Minimum Wage in Belize: Rates, Trends & Compliance

What Is the Minimum Wage in Belize?

As of January 1, 2026, the national minimum wage in Belize is set at BZ$5.00 per hour, which is approximately US$2.50. This adjustment marked a significant increase from the previous rate of BZ$3.30 per hour, which had been in effect since May 2012.

The Government of Belize has also reaffirmed its commitment to raising the minimum wage to BZ$6.00 per hour as part of its Plan Belize 2.0 agenda, however, the new rate remains a proposal.

Minimum Wage in Belize Based on Region

Average vs Reasonable vs Typical Minimum Wages

In Belize, the minimum wage serves as the baseline legal standard for compensation. While the average wage in Belize is approximately BZ$952 per month (about US$474), the minimum wage is intentionally set lower to accommodate entry-level positions and unskilled labor.

Because the minimum wage is intentionally set below the national average, it mainly applies to entry-level or unskilled positions while more experienced or skilled workers typically earn more. Industries such as tourism, agriculture, and construction frequently offer wages above the legal minimum to remain competitive and attract qualified staff.

How Does Minimum Wage Apply to Different Workers in Belize?

The minimum wage in Belize applies uniformly to all workers, regardless of employment type. However, specific conditions may vary:

Full-Time Employee Wages

Full-time employees are entitled to the minimum wage, with the standard workweek being up to 45 hours. Overtime is compensated at 1.5 times the normal rate for hours worked beyond 45 in a week.

Part-Time Employee Wages

Part-time workers are entitled to the minimum wage on a pro-rata basis relative to their hours worked, ensuring they receive fair compensation proportional to full-time rates.

Interns and Trainees

Interns and trainees are generally covered by minimum wage protections unless they are participating in a formal educational or structured training program where specific exemptions (e.g., unpaid internships with academic credit) may apply.

Expats

Expatriates working in Belize are subject to the same minimum wage laws as local workers. Employers must ensure compliance with all labor regulations, including wage standards.

Minimum Wage for Top Paying Roles in Belize

While minimum-wage work typically applies to unskilled or entry-level positions, specialized professionals in medicine, law, engineering, and information technology can earn considerably more – often several times the national average. Below is a breakdown of typical salary levels for some of the top-paying roles in Belize as of 2026.

 
• Medical Doctors: Salaries vary significantly by specialization and experience, with general practitioners earning approximately BZD 4,800–9,975 per month (US$2,400–4,987) and highly specialized physicians or surgeons earning up to BZD 15,600+ per month (US$7,800+).
• Legal Professionals: Compensation depends on firm size, seniority, and area of practice. Junior lawyers typically earn BZD 2,000–3,500 per month (US$1,000–1,750), while senior or specialized legal professionals may earn BZD 5,000–12,000+ per month (US$2,500–6,000+).
• Engineers and IT Specialists: Wages are strongly influenced by technical expertise and industry demand. Engineers and IT professionals commonly earn BZD 3,000–7,000 per month (US$1,500–3,500), with senior software engineers, IT managers, or highly specialized roles earning BZD 10,000+ per month (US$5,000+).

Factors Influencing Minimum Wage in Belize

Belize’s minimum wage framework is shaped by a combination of economic realities, labor-market dynamics, and government policy objectives. While the national minimum wage is set uniformly, the factors that influence how this rate is determined (and how it functions in practice) are more nuanced. These influences help explain why actual wages in many sectors exceed the legal minimum and why periodic adjustments are necessary to maintain workers’ purchasing power and living standards.

Industry-Specific Variations

While the minimum wage is uniform, certain industries may offer higher wages due to skill requirements or labor shortages. For example, the tourism and agriculture sectors often pay above the minimum to attract skilled workers.

Economic Conditions

Broader economic conditions, including inflation, rising living costs, and overall wage trends, play a central role in minimum-wage decisions. The increase in Belize’s minimum wage from BZ$3.30 to BZ$5.00 per hour reflects the government’s response to these pressures and the need to preserve workers’ purchasing power amid higher costs of living.

Government Policies and Legislation

The Government of Belize periodically reviews minimum-wage levels to ensure alignment with economic conditions and social development goals. The Plan Belize 2.0 agenda highlights a continued commitment to improving workers’ standards of living, including stated intentions to further increase the minimum wage to BZ$6.00 per hour, subject to formal implementation.

Tax Implications of Minimum Wage

In Belize, income tax is levied at a flat rate of 25% on chargeable income exceeding BZ$26,000 annually. Employees earning at or below the minimum wage are unlikely to incur income tax liabilities due to the personal tax relief thresholds.

Minimum Wage History and Trends in Belize

Belize’s minimum wage has historically been adjusted infrequently, but recent years have seen more active policy engagement as the government responds to rising living costs, inflation, and workforce pressures. These changes reflect a broader shift toward improving baseline earnings and worker protections.

• May 26, 2012:The national minimum wage was increased to BZ$3.30 per hour, where it remained unchanged for over a decade. This long period of stagnation contributed to growing concerns about affordability and wage adequacy as living costs rose.
• 2023–2025 (Implemented and in force by 2026): Following public consultation and policy review, the government approved an increase to BZ$5.00 per hour, which is now the current national minimum wage in effect for 2026. This adjustment represented a significant step-up from the prior rate and was intended to help offset inflationary pressures and rising household expenses.
• Planned Future Increase (Plan Belize 2.0): Under the Plan Belize 2.0 initiative, the government has signaled its intention to further raise the minimum wage to BZ$6.00 per hour. While this increase has been publicly reaffirmed as a policy objective, it has not yet been formally implemented as of 2026 and remains subject to legislative and regulatory action.

Overall Trend

The trajectory of minimum-wage policy in Belize indicates a gradual shift toward more frequent reviews and incremental increases, aligning wage policy more closely with economic conditions and cost-of-living realities. While the minimum wage still functions as a legal floor rather than a living wage, recent adjustments suggest a stronger policy focus on improving workers’ baseline income levels over time.