Recruit
Average Salary in Bhutan
-
Drew Donnelly
- Published
- September 5, 2026
Curious about salaries in Bhutan? This guide breaks down the average wages, compares professions, highlights minimum wage figures, and explores how Bhutan’s earnings measure up internationally.
- 5 ★ on G2
Let RemotePeople handle payroll, compliance, and HR admin worldwide so you can focus on building your team.
Bhutan’s cost-effective labor, skilled workforce, and government support make it an excellent outsourcing destination. Employers considering hiring in the area may wonder, “What is the average salary in Bhutan?” This information will help them make a fair hiring offer.
The average monthly salary in Bhutan is 25,720 Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN), about USD 310. However, you must consider how experience, education, location, position, and industry impact salaries. Comparing wages in the country to those in other areas provides additional insight.
This article will explore all aspects of salaries in Bhutan, preparing you for remote opportunities.
What is the Average Salary in Bhutan?
The average salary in Bhutan is 38,920 BTN, about $453. The country’s wages are low due to its heavy reliance on agriculture, a low-paying industry. The private sector also suffers from labor shortages.
Median Income
Bhutan’s median monthly income is 23,000 BTN, about $277. Half the country’s population earns higher salaries, and the other half earns less.
Salary Range
Salary range spans from the lowest to the highest paying positions in the country. In Bhutan, low earners make about 10,000 BTN, about $120 monthly, while high earners make closer to 83,010 BTN, about $1,000.
Salary Comparisons in Bhutan
Average salaries provide insight, but you must consider how wages vary by education, experience, profession, industry, and location. The following sections will explore how these factors impact earnings.
Salary by Position
This salary comparison chart reveals how wages vary by industry.
Position | Average Monthly Salary (BTN) |
|---|---|
IT Assistant | 42,649 |
Banking Assistant | 32,051 |
Contact Center Agent | 32,051 |
Bank Teller | 17,025 |
Average Wage in Bhutan Based on Education
Education plays a significant role in wage determination. Statistics estimate a wage increase of 9% for every year of schooling. Additionally, workers with bachelor’s degrees earn about 2.2 times more than those without education and 1.4 times more than those with a secondary education.
Salary Comparison by Experience
Experience also impacts wages as experienced workers earn more than entry-level workers, and employees become eligible for raises with tenure in their field. Studies show that workers in Bhutan earn about 5% more with each year of experience.
Salary Comparison by Location
Location plays a role in salaries, as urban workers earn more than rural workers due to higher living costs and proximity to large companies offering more job opportunities.
Wealthy cities in Bhutan include Thimphu, a government hub and major tourist destination, and Paro, a well-developed city and tourist hub. Other cities, like Punakha, Trongsa, and Bumthang, also see their share of economic activity but are not as wealthy as Thimphu and Paro.
Although there are wealthy areas in Bhutan, most workers live in rural areas and earn low salaries.
How Much is Minimum Wage in Bhutan?
The minimum wage in Bhutan is 3,750 BTN per month, or about $45. It went into effect on Jan. 1, 2026, and was revised from the previous minimum wage of 3,000 BTN per month, which had been in effect since 2013.
Bhutan’s minimum wage is among the lowest in the world.
Average Salary in Bhutan vs. the Rest of the World
The following charts will compare salaries in Bhutan to those in developed, undeveloped, and developing countries to provide more insight.
Bhutan vs. Developed Countries
Country | Average Salary | Comparison to Average Bhutan Salary |
|---|---|---|
Japan | 340,000 JPY (approx. $2,300) | − 87% |
United Kingdom | £3,000 (approx. $4,100) | − 92% |
Norway | 50,000 NOK (approx. $4,700) | − 93% |
Germany | €4,300 (approx. $4,470) | − 93% |
Austria | €3,700 (approx. $4,050) | − 92% |
Bhutan vs. Developing Countries
Country | Average Salary | Comparison to Average Bhutan Salary |
|---|---|---|
Romania | 4,000 RON (approx. $835) | − 63% |
Russia | 73,700 RUB (approx. $700) | − 56% |
Albania | 83,330 ALL (approx. $860) | − 177% |
Kazakhstan | 342,000 KZT (approx. $645) | − 52% |
Ukraine | 18,000 UAH (approx. $500) | − 38% |
Bhutan vs. Undeveloped Countries
Country | Average Salary | Comparison to Average Bhutan Salary |
|---|---|---|
Afghanistan | 13,200 AFN (approx. $150) | 107% |
Philippines | 15,000 PHP (approx. $265) | 17% |
Cambodia | 1,150,000 Riel (approx. $280) | 11% |
Egypt | 3,900 EGP (approx. $125) | 148% |
Pakistan | 60,000 PKR (approx. $210) | 48% |
Bhutan is a developing country that recently graduated from a ‘least developed country’ classification. Its primary industries include hydropower, tourism, and manufacturing. However, it is seeking to diversify through trade and investment.
The country is becoming an effective outsourcing destination due to its skilled workforce, cost-effective labor, and sustainable development. Its focus on environmental conservation is attractive to many companies. It is also working to improve its infrastructure and regulatory structures.
What are the Most Common Outsourced Industries in Bhutan?
Employers looking to hire in Bhutan will benefit most by focusing on the following industries:
IT Services
Bhutan’s IT industry is experiencing rapid growth, with a focus on cybersecurity, ICT, and fintech. It focuses on developing its infrastructure with expanded fiber optic networks and innovative technologies like low-earth orbit satellite systems. Thimphu Tech Park has played a key role in attracting foreign investors and supporting skills development in the country.
An IT assistant in Bhutan earns around 42,649 BTN, about $515, while their American counterpart earns closer to $5000 per month, giving employers plenty of bargaining power.
BPO
The country’s BPO industry shows significant growth potential. The Bhutan Industry Association for Business (BIAB) promotes the sector. Its strategic location between India and China creates opportunities for several companies.
With so many diverse positions in the industry, salary comparisons are difficult. However, employers certainly stand to save money when outsourcing BPO in Bhutan.
Tourism and Hospitality
Bhutan’s high-value, low-impact tourism contributes heavily to its GDP. It offers various tourist experiences, including cultural, wellness, adventure, and ecotourism. Its luxury and unique accommodations make it popular among travelers.
Companies wishing to partner with Bhutan on tourist-related services may outsource travel and hospitality to enhance their offerings and reduce costs.
Conclusion
The low average salaries in Bhutan mean cost savings for employers. Companies looking to outsource can reduce expenses while taking advantage of premium quality services and helping workers in the country overcome poverty, resulting in a beneficial situation for everyone involved.
