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.