The Gambia ranks fourth-lowest in Africa for average monthly take-home pay, with workers earning an estimated US$85 after taxes, according to 2026 salary data from LiveGDP.com. The country ranks 193rd globally.
The report indicates that 35 African countries have average monthly net salaries below US$200.
In The Gambia, low wages are putting pressure on households as the cost of food, rent, electricity and healthcare continues to strain incomes. In Greater Banjul, monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment can exceed D5,000, while a bag of rice costs between D1,700 and D2,500 or more.
The economy relies heavily on agriculture, tourism, re-export trade and remittances, with many jobs informal, seasonal or poorly paid. Limited industrial development and the dominance of small businesses also restrict access to higher-paying employment.
Public-sector workers, including teachers, nurses, police officers and junior civil servants, reportedly earn between D5,000 and D9,000 a month, with concerns over delayed salaries and allowances that may not keep pace with inflation.
The figures highlight the challenge of improving wages and living standards for workers across The Gambia.
