The US Virgin Islands’ cost-effective labor, skilled workforce, and strategic location make it an excellent outsourcing destination. Employers looking to hire in the territory may wonder, What is the average salary in the US Virgin Islands? This information will help them make a competitive hiring offer. 

The average salary in the US Virgin Islands is USD 3166 per month. However, you must consider how wages are impacted by education, experience, position, industry, and location. Comparing earnings in the territory to wages worldwide provides additional insight. 

This guide will explore all aspects of salaries in the US Virgin Islands, preparing you for your hiring journey. 

What is the Average Salary in US Virgin Islands?

The average salary in the US Virgin Islands is $3166 per month. Although salaries are high compared to other countries worldwide, they are lower than most wages in the United States. The economy is driven by low-paying sectors like administration, tourism, and retail, which limits growth. 

Median Income

The median monthly income in the US Virgin Islands is $3333. Half the people in the territory earn higher salaries, and the other half earn lower wages. 

Salary Range

Salary ranges span from the lowest to the highest wages in the country. In the US Virgin Islands, low earners make about $13,000 while high earners make closer to $52,000. 

Salary Comparisons in the US Virgin Islands

Average salary information provides some insight. However, you must consider how wages vary based on education, location, experience, position, and industry. The following sections will explore how these factors impact earnings. 

Salary by Position

This salary comparison chart reveals how wages vary by profession based on the highest-paying jobs in the region. 

Position Average Annual Salary ($)
Chief Executives 128,460
Pharmacists 120,910
Lawyers 116,670
Construction Managers 99,040
Medical and Health Services Managers 94,360
Financial Managers 80,330
IT Managers 79,840
Human Resource Managers 79,840
Civil Engineers 77,560
General and Operations Managers 76,830
Electricians 76,610
Crane and Tower Operators 76,600
Personal Financial Advisors 76,130
Cost Estimators 74,820
Registered Nurses 74,710
School Administrators 74,590
Claims Adjustors 71,120

Average Wage in US Virgin Islands by Education

Education impacts salaries in the US Virgin Islands. A USVI workforce assessment reveals that 20% of the population did not receive a high school diploma, which could significantly impact their ability to attain employment. Most industries require at least a high school education, though college and university educations and additional skills training could provide a competitive edge. 

A Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports statement noted that education is one of the most significant factors in the territory’s economy.

Salary Comparison by Experience

Experience also plays a role in wage determination, as experienced workers earn more than entry-level employees. Workers who have held their positions for a long time are also eligible for raises. 

Salary Comparison by Location

Rather than traditional cities, the Virgin Islands are divided into districts on each Island. Workers on the three main islands, St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John, earn the highest salaries due to a high cost of living and proximity to large companies offering high-paying job opportunities. Workers on smaller islands earn less.

Income is as follows:

Island Average Salary (USD/year)
St. John $40,664
St. Thomas $38,232
St. Croix $36,042

How Much is Minimum Wage in US Virgin Islands?

The minimum wage in the US Virgin Islands is $10.50 per hour, and it has remained unchanged since June 1, 2018. However, many argue that salaries don’t keep up with the cost of living, and there is a push to increase the minimum wage in the territory. 

Average Salary in US Virgin Islands vs. the Rest of the World

To provide more insight, the following charts compare wages in the US Virgin Islands to those in developed, developing, and least developed countries. 

US Virgin Islands vs. Developed Countries

CountryAverage SalaryComparison to the Average US Virgin Islands Salary
Japan379,434 Yen (approx. $2,635)18%
United States$5,677– 78%
Norway50,790 kroner (approx. $4,700)– 46%
Germany4,300 euros (approx. $4,467)– 40%
Austria3,500 euros (approx. $3,636)– 12%

US Virgin Islands vs. Developing Countries

CountryAverage SalaryComparison to the Average US Virgin Islands Salary
Romania4,000 RON (approx. $835)280%
Russia73,709 Rubles (approx. $700)357%
Albania1,500 Euros (approx. $1,550)106%
Kazakhstan342,082 Tenge (approx. $645)392%
Ukraine18,000 Hryvnia (approx. $500)540%

US Virgin Islands vs. Undeveloped Countries

CountryAverage SalaryComparison to the Average US Virgin Islands Salary
Afghanistan30,000 Afghanis (approx. $419)114%
Philippines18,423 PHP (approx. $875)661%
Vietnam8.5 million dong (approx. $360)788%
Egypt13,244 EGP (approx. $263)1130%
Pakistan45,000 PKR (approx. $150)2033%

The US Virgin Islands is a developed territory with a robust infrastructure. Its primary industries include tourism, renewable energy, and health sciences. Its Economic Development Authority (USVIEDA) actively promotes economic development through Enterprise Zones and tax incentives. 

The territory is a good outsourcing destination offering nearshore opportunities and an English-speaking workforce. As part of the U.S. system, the territory offers access to the U.S. infrastructure and familiar legal frameworks and banking systems. Although cost savings are not as dramatic as in some Asian countries, Western employers that outsource to the US Virgin Islands can reduce expenses.

What are the Most Common Outsourced Industries in the US Virgin Islands

Employers who outsource to the US Virgin Islands will see the most benefits when focusing on the following industries:

Financial Services

The territory has an established financial service sector with expertise in banking, financial management, and other financial activities. Its attractive tax incentives and stable economic climate make it a desirable location for businesses looking to outsource. USVI’s 14 designated Opportunity Zones offer tax advantages to U.S. firms and individuals who invest in these areas. 

BPO

The USVI is emerging as a BPO hub for office operations, customer service, and financial services. Its proximity to the U.S. and Canada offers nearshoring advantages, and the territory’s modern infrastructure supports efficient back office operations.

Technology

The US Virgin Islands’ IT industry is experiencing rapid growth. The territory offers access to Tier-1 fiber optic networks and is developing an RTPark (research and technology park) to support tech expansion in the area. Vibrant sectors include cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, health tech, and e-commerce. 

Conclusion

The US Virgin Islands’ strategic location and skilled workforce make it an ideal outsourcing destination. Although the average salary in the US Virgin Islands is high compared to Asian countries, it can still provide cost savings for Western employers. It offers high-quality products and services that could make some organizations leaders in their fields.