Working or moving to Kuwait for job purposes means you must know the Kuwaiti employment laws. Among them, an understanding of Minimum Wage in Kuwait and salary structure is imperative. Both workers and business owners learn about it so they can go through the labor market legally and effectively.
For those planning to start a business or simply looking to work in Kuwait, this guide is written for them. Knowing the minimum wage is key. This helps to avoid legal issues. In turn, ensure fair compensation while maintaining positive relationships with employees.
This guide explores everything you need to know about Kuwait’s minimum wage, including:
- The average salary.
- Specific wage rates for workers from various countries.
- How to pay employees, and
- Other essential regulations.
What is the Minimum Wage in Kuwait?
Kuwait has made strides in improving employee rights. The change has been made over the years. The minimum wage law of Kuwait is the most comprehensive. Kuwait’s minimum wage for private sector workers is 75 KWD per month. Note that, this rate is reported as of 2025. The amount equates to approximately USD 242 at current exchange rates.
History of Minimum Wage in Kuwait:
Until 2018, Kuwait’s minimum wage was previously set at 60 KWD per month. After that, it was increased to 75 KWD. This increase reflects the country’s efforts. They are focused on improving the living standard. Meanwhile, addresses inflation and rising living costs.
Comparing Kuwait’s Minimum Wage with Other Countries in the Region:
Kuwait’s minimum wage ranks moderately. If we talk about in terms of the Arab States region. For instance, the following is a comparison of Kuwait and other countries. We compare Kuwait with the Gulf Cooperation Council and the wider Arab region.
| Country | Minimum Wage (USD) | Currency | Applicable to |
| Kuwait | $242 | KWD 75 | All private sector workers |
| Bahrain | $798 | BHD 300 | Public sector only |
| Jordan | $310.34 | JOD 220 | Nationals |
| Jordan | $211.60 | JOD 150 | Expatriates |
| Oman | $844.20 | OMR 325 | Nationals only |
| Qatar | $206 | QAR 750 | All workers |
| Saudi Arabia | No minimum wage | N/A | N/A |
| UAE | No minimum wage | N/A | N/A |
| Yemen | No minimum wage | N/A | N/A |
As seen in the table, Kuwait’s minimum wage is above the minimum wage of countries like Qatar. However, it falls behind countries like Oman and Bahrain. Note that, the minimum wage applies to all workers. These may include both nationals and expatriates. Showing more inclusivity than many other region’s countries.
Minimum Wage for Domestic Workers:
Kuwait also has specific regulations for domestic workers. They fall under a separate category in terms of wage structure. Domestic workers receive a minimum wage of 60 KWD per month. This could involve housemaids and caretakers respectively.
Kuwait’s Minimum Wage in Context: Hourly Breakdown:
Minimum wage in Kuwait is set every month. Understand how this translates into hourly wages. Particularly for part-time or daily workers.
We will create a table to help you understand it more clearly. This table summarizes the calculation for Kuwait’s minimum wage per hour. The calculation is based on a 48-hour workweek.
| Calculation | Value |
| Monthly Minimum Wage (KWD) | 75 KWD |
| Weekly Work Hours | 48 hours |
| Total Monthly Hours (48 hours/week × 4 weeks) | 192 hours |
| Minimum Wage per Hour (75 KWD ÷ 192 hours) | 0.39 KWD per hour (approx. $1.26 USD) |
This gives an idea of the compensation workers can expect on an hourly basis. Note that, specific contracts for part-time workers may differ.
Country-Specific Minimum Wages in Kuwait:
Home to a large expatriate population, Kuwait welcomes the nationality of every country with an open hand. Due to this, various countries have set specific minimum wage schedules. The aim is to support the workers employed in Kuwait. Luckily, these wages are usually higher than the general minimum wage of 75 KWD. However, it depends on the worker’s profession or specialization.
Minimum Wage for Indian Workers:
The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has published specific wage schedules. It is specifically designed for Indian nationals working in Kuwait. These rates take into account the varying costs of:
- Living
- Skills, and
- Job categories.
| Job Category | Minimum Wage (KWD) |
| Unskilled labor (e.g., car washers) | 100 KWD |
| Skilled labor (e.g., electricians) | 200 KWD |
| Healthcare workers (e.g., nurses) | 420 KWD |
| Medical doctors | 450 KWD |
The Indian Embassy has also updated its wage schedule. It reflects the increasing living costs and inflationary pressures. The purpose is to make sure that workers are fairly compensated.
Minimum Wage for Filipino Workers:
In Kuwait, Filipino workers are employed in the domestic/hospitality sectors. Receiving a minimum wage of 150 KWD per month. The minimum wage for domestic workers is set at 120 KWD. These amounts can be higher depending on the skillset or profession.
In May 2023, Kuwait suspended the new visa issuance for Filipino workers. This may affect hiring practices in the short term. We have also covered the topic of visa cancellation and final settlement in Kuwait. Check it out!
Minimum Wage for Other Nationalities:
Other countries like Bangladesh, Egypt, and Ethiopia also have specific minimum wage schedules for their workers in Kuwait. For instance:
Bangladesh: The minimum wage for Bangladeshi workers is around 100 KWD.
Egypt: Egyptian workers in Kuwait earn 200 KWD for diploma holders. However, for degree holders, 350 KWD is set.
Conduct due diligence before hiring foreign workers. It is required by Kuwaiti employers. So that they ensure compliance with the embassy’s wage regulations for different nationalities.
Average Salaries in Kuwait:
The minimum wage provides a baseline. In Kuwait, the average salary offers a broader understanding of what workers in various industries earn. We have taken salary data from various sources. This shows that salaries in Kuwait can vary significantly. It is primarily based on:
- Experience.
- Education.
- Industry, and
- Nationality.
The average salary in Kuwait is 1,270 KWD per month according to PEO Middle East. This is just an average, and salaries can vary widely:
| Income Group | Average Monthly Salary (KWD) |
| Low-income earners | 320 KWD |
| Mid-income earners | 1,270 KWD |
| High-income earners | 5,640 KWD |
Both private and public sector salaries are higher for Kuwaiti nationals. The Kuwaitis earn 1,493 KWD per month. It is listed as an average salary. However, non-Kuwaiti workers earn around 338 KWD per month on average. This difference is attributed to various factors, including:
- Government support and
- Allowances for Kuwaiti nationals.
How to Pay Employees in Kuwait?
Several legal requirements must be met when it comes to paying employees in Kuwait. The workers must adhere to them. An assurance of compliance with Kuwait’s Labor Law.
The key guidelines to follow are:
- Payment Frequency: For salaried workers, salaries must be paid at least once a month. Other workers must be paid at least once every two weeks. These include part-time or daily wage earners.
- Grace Period: Employers are required to pay wages for a limited period during the grace period. They must pay wages within 7 days of the due date. Failure to do so can result in penalties or legal disputes.
- Currency: Wages must be paid in Kuwaiti Dinars (KWD). It means in the local currency.
- Direct Deposits: Salaries should be transferred via direct deposit. They must be deposited into the worker’s local bank account.
- Receipts: Employers must provide receipts for all wage payments to the MSAL.
Overtime Pay and Working Hours
Kuwait follows a 48-hour work week, which translates to 8 hours a day, 6 days a week. However, there are clear regulations regarding overtime:
- Overtime Pay:
- Normal days: 125% of the basic salary.
- Rest days: 150% of the basic salary.
- Public holidays: 200% of the basic salary.
Be aware of these regulations. It guarantees that employees are fairly compensated. Especially for any overtime worked.
PEO Middle East: Get Instant Assistance on Kuwait’s Minumum Wage and Salary Structures
In Kuwait, minimum wage laws and understanding salary structures are important. They are mandatory to know for both workers and employers alike. Employers hiring local or foreign workers must know that wages meet or exceed the legal minimum. So that they can avoid any legal consequences. This way, they stay compliant and maintain a positive reputation in the market. Similarly, knowing about the minimum wage helps workers know that they are fairly compensated. To get accurate updates, hire someone expert like PEO Middle East!
We also assists employers in paying workers fairly. Our guidance helps stay informed about wage rates for specific nationalities. It’s a great way to adhere to Kuwait’s labor laws. As a result, organizations can create a fair and productive work environment for their workers.
Further, the expert’s assistance provides confidence to workers that their rights will not be violated. They can feel that their rights are being respected. This creates a mutually beneficial relationship between employers and employees.
Hope this article gives deep insights on the minimum wage in Kuwait.
