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RecruitAverage Salary in Belize
Curious about salaries in Belize? This guide breaks down the average wages, compares professions, highlights minimum wage figures, and explores how Belize’s earnings measure up internationally.
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Belize’s skilled workforce, low labor cost, and nearshoring advantage make it an excellent outsourcing destination. Employers looking to hire in the area may wonder, “What is the average salary in Belize?” This information will help them prepare a competitive job offer.
The average monthly salary in Belize is 993 Belize dollars (BZD), about USD 497. However, salaries vary by profession, industry, location, education, and experience. Comparing wages in the country to those in other nations will provide additional insight.
This guide will explore all aspects of earnings in Belize to prepare you for your hiring journey.
What is the Average Salary in Belize?
The average salary in Belize is 993 BZD, about $494. Wages are low in the country due to its heavy reliance on agriculture and the service sector, both low-paying industries. The government also has weak institutional frameworks that hinder growth.
Median Income
The median monthly salary in Belize is 900 BZD, about $450. Half the country earns higher wages; the other half earns less.
Salary Range
Low earners in Belize earn about 866 BZD (about $433) while high earners make closer to 12,795 BZD, about $6,398.
Salary Comparisons in Belize
Average salary provides some insight, but you must also consider how wages vary by profession, industry, experience, education, and location. 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 Annual Salary (BZD) |
|---|---|
| Accountant | 24,805 |
| High School Teacher | 25,434 |
| Primary School Teacher | 23,000 |
| Administrative Assistant | 13,000 |
| Elementary School Teacher | 28,085 |
| Accounting Clerk | 20,778 |
| Human Resource Manager | 39,416 |
Average Wage in Belize Based on Education
Education is a factor in Belize’s wage determination, but other factors are more significant. For example, women with higher education have three times the unemployment rate of men with higher education, suggesting gender-based wage inequality.
However, statistics show that men and women with higher education are 25% more likely to participate in the labor market than their less educated peers. Moreover, the gender gap closes as women attain higher levels of education, although this varies by education and region.
Returns on education are about 10.2% for every year of schooling attained. They equal about 40% for secondary education, and 110% for university degrees. However, due to a skills gap in the country, some workers may be unable to attain the jobs they qualify for.
Salary Comparison by Experience
Experience also impacts wage determination, as experienced workers earn more than entry-level workers. Employees with tenure in their field also become eligible for raises.
Salary Comparison by Location
Location plays a significant role in Belize’s salary assignments. Workers in urban areas earn more than rural workers due to a higher concentration of tourists, higher living costs, and proximity to large companies that offer more job opportunities.
In Belize, high-paying cities include San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, a popular tourist destination attracting expats and real estate investments, and Belize City, a commercial and tourist center. Other wealthy cities include Placencia, Caye Caulker, and Cayo. Meanwhile, workers in the agricultural Banana Belt struggle to earn a living.
How Much is Minimum Wage in Belize?
Belize’s minimum wage is 5 BZD, or about $2.50. It went into effect on Jan. 1, 2023, replacing the previous minimum wage of 3.30 BZD, which had been in effect since 2012.
Average Salary in Belize vs. the Rest of the World
To provide additional insight, the following charts will compare Belize wages to salaries in developed, developing, and least developed countries.
Belize vs. Developed Countries
| Country | Average Salary | Comparison to Average Belize Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | 340,000 JPY (approx. $2,300) | − 74% |
| United Kingdom | £3,000 (approx. $4,100) | − 85% |
| Norway | 50,000 NOK (approx. $4,700) | − 87% |
| Germany | €4,300 (approx. $4,470) | − 87% |
| Austria | €3,700 (approx. $4,050) | − 85% |
Belize vs. Developing Countries
| Country | Average Salary | Comparison to Average Belize Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Romania | 4,000 RON (approx. $835) | − 28% |
| Russia | 73,700 RUB (approx. $700) | − 14% |
| Albania | 83,330 ALL (approx. $860) | − 73% |
| Kazakhstan | 342,000 KZT (approx. $645) | − 7% |
| Ukraine | 18,000 UAH (approx. $500) | 20% |
Belize vs. Undeveloped Countries
| Country | Average Salary | Comparison to Average Belize Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 13,200 AFN (approx. $150) | 300% |
| Philippines | 15,000 PHP (approx. $265) | 126% |
| Cambodia | 1,150,000 Riel (approx. $280) | 114% |
| Egypt | 3,900 EGP (approx. $125) | 380% |
| Pakistan | 60,000 PKR (approx. $210) | 186% |
Belize is a developing country with an upper-middle-income economy. Although it focuses on free-market principles, it faces challenges like institutional weaknesses, which hinder growth. Key sectors include tourism and agriculture.
Despite development issues, Belize is emerging as a promising outsourcing destination. It offers nearshore advantages and cost-effective labor. Its government supports its BPO industry with streamlined regulations, incentives, and infrastructure developments.
What are the Most Common Outsourced Industries in Belize?
Employers who outsource will see the most benefits when focusing on the following industries:
Call Center BPO
Belize is emerging as a popular BPO destination across all industries, including call centers, customer support, healthcare, and IT services. It offers cost-effective labor and a predominantly English-speaking workforce. North American countries can benefit from nearshoring advantages, ensuring time zones align.
Agriculture
The country’s agricultural industry contributes heavily to its GDP. Key crops include bananas, citrus fruits, sugar, legumes, and grains. In addition to utilizing exports, companies can also outsource labor-intensive tasks, logistics, and technical expertise.
Tourism
Tourism is a major driver of the Belize economy. The country offers diverse tourism options, including ecotourism, adventure and cultural tourism, and luxury and honeymoon destinations. Companies can partner with Belize to outsource hospitality and travel services.
Conclusion
Belize’s low-cost labor, skilled workforce, and nearshoring advantage make it an ideal outsourcing destination. Companies that partner with workers in the region on remote partnerships can benefit from cost savings and quality products and services while helping the country overcome its development issues, producing positive outcomes for all involved parties.
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