Minimum Wage in Jamaica: Rates, Trends & Compliance

What Is the Minimum Wage in Jamaica?

As of June 1, 2025, Jamaica's national minimum wage has been increased to J$16,000 per 40-hour workweek, up from J$15,000. This 6.7% increase was announced by Prime Minister Andrew Holness during the 2025/26 Budget Debate in Parliament on March 20, 2025. The adjustment reflects the government's commitment to improving the livelihood of the nation's lowest-paid workers while ensuring economic stability.

Minimum Wage in Jamaica Based on Region

Jamaica does not implement regional variations in its minimum wage; the rate is consistent nationwide. However, there are specific provisions for certain categories of workers, such as private security guards. Effective June 1, 2025, the minimum wage for private security guards was also set at J$16,000 per 40-hour workweek.

Average vs. Reasonable vs. Typical Minimum Wages

•  Average Wage: The mean income earned by workers in a specific industry or across the economy. This figure is calculated by dividing the total wages paid by the number of employees.
•  Reasonable Wage: A compensation level deemed fair for a particular role, considering factors like industry standards, cost of living, and employee qualifications.
•  Typical Minimum Wage: The standard lowest wage legally permissible, which employers must pay their employees. In Jamaica, this is the national minimum wage of J$16,000 per week.

While the minimum wage sets the legal baseline, average wages often exceed this amount, especially in industries with higher skill requirements or labor shortages.

How Does Minimum Wage Apply to Different Workers in Jamaica?

Jamaica's minimum wage legislation applies uniformly to all workers, ensuring that employees receive at least the stipulated minimum compensation. However, specific categories of workers, such as private security guards, have distinct provisions.

Full-Time Employee Wages

Full-time employees in Jamaica are entitled to a minimum of J$16,000 for a standard 40-hour workweek. This rate is consistent across most industries.

Part-Time Employee Wages

Part-time employees are compensated on a pro-rata basis relative to the hours worked, ensuring they receive an equivalent hourly rate of at least J$400.

Interns and Trainees

In Jamaica, the application of minimum wage laws to interns and trainees depends on the nature of their engagement. If they are classified as employees, they are entitled to the minimum wage.

Expats

Expatriates working in Jamaica are subject to the same labor laws as local employees.

Factors Influencing Minimum Wage in Jamaica

Industry-Specific Variations

While the national minimum wage provides a baseline, certain industries, such as private security services, have specific wage rates.

Economic Conditions

Economic indicators like inflation and employment rates play a crucial role in shaping minimum wage policies.

Government Policies and Legislation

The Jamaican government periodically reviews and adjusts the minimum wage through legislative processes.

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Minimum Wage History and Trends in Jamaica

Jamaica's minimum wage policy has evolved significantly over the decades, reflecting the nation's commitment to improving the livelihoods of its workers.​

Historical Changes:

• 1975: The National Minimum Wage Order was established, setting a baseline for wages across various sectors. 
• 2023: The wage saw a significant 44% increase, moving from J$9,000 to J$13,000 per 40-hour workweek.
• 2024: The minimum wage was further increased to J$15,000 per 40-hour workweek, effective June 1, 2024.‍
• 2025: Effective June 1, 2025, the minimum wage rose again to J$16,000 per 40-hour workweek, marking another step in addressing rising living costs.

The Jamaican government has consistently reviewed and adjusted the minimum wage to address economic conditions and the cost of living. The 2025 increase to J$16,000 per week highlights continued efforts to protect the purchasing power of low-income workers amid inflationary pressures.

Future Projections: According to recent announcements by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, the minimum wage is planned to increase from J$16,000 to J$18,500 in 2026, with a goal to gradually increase it to J$32,000 over the next several years. This reflects the government's ongoing commitment to align wages with economic realities and improve the welfare of Jamaica's workforce.

Jamaica's approach to minimum wage adjustments reflects an ongoing effort to balance economic growth with the welfare of its workforce, ensuring that wage policies evolve in response to changing economic landscapes.

Minimum Wage for Top Paying Roles in Jamaica

In Jamaica, the national minimum wage applies universally across all occupations. This means that even individuals in high-paying positions are legally entitled to at least this minimum rate.  However, these individuals' actual earnings are generally substantially higher as a result of their specialized skills and responsibilities.​Here is a list of some of the highest-paying jobs in Jamaica, along with their average monthly salaries:

• Chief Executive Officer (CEO): CEOs oversee the strategic direction and operations of organizations. They are among the top earners, with an average monthly salary of approximately J$289,619.
• IT Director: Responsible for managing and implementing information technology strategies, IT Directors earn about J$268,892 per month on average.
• Call Centre Director: Overseeing call center operations and ensuring service quality, Call Centre Directors have an average monthly income of J$257,068.
• Leasing Director: Managing leasing strategies and property portfolios, Leasing Directors earn around J$252,521 per month. ​
• Plant Manager: Overseeing manufacturing processes and ensuring operational efficiency, Plant Managers receive an average salary of J$232,214 per month. ​

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Discover Your Competitive Edge

Ensuring your compensation packages align with evolving minimum wage standards is crucial for attracting top talent and maintaining compliance. Try Playroll's Salary Benchmarking Tool to align your pay scales with industry standards.

Salary Benchmarking

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How To Stay Compliant When Hiring in Jamaica With Playroll

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be a logistical nightmare to hire and pay employees in different countries. That's the advantage of using a trusted Employer of Record like Playroll:

• ‍Scale your global team: Legally hire and swiftly onboard new hires in 180+ regions without the red tape by offloading the HR admin to Playroll, so you can freely explore new markets and focus on growth.
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• ‍Meet minimum wage requirements: Our built-in compliance checks and vetted contracts mean your agreements will always meet all legal requirements for statutory benefits, minimum wage, and more.