | $1,200 /yr | FCFA180,000 /yr $323.16 |
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%.
- Chad
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Code sets standard at 40 hours/week in the formal sector. Overtime compensated at 1.5x. These provisions apply only to a narrow formal-sector workforce.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Zimbabwe earns 12282% less per hour in USD terms than one in Chad. Standard work weeks differ: Zimbabwe mandates 45 hours while Chad mandates 40 hours. A minimum wage worker's weekly earnings in Zimbabwe are $39 vs $4,309 in Chad.
See this comparison from Chad's perspective: Chad vs Zimbabwe
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Zimbabwe or Chad?
In Zimbabwe, the minimum wage is $0.87/hr. In Chad, it is FCFA60,000/mo ($107.72 USD). Chad has the higher rate by 12282% 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 less does the average worker earn in Zimbabwe compared to Chad?
The average gross salary in Zimbabwe is $253/mo, compared to FCFA180,000/mo ($323.16 USD) in Chad. In USD terms, workers in Zimbabwe earn approximately 28% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Zimbabwe and Chad is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Chad earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Zimbabwe.
How do work hours compare between Zimbabwe and Chad?
Zimbabwe has a longer standard work week at 45 hours, compared to 40 hours in Chad. Workers in Zimbabwe work 45 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in Chad 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 Chad?
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 2.2x that of Chad at $2,743. 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.