Cameroon’s skilled workforce, low labor costs, and business-friendly environment make it an ideal destination for outsourcing. Employers looking to hire in the country may wonder, What is the average salary in Cameroon? This information will help them make a fair hiring offer. 

The average salary in Cameroon is 133,300 Central African Francs (XAF), equivalent to approximately USD 220. However, wages vary by experience, education, location, position, and industry. Comparing salaries in the country to earnings worldwide provides additional insight.

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

What is the Average Salary in Cameroon?

The average salary in Cameroon is 133,300 XAF, about $220. Wages in the country are low due to a large informal sector. The economy is also plagued by instability linked to high inflation and low commodity pricing.

Median Income

Cameroon’s median monthly income is 125,000 XAF, about $207. Half the country earns higher incomes; the other half earns less.

Salary Range

Salary range spans from the lowest to the highest wages in the country. In Cameroon, low earners make about 60,000 XAF (about $100) while high earners earn closer to 400,000 XAF (about $660).

Salary Comparisons in Cameroon

Average salaries in Cameroon offer some insight, but it is also essential to consider how wages are influenced by factors such as education, experience, location, position, and industry. The following sections will examine how these factors impact earnings. 

Salary by Position

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

PositionAverage Monthly Salary (XAF)
Chief Executive Officer580,443
IT Director530,133 
Call Center Director519,859 
Sales Director480,783 
Lead Developer430,611 
IT Architect428,882
Finance Manager418,694
IT Manager388,193
Marketing Director380,887
Logistics Director373,381 
Clothing Technologist105,856 
General Laborer105,218 
Finance Cashier104,551 
Packer103,680
Banking Cashier103,370 
Seamstress98,447 
Porter95,635 
Medical Records Clerk95,356 
Tailor94,612 

Average Wage in Cameroon Based on Education

Education impacts earnings in Cameroon as male workers see the following returns:

Education LevelPercentage of Population
University Education2.0%
Secondary Education36.8%
Primary Education11.1%

For female workers, returns are as follows:

Education LevelPercentage of Population
University Education12.0%
Secondary Education35.8%
Primary Education11.7%

The fact that returns are relatively low for university education suggests a skills mismatch. Workers with high levels of education are unable to find jobs that match their skills. 

Salary Comparison by Experience

Experience also impacts salaries as experienced workers earn more than entry-level workers, and employees become eligible for raises with tenure in their positions. This situation is prevalent in Cameroon, where workers typically receive salary increases with experience, especially in specialized fields. However, education has a more significant impact on earnings. 

Salary Comparison by Location

Location is also considered in wage determination, as workers in urban areas typically earn more than those in rural areas due to higher living costs and proximity to large companies offering high-paying job opportunities. In Cameroon, workers in urban centers, such as Yaounde and Douala, earn higher wages than those in the rural agricultural sector. A majority of the population resides in towns and villages, earning lower salaries. 

How Much is Minimum Wage in Cameroon?

The minimum wage in Cameroon is 43,696 XAF per month, equivalent to approximately $73 Cameroon minimum wage USD. It was established on February 23, 2024, marking an increase from the previous minimum wage of 41,875 XAF.

Average Salary in Cameroon vs. the Rest of the World

The following charts will compare salaries in Cameroon to those in developed, developing, and least developed countries to provide more insight. 

Cameroon vs. Developed Countries

CountryAverage SalaryComparison to Average Cameroon Salary
Japan340,000 JPY (approx. $2,300) − 91%
United Kingdom£3,000 (approx. $4,100) − 95%
Norway50,000 NOK (approx. $4,700) − 96%
Germany€4,300 (approx. $4,470) − 96%
Austria€3,700 (approx. $4,050) − 95%

Cameroon vs. Developing Countries

CountryAverage SalaryComparison to Average Cameroon Salary
Romania4,000 RON (≈ $835) − 76%
Russia73,700 RUB (approx. $700) − 71%
Albania83,330 ALL (approx. $860) − 291%
Kazakhstan342,000 KZT (approx. $645) − 69%
Ukraine18,000 UAH (approx. $500) − 60%

Cameroon vs. Undeveloped Countries

CountryAverage SalaryComparison to Average Cameroon Salary
Afghanistan13,200 AFN (approx. $150) 33%
Philippines15,000 PHP (approx. $265) − 25%
Cambodia1,150,000 KHR (approx. $280) − 29%
Egypt3,900 EGP (approx. $125) 60%
Pakistan60,000 PKR (approx. $210) − 5%

Cameroon is a developing country with a lower-middle-income economy. Although it has experienced growth, poverty levels remain high. Oil and gas are major export industries in the country, but agriculture, a low-paying sector, is the nation’s dominant industry. 

Although internal problems exist, Cameroon has potential as an outsourcing destination. It offers a skilled workforce, low-cost labor, and a business-friendly environment. Many companies utilize Employer of Record (EOR) services to build local teams without setting up legal entities.

What are the Most Common Outsourced Industries in Cameroon?

Employers who outsource to Cameroon will see the most significant benefits when focusing on the following sectors. 

IT Services

Cameroon’s IT industry is experiencing rapid growth with a focus on software development, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. The government actively promotes the industry through Initiatives like the Cameroon Digital Strategy and by investing in the infrastructure. The country is witnessing a surge in tech startups. 

An IT manager in Cameroon earns approximately $667 per month, or 388,196 XAF, while their American counterparts earn closer to $10,000. This disparity provides companies that outsource with considerable bargaining power.

BPO

Cameroon is considered a “veteran” in the African BPO landscape. Major sectors include IT, data entry, and customer services. The industry is experiencing active growth of 8% to 12% and has attracted major international organizations. 

A call center director in Cameroon earns approximately 519,859 XAF per month (roughly $894), while similar roles in Western countries pay closer to $7,500, meaning employers who outsource can save substantially. 

Agriculture

Cameroon’s agricultural sector is a significant contributor to the country’s economy. The county’s staple crops include maize, rice, cassava, cocoa, coffee, cotton, and oil palm. Its government has implemented various initiatives to modernize agriculture and increase the industry’s productivity. 

In addition to crop exports, Cameroon can be a convenient destination for agricultural service outsourcing.

Conclusion

Cameroon’s low average salary results in cost savings for companies seeking remote partnerships in the region. Organizations that outsource to Cameroon can lower expenses while benefiting from quality products and services. They also help workers in the area overcome poverty issues, leading to positive outcomes for everyone involved.