Key Facts: Zimbabwe vs Niger Wages
- Zimbabwe Minimum Wage
- $0.87/hr
- Niger Minimum Wage
- CFA30,047/mo ($53.94 USD)
- Zimbabwe Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- $253 /mo ($253 USD)
- Niger Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- CFA120,000 /mo ($215.44 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare — Zimbabwe (2026-02-25), ILO / Ministère du Travail et de la Protection Sociale (Niger) (2026-02-25)
Zimbabwe
Niger
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Zimbabwe is roughly 62 times lower than in Niger 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 $215/mo in Niger. GDP per capita (PPP) in Zimbabwe is 2.9x that of Niger, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Zimbabwe has higher GDP per capita ($5,928 vs $2,050). Zimbabwe's unemployment rate is 9.3% compared to Niger's 0.4%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Zimbabwe | Niger |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | $0.87 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | $150 | CFA30,047 $53.94 |
| Minimum wage /yr | $1,800 | — |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | $253 /mo | CFA120,000 /mo $215.44 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | $220 /mo | N/A/mo |
| Median individual income /yr | $1,200 /yr | CFA150,000 /yr $269.30 |
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%.
- Niger
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Code sets standard at 40 hours/week. Maximum 48 hours with overtime. Overtime paid at 1.5x. These rules apply only to the small formal sector.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Zimbabwe earns 6100% less per hour in USD terms than one in Niger. Standard work weeks differ: Zimbabwe mandates 45 hours while Niger mandates 40 hours. A minimum wage worker's weekly earnings in Zimbabwe are $39 vs $2,158 in Niger.
See this comparison from Niger's perspective: Niger vs Zimbabwe
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Zimbabwe or Niger?
In Zimbabwe, the minimum wage is $0.87/hr. In Niger, it is CFA30,047/mo ($53.94 USD). Niger has the higher rate by 6100% 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 Niger?
The average gross salary in Zimbabwe is $253/mo, compared to CFA120,000/mo ($215.44 USD) in Niger. In USD terms, workers in Zimbabwe earn approximately 17% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Zimbabwe and Niger 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 Niger.
How do work hours compare between Zimbabwe and Niger?
Zimbabwe has a longer standard work week at 45 hours, compared to 40 hours in Niger. Workers in Zimbabwe work 45 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in Niger 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 Niger?
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 2.9x that of Niger at $2,050. 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.