Barbados’ skilled workforce and stable business environment make it an ideal outsourcing destination. Employers looking to hire in the area may wonder, “What is the average salary in Barbados?” This information will help them prepare a fair hiring offer.

The average monthly salary in Barbados is 3,900 Barbadian dollars (BBD), about USD 1,950. However, you must also consider how wages are impacted by experience, education, location, and position. Comparing salaries in the country to those around the world provides additional insight.

This article will cover all aspects of salaries in Barbados to prepare you for remote partnerships in the country.

What is the Average Salary in Barbados?

The average salary in Barbados is 3,900 BBD, about $1,950. The country’s high wages are due to its tourist-driven economy and international business sector. It also sees prominent expatriate labor, contributing to a highly skilled workforce and foreign investments.

Median Income

Barbados’ median monthly income is 3,200 BBD, about $1,600 USD. Half the country’s population earns higher salaries; the other half earns less.

When comparing average vs median salaries, average salaries are much higher due to wage inequality in the country. Expats earn much more than the native residents.

Salary Range

In Barbados, low earners make about 2,000 BBD, about $1,000, per month, while high earners make closer to 12,000 BBD, about $6,000.

Salary Comparisons in Barbados

Average salary provides insight, but you must consider how wages vary by experience, education, location, position, and industry. The following sections will explore how these factors impact earnings.

Salary by Position

This salary comparison chart reveals how wages vary by position.

Position
Average Monthly Salary (BBD)
Chief Executive Officer
12,506
IT Director
11,125
Call Center Director
11,088
IT Architect
9,487
Lead Developer
9,022
Head of Product Development
8,941
Finance Manager
8,903
Marketing Director
8,588
IT Manager
8,279
Logistics Director
8,057
Fabric Cutter
2,267
Banking Cashier
2,267
Clothing Technologist
2,257
General Laborer
2,226
Packer
2,211
Seamstress
2,111
Porter
2,042
Medical Records Clerk
2,033
Tailor
2,018

Average Wage in Barbados Based on Education

Education significantly impacts earnings in Barbados. Individuals with secondary education earn higher returns than those with primary education, averaging 4.8% to 8% for every dollar spent. Those with tertiary education see higher returns of around 12.8% to 20%.

Salary Comparison by Experience

Experience also impacts salaries as workers in the country see an average wage increase of 5% every 28 months or 2% every 12 months. Here are some statistics to consider based on position:

Job Role
Entry-Level Salary (USD)
Senior-Level Salary (USD)
Notes (USD)
Cybersecurity Specialist
$45,000 – $60,000
$90,000 – $120,000
8+ years of experience
IT Support Specialist
$43,999
Up to $76,433
8+ years of experience
Customer Service Worker
Varies
+7% after 5 years
Wage growth over time

Salary Comparison by Location

Location is another factor to consider in wage determination, as workers on remote islands typically earn less than those in large cities. The disparity is due to varying living costs, tourist interest, and proximity to job opportunities. 

For example, wages and living costs are highest on Grand Bahama, an island fueled by luxury tourism. New Providence, home to the capital city of Nassau, also sees high wages as an industrialized area offering various job opportunities. Workers in these areas earn much more than those on remote islands.

Compare the average salary with the minimum wage in Barbados by checking out our guide to the minimum wage in Barbados.

Average Salary in Barbados vs. the Rest of the World

The following charts provide information on salaries in Barbados compared to wages in developed, developing, and least developed countries.

Barbados vs. Developed Countries

Country
Average Salary
Comparison to Average Barbados Salary
Japan
340,000 JPY (approx. $2,300)
− 15%
United Kingdom
£3,000 (approx. $4,100)
− 52%
Norway
50,000 NOK (approx. $4,700)
− 59%
Germany
€4,300 (approx. $4,470)
− 56%
Austria
€3,700 (approx. $4,050)
− 52%

Barbados vs. Developing Countries

Country
Average Salary
Comparison to Average Barbados Salary
Romania
4,000 RON (approx. $835)
134%
Russia
73,700 RUB (approx. $700)
179%
Albania
83,330 ALL (approx. $860)
56%
Kazakhstan
342,000 KZT (approx. $645)
202%
Ukraine
18,000 Hryvnia (approx. $500)
290%

Barbados vs. Undeveloped Countries

Country
Average Salary
Comparison to Average Barbados Salary
Afghanistan
13,200 AFN (approx. $150)
1,200%
Philippines
15,000 PHP (approx. $265)
636%
Cambodia
1,150,000 Riel (approx. $280)
596%
Egypt
3,900 EGP (approx. $125)
1,460%
Pakistan
60,000 PKR (approx. $210)
829%

Barbados is a developed country boasting a High Human Development Index score and one of the highest per capita incomes in the Eastern Caribbean. Its work economy is fueled by tourism, finance, and the service sector. It offers a robust infrastructure supporting its health and education systems. 

The country is an excellent outsourcing destination due to its educated workforce and stable political and economic environment. It offers nearshoring advantages to North American countries, reducing communication delays. Although not the most cost-effective option, companies can benefit from quality products and services.

What are the Most Common Outsourced Industries in Barbados?

Companies that outsource to Barbados will see the most benefits when focusing on the following sectors:

Tourism

Tourism is a major driver of Barbados’ economy. The country is known for its historic sites and rich cultural heritage. Employers may seek remote services for hospitality, marketing, travel arrangements, and customer service.

Finance

Barbados offers a well-developed and stable financial sector known for its regulatory oversight. The industry includes credit unions, commercial banks, insurance companies, and offshore activities. Although the BBD exists, the currency is pegged to the U.S. dollar, translating easily for foreign investors.

IT Services

The country’s IT industry is growing rapidly, focusing on digital transformation. The government supports the sector with investment opportunities and the ROOFs to Reefs initiative, which addresses climate resilience through a fortified infrastructure. Software development, contact centers, IT consulting, transaction processing, and fintech dominate the industry.

Conclusion

Barbados’ skilled workforce and stable business environment make it an ideal outsourcing destination. Although the average salary in Barbados is high, companies can benefit from high-quality products and services that make their organization stand out.