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Average Salary in Burundi
-
Drew Donnelly
- Published
- May 30, 2026
Curious about salaries in Burundi? This guide breaks down the average wages, compares professions, highlights minimum wage figures, and explores how Burundi’s earnings measure up internationally.
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Burundi’s growing digital infrastructure, skilled talent, and cost savings make it a promising outsourcing destination. Employers looking for remote partnerships in the area may wonder, What is the average salary in Burundi? This information will help them prepare a competitive hiring offer.
The average salary in Burundi is 230,000 Burundian francs (BIF), equivalent to about USD 80. However, salaries vary according to experience, education, location, position, and industry. Comparing salaries in the country to wages worldwide provides additional insight.
This article will explore all aspects of wages in Burundi, preparing you for your hiring journey.
What is the Average Salary in Burundi?
The average salary in Burundi is 230,000 BIF, equivalent to approximately $80. Wages in the country are low as the economy relies heavily on agriculture, a low-paying industry. There is also limited access to education.
Median Income
Burundi’s median monthly income is 150,000 BIF, about $50. Half the country earns higher wages, the other half earns less.
Salary Range
Salary range spans from the lowest to the highest wages in the country. In Burundi, low earners make about 80,000 BIF, approximately $28, while high earners make closer to 400,000 BIF, about $140.
Salary Comparisons in Burundi
The average salary provides some insight, but you must also 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 illustrates the variation in wages by position.
Position | Average Monthly Salary (BIF) |
|---|---|
Chief Executive Officer | 4,210,270 |
IT Director | 3,908,960 |
Call Center Director | 3,770,830 |
IT Architect | 3,226,550 |
Lead Developer | 3,123,460 |
Head of Product Development | 3,040,640 |
Financial Manager | 3,037,020 |
Sales Director | 2,940,010 |
IT Manager | 2,815,780 |
IC Design Engineer | 2,728,830 |
Banking Cashier | 772,612 |
Fabric Cutter | 771,195 |
Clothing Technologist | 767,834 |
General Laborer | 763,201 |
Packer | 735,146 |
Seamstress | 718,025 |
Porter | 693,700 |
Medical Records Clerk | 691,673 |
Tailor | 686,316 |
Average Wage in Burundi Based on Education
Education has a significant impact on wage determination in Burundi, as employees with higher education earn higher salaries than those without formal education. However, returns on education are unclear.
Additionally, there is limited access to education in the country. A more effective education system would help reduce poverty in the region.
Salary Comparison by Experience
Experience has a significant impact on wage determination in Burundi, especially among those with specialized skills. The Burundian Labor Code recognizes experience-based seniority bonuses and severance pay, which increase in proportion to the number of years of service.
For example, workers receive a seniority bonus, which is calculated as a percentage of their gross remuneration. Additionally, severance pay is based on years of seniority, with workers who have 3-5 years of service receiving one average monthly salary. In comparison, those with more than ten years of experience earn three average monthly wages.
Salary Comparison by Location
Location also plays a significant role in salaries, as workers in urban areas tend to earn more than those in rural areas due to higher living costs and proximity to large companies that offer more job opportunities. This situation holds in Burundi, as urban areas have higher minimum wages than those in rural areas.
How Much is Minimum Wage in Burundi?
The minimum wage in Burundi is 160 BIF (approximately $0.05 USD) per day in urban areas, specifically in Gitega and Bujumbura, and 105 BIF (approximately $0.04 USD) per day in rural areas. It is reduced by 10% for workers 15–17 years old and 30% for workers under 15.
Minimum wages in the country have not been revised since 1988, and experts believe they are too low to have practical application.
Average Salary in Burundi vs. the Rest of the World
The following charts compare salaries in Burundi to those in developed, developing, and least developed countries to provide more insight.
Burundi vs. Developed Countries
Country | Average Salary | Comparison to Average Burundi Salary |
|---|---|---|
Japan | 340,000 JPY (approx. $2,300) | − 97% |
United Kingdom | £3,000 (approx. $4,100) | − 98% |
Norway | 50,000 NOK (approx. $4,700) | − 98% |
Germany | €4,300 (approx. $4,470) | − 98% |
Austria | €3,700 (approx. $4,050) | − 98% |
Burundi vs. Developing Countries
Country | Average Salary | Comparison to Average Burundi Salary |
|---|---|---|
Romania | 4,000 RON (≈ $835) | − 90% |
Russia | 73,700 RUB (approx. $700) | − 89% |
Albania | 83,330 ALL (approx. $860) | − 975% |
Kazakhstan | 342,000 KZT (approx. $645) | − 88% |
Ukraine | 18,000 UAH (approx. $500) | − 84% |
Burundi vs. Undeveloped Countries
Country | Average Salary | Comparison to Average Burundi Salary |
|---|---|---|
Afghanistan | 13,200 AFN (approx. $150) | − 47% |
Philippines | 15,000 PHP (approx. $265) | − 70% |
Cambodia | 1,150,000 Riel (approx. $280) | − 71% |
Egypt | 3,900 EGP (approx. $125) | − 36% |
Pakistan | 60,000 PKR (approx. $210) | − 62% |
Burundi is a least developed country with a low Human Development Index and a low-income economy. Its work economy heavily relies on agriculture, an industry hampered by low productivity. It also offers a limited manufacturing sector.
The country aims to overcome internal struggles through outsourcing opportunities. The government actively invests in its digital infrastructure to support growth. The country also offers a growing talent pool and some of the lowest talent costs in the world.
What are the Most Common Outsourced Industries in Burundi?
Companies that outsource to Burundi will see the most advantages when focusing on the following industries:
Agriculture
Burundi’s agricultural industry is a major contributor to its GDP. Coffee and tea are primary imports, although the country also offers maize, beans, and sorghum crops. In addition to exports, Burundi could potentially serve as an outsourcing destination for agricultural services and expertise.
Mining and Manufacturing
The country offers small-scale mining as compared to neighboring countries. However, it has significant reserves of natural resources, including gold, nickel, and rare elements. Its mined products contribute to manufacturing as Burundi offers several metal products as well as beer, food, beverages, cigarettes, glass, cement, and cosmetics.
BPO
Burundi’s BPO industry is still in its early stages, but it shows promise as a destination for companies seeking remote partnerships. Its untapped talent pool ensures minimal competition and therefore, more affordable wages. However, savings may be minimized as the industry grows.
Conclusion
Burundi’s low average salaries make it an affordable destination for outsourcing. Companies that form remote partnerships in the region can save money while benefiting from premium products and services and helping workers overcome poverty issues, leading to an advantageous situation for all involved parties.
