Minimum wage in the Caribbean in 2026, island by island
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Most Caribbean countries set a national minimum wage, and a few set different rates for hotels or for different jobs. The table shows the latest rates we could confirm, with the date each one started. Hotel jobs often pay more than the minimum, and many add a share of service charge or tips on top. Every job on Caribbean Hotel Jobs shows the employer's own pay figure, so you can compare it with the minimum.
Minimum wages change often. Always check the current rate with the island's labour department before you rely on it.
Minimum wage by island
| Island | Minimum wage | Since | About in US$ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jamaica | J$ 17,000 a week of 40 hours (J$ 425 an hour) | 1 July 2026 | floating rate |
| The Bahamas | B$ 260 a week (B$ 6.50 an hour), private sector | January 2023 | US$ 6.50 an hour |
| Barbados | BBD$ 10.71 an hour (reported) | January 2026 | US$ 5.36 an hour |
| Saint Lucia | EC$ 6.52 an hour, or EC$ 1,131 a month | 1 October 2024 | US$ 2.41 an hour |
| Antigua and Barbuda | EC$ 11.50 an hour (reported) | 1 April 2026 | US$ 4.26 an hour |
| Grenada | Set by job: e.g. EC$ 9.50 an hour for cooks and bartenders, EC$ 9.25 for waiters | January 2024 | US$ 3.43 to 3.52 an hour |
| Turks and Caicos | US$ 8.00 an hour (reported) | 1 April 2023 | US$ 8.00 an hour |
| Cayman Islands | CI$ 8.75 an hour; CI$ 6.56 for tipped staff in an approved gratuity scheme | 1 January 2026 | US$ 10.50 (US$ 7.87 tipped) |
| Aruba | Afl. 11.58 an hour, aged 18 and over | 1 January 2026 | US$ 6.47 an hour |
| Dominican Republic | Hotels and casinos: RD$ 21,840 a month (over 150 workers) or RD$ 18,409.30 (up to 150) | 1 June 2026 | floating rate |
"Reported" means we found the figure in a reliable secondary source but not yet in the official order. US dollar amounts use the fixed exchange rates: EC$ 2.70, BBD$ 2, Afl. 1.79 and B$ 1 to US$ 1, and CI$ 1 to US$ 1.20. The Jamaican dollar and the Dominican peso float, so we don't convert them.
Notes by island
Jamaica. The minimum rose from J$ 16,000 to J$ 17,000 a week on 1 July 2026 (Jamaica Information Service).
The Bahamas. B$ 260 a week has applied to the private sector since January 2023 (CBC). We found no newer official change.
Barbados. Reported by WageIndicator; check the current Minimum Wage Order.
Saint Lucia. The island's first national minimum wage. It does not include overtime or your share of service charge (Saint Lucia Gazette, 30 September 2024).
Antigua and Barbuda. Up from EC$ 9 an hour, as reported by WageIndicator.
Grenada. Rates differ by job under the Minimum Wages Order, S.R.O. 42 of 2023 (order). Check for a newer order.
Turks and Caicos. Up from US$ 6.25 an hour (wage.is). Service charge is shared by hours worked under the Hotel and Restaurant Service Charge Act.
Cayman Islands. Up from CI$ 6 an hour. The lower tipped rate only applies where the Department of Labour and Pensions has approved the employer's gratuity scheme (Government of the Cayman Islands).
Aruba. Aruba moved to an hourly minimum wage in 2026 (Government of Aruba).
Dominican Republic. The hotel sector has its own minimum. Restaurants and bars: RD$ 21,000 or RD$ 17,701.25 a month, depending on size (Resolution CNS-04-2025, summarised by EY). The 10% legal tip comes on top and is not part of salary.
What else to count
The minimum wage is only part of what a hotel job pays. When you compare offers, ask about:
- Service charge or tips: how it is shared and what it usually adds up to each month. See service charge, tips and staff housing.
- Staff housing and meals: what they cost you, if anything.
- Transport: whether there is a staff bus for early and late shifts.
- Overtime and public holidays: how they are paid.
FAQ
Which Caribbean island has the highest minimum wage?
Of the islands above, the Cayman Islands has the highest: CI$ 8.75 an hour from January 2026, about US$ 10.50. Living costs there are also among the highest in the region.
Does service charge count towards the minimum wage?
Usually not. In Saint Lucia the minimum wage excludes your share of service charge, and in the Dominican Republic the 10% legal tip is not part of salary. Cayman is an exception: tipped staff in an approved gratuity scheme can be paid a lower base rate.
Do hotel jobs pay more than the minimum wage?
Many do, especially skilled jobs such as chefs, supervisors, spa therapists and managers. Every job on this site shows the pay so you can see for yourself.
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