Burkina Faso’s low-cost labor and skilled workforce made it an ideal outsourcing destination. Companies looking to hire in the area may wonder, What is the average salary in Burkina Faso? This information will help them prepare a fair hiring offer. 

The average salary in Burkina Faso is 311,800 West African Francs (XOF), about USD 539. However, wages vary based on education, experience, location, position, and industry. You must also consider how earnings in the country compare to salaries worldwide. 

This guide will explore all aspects of salaries in Burkina Faso, preparing you for your hiring journey. 

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What is the Average Salary in Burkina Faso?

The average salary in Burkina Faso is 311,800 XOF, equivalent to approximately $539. Salaries are low due to a lack of natural resources. The country also relies heavily on agriculture, a low-paying industry. 

Burkina Faso Median Income

The median salary in Burkina Faso is 289,091 XOF, equivalent to approximately $500. Half the country earns higher wages; the other half earns less. 

Salary Range

Salary range spans from the lowest earners to the highest. In Burkina Faso, low earners make about 176,324 XOF, about $304, while high earners make closer to 600,124 XOF, about $1037. 

Salary Comparisons in Burkina Faso

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

Salary by Position

This salary comparison chart illustrates the variation in wages by position. 

PositionAverage Weekly Salary (XOF)
Chief Executive Officer967,799
IT Director863,966
Call Center Director833,436
IT Architect649,608
IC Design Engineer644,766
Lead Developer640,594
Finance Manager637,973 
Sales Director637,142 
IT Manager610,993
Logistics Director598,603
Clothing Technologist169,708 
General Laborer168,684 
Banking Cashier166,771 
Packer166,220
Seamstress158,699
Porter153,323
Medical Records Clerk152,875
Tailor151,691 
Account Manager131,410 

Average Wage in Burkina Faso Based on Education

Education plays a significant role in determining wages for workers in Burkina Faso. Individuals can expect the following returns:

Education LevelWomenMen
Primary Education9%9%
Secondary Education16.4%14.3%
University Education18.1%23.4%

However, these statistics don’t account for sector. Once you consider that variable, returns for primary education are close to 0% for public sector workers. 

Salary Comparison by Experience

Experience also plays a significant role in salaries, as experienced workers typically earn more than entry-level workers, and employees become eligible for raises with increasing tenure in their field. In Burkina Faso, this situation especially rings true in the formal sector, where wages tend to be higher and more structured. In the informal sector, the impact of experience is less pronounced. 

Additionally, workers in the country are eligible for severance pay after leaving their jobs. The longer the employee’s tenure, the higher the severance pay will be. 

Salary Comparison by Location

Location impacts salaries, as workers in urban areas earn more than those in rural areas due to higher living costs and proximity to large companies offering more job opportunities. For example, the average monthly income for workers in the urban area of Bobo Diolasso was estimated at 350,000 BIF. In comparison, workers in rural regions like Haut Bassins and Cascades earned closer to 100,000 BIF per month. 

How Much is Minimum Wage in Burkina Faso?

The minimum wage in Burkina Faso is 45,000 XOF, equivalent to approximately $77 Burkina Faso minimum wage USD. The latest increase went into effect on July 1, 2023. Before that, it was 30,684 XOF. 

Although the government sets a minimum wage, the country is plagued by a large informal sector, and many employers pay their workers below this minimum.

Average Salary in Burkina Faso vs. the Rest of the World

The following charts compare salaries in Burkina Faso to wages in other countries to provide more insight. 

Burkina Faso vs. Developed Countries

CountryAverage SalaryComparison to Average Burkina Faso Salary
Japan379,434 Yen (≈ $2,635)– 372%
United Kingdom3,000 Euros (≈ $3,116)– 463%
Norway50,790 Kroner (≈ $4,700)– 754%
Germany4,300 Euros (≈ $4,467)– 718%
Austria3,500 Euros (≈ $3,636)– 554%

Burkina Faso vs. Developing Countries

CountryAverage SalaryComparison to Average Burkina Faso Salary
Romania4,000 RON (≈ $835)– 52%
Russia73,709 Rubles (≈ $700)– 27%
Albania1,500 Euros (≈ $1,550)– 181%
Kazakhstan342,082 Tenge (≈ $645)– 18%
Ukraine18,000 Hryvnia (≈ $500)10%

Burkina Faso vs. Undeveloped Countries

CountryAverage SalaryComparison to Average Burkina Faso Salary
Afghanistan30,000 Afghanis (≈ $419)30%
Philippines18,423 PHP (≈ $875)– 60%
Cambodia1,000,027 KHR (≈ $250)120%
Egypt13,244 EGP (≈ $263)111%
Pakistan45,000 PKR (≈ $150)266%

Burkina Faso is a least developed country with a low-income economy. A large number of the population lives below the poverty line. The region is landlocked with limited economic resources. 

Although internal issues plague the country, workers have opportunities through outsourcing. The government is working to fulfill that demand, particularly in areas such as payroll and recruitment. Workers in the country offer expertise and an understanding of labor laws and market conditions. 

What are the Most Common Outsourced Industries in Burkina Faso?

Employers who outsource to Burkina Faso will see the greatest benefits when focusing on the following industries. 

BPO

Burkina Faso’s BPO industry is growing rapidly, with a focus on sectors such as finance and consulting, as well as HR. Its global Employer of Record (EOR) and Professional Employer Organization (PEO) service helps businesses manage payroll, compliance, and other workforce needs. The workers’ local expertise ensures a system that complies with local labor laws and market conditions. 

An HR worker in the country earns around 452,295 XOF, approximately $782, while their American counterparts earn closer to $ 5,400, giving employers who outsource plenty of bargaining power. 

Agriculture

Agriculture is a significant contributor to Burkina Faso’s GDP, playing a crucial role in its economy. Primary exports include cotton and cashews. The country also counts on subsistence farming for survival. 

In addition to Burkina Faso offering export products, it is also a prime outsourcing destination for agriculture-related tasks, such as production and storage. 

Mining

Mining is a primary driver of Burkina Faso’s economy. Gold dominates its export market, accounting for between 70% and 80%. The country has formal, industrial, large, and small-scale mining sectors, which are a significant source of income for many workers. 

Beyond contributing to the export market, Burkina Faso workers also provide outsourced mining services, including equipment maintenance and repair, as well as exploration services.

Conclusion

Burkina Faso is emerging as a convenient outsourcing destination due to its low average salaries and highly skilled workers. Companies seeking remote partnerships in the country can benefit from top-tier products and services and reduced costs while helping workers in the region overcome poverty, leading to beneficial outcomes for all parties involved.