Subscribe for all my updates and don't miss a thing! Sign me up!
Minimum Wage In Jamaica
Is It Enough?
Sharing Is Caring! Share this awesome content with your friends now.
by Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer
This year, Jamaicans saw a small increase in the minimum wage. This has left a bad taste in the mouth of many, as most are of the opinion that the minimum wage limit is so extremely low for the current economy that it wouldn’t even cover basic needs for most individuals.
New! Take a piece of Jamaica with you💃!
Savour the memories! Now you can get your authentic Jamaican souvenir items, as well as traditional Jamaican herbs, spices and housewares on our popular e-store. Click Here to learn more.
And, if you ever need a trustworthy and knowledgeable local guide, consider booking a private tour with us!
The minimum wage is fixed and determined by a number of things and works in accordance with the Minimum Wage Act.
The Minimum Wage Act
The minimum wage act was implemented in 1938. According to the act, "minimum wage" refers to any national minimum wage or the minimum rate of wages fixed in respect of the particular occupation pursued by the person in question and applicable to that person.
In any case, where he is satisfied that the wages being paid to any person employed in any such occupation are unreasonably low, the Minister may, by order published in the Gazette, fix minimum rates of wages for any occupation in the Island, either generally or in any specified area, place, or district, and may, if he is satisfied that it is desirable so to do, fix a national minimum wage applicable, subject to the provisions of this section, to occupations generally.
What’s considered while fixing the minimum rate
An order made under this act may include ancillary provisions as the Minister deems appropriate and may regulate working hours and other employment or service terms and conditions concerning any minimum wage rates.
may establish different minimum wage rates for workers employed in different categories of establishments engaged in the same occupation and may provide that, notwithstanding that the order establishes a national minimum wage. The national minimum wage shall not apply to any category of workers in any area specified outlined by the act.
The Minister may change or cancel a minimum wage by order.
Any such minimum wage, or the cancellation or variation of any such wage, shall become effective as specified in the order.
The House must approve any order issued under this act relating to the national minimum wage of Representatives.
Past Minimum Wages In Jamaica
The table below displays the minimum wage between the years 1992 and 2016.
In 2018, Hon. Shahine Robinson, Minister of Labour and Social Security, announced a 12.9% increase in the national minimum wage from $6,200 to $7,000 per week. Furthermore, security guards were paid $9,700 per week, an increase of 9.6% from $8,854 per week.
Current Minimum Wage
The House of Representatives approved two orders on Tuesday that will raise the national minimum wage and the minimum wage for industrial security guards (March 22).
The National Minimum Wage Order, 2022 and the Minimum Wage Industrial Security Guards Order, 2022 are being piloted by Labour and Social Security Minister, Hon. Karl Samuda.
The proposed increases will take effect on April 1, 2022.
To accomplish this, the national minimum wage will be raised from $7,000 to $9,000 per 40-hour work week or $175 to $225 per hour.
Industrial security guards' minimum wage will rise from $9,700 to $10,500 per 40-hour work week or $242.50 to $262.50 per hour.
Increases in laundry allowance (from $44 to $47.62 per hour) and firearm premium allowance (from $48 to $51.95 per hour) will also benefit security guards.
The premium allowance for dog handlers will be raised from $33 to $35.72 per hour, and life insurance with double indemnity protection and dismemberment coverage will be increased from $2.75 million to $2.97 million.
The minimum wage is considerably low and is only the set as the lowest amount of wages that can be given to persons for work done. In the even that the company is able to afford it, they are encouraged to pay more than is required.
You might like these
The History of Post Offices In Jamaica
One of the oldest postal services in the world is in Jamaica. Once the best method of communication, here is the history of post offices in Jamaica.
A TRN Number - Why Do I Need One? And How Do I Apply For It?
If you’re planning to do any sort of business in Jamaica, you'll be asked for TRN number. What is the reason for that? We have the answers here.
The Ministry of Education Jamaica
The ministry of education Jamaica is the regulatory body for all schools (both private and public) operated by the government of the island.
Sharing IS Caring! Please help me get the message out by sharing this article with your friends on social media (links below). Thnx ;-)
If you found this page useful, please consider subscribing to my weekly newsletter, to get even more.
It tells you each week about the new information that I have added, including new developments and great stories from lovers of Jamaica!
Watch Video! By the way, time & time again we hear that one of the things that makes Jamaica really special is... Its people!
Meet Melissa, a proud Jamaican woman, who has been part of the sanitization team in St. James for years.
Return to Pension In Jamaica from Minimum Wage In Jamaica
Return to My Island Jamaica Homepage from Minimum Wage Jamaica
References & Sources For Minimum Wage In Jamaica
- Jis.gov.jm. 2022. House Approves Minimum Wage Orders – Jamaica Information Service. [online] Available at: [Accessed 29 August 2022].
- Jis.gov.jm. 2022. Minimum Wage to Move to $7,000 per Week – Jamaica Information Service. [online] Available at: [Accessed 29 August 2022].
- Mlss.gov.jm. 2022. National Minimum Wage (1992-2016) Table – Ministry of Labour and Social Security. [online] Available at: [Accessed 29 August 2022].
- Moj.gov.jm. 2022. [online] Available at: [Accessed 29 August 2022].
Minimum Wage In Jamaica Written: August 30, 2022
New! Get My Latest Book👇🏿
 |
You asked, I've answered! You no longer need to save for months or years, to enjoy paradise! I spilled the beans! sharing my top tips on finding cozy accommodations and secret gems, only the way a native could! Click Here to pick it up on my e-store and start saving now! |
See The Best Of Jamaica - In Videos!
 |
My channel reaches over 140,000 subscribers worldwide and has leveraged over 11 million views, sharing, what I call 'The Real Jamaica'. Subscribe today and join our family of viewers. |
Read More ...
New! Experience The REAL Jamaica!
Book Your Private Tour here and experience Jamaica the way we (locals) do!
P.S. Didn't find what you were looking for?
Still need help?
Click Here to try our dependable and effective Site Search tool. It works!
Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.
Featured Video!
Travelling To Jamaica?
Read this BEFORE you go
👇🏿
New Here?
I recommend you START HERE to enjoy the best of this website!
New! For Authentic Jamaican products, from my very own hands, visit my Etsy store here.
Recent Articles
-
7 Things To Do In Negril Jamaica With Kids
Jan 14, 25 03:15 PM
Explore the best things to do in Negril Jamaica with kids! From enjoying the Seven Mile Beach to indulging in tasty Chill Pops treats! -
Is Jamaica A Luxury Holiday?
Jan 13, 25 03:53 PM
Is Jamaica a luxury holiday? Explore what makes Jamaica the perfect upscale getaway, from luxurious resorts to fine dining and exclusive experiences. -
Is Utech Better Than UWI?
Jan 11, 25 10:06 PM
Is Utech better than UWI? As two of the top universities in Jamaica, many students must choose between the two each year. -
Does Jamaica have a Monsoon Season?
Jan 11, 25 09:48 PM
Does Jamaica have a Monsoon Season? || Answered by Kadian Clarke, Associate Writer Technically Yes! Jamaica does have a monsoon season, although we don't -
The Strata Lot Number | What Is It?
Jan 11, 25 09:45 PM
What is a strata lot and where do you find the strata lot number for your property? Find out here.
About The Author
A patriotic Jamaican who adores its culture, Wellesley has been using this medium to share what he calls 'the uniqueness of Jamaica with the world' since April 2007.
To date, he serves over 9,300 unique readers / viewers per day (and over 1.1millon page views monthly)
His efforts have earned this site featured positions in local publications, including the Jamaica Gleaner's Hospitality Jamaica, Carlong Publishers, as well as recognition from numerous prestigious international agencies and universities. Read more about him here.
He invites you to explore his books and subscribe to this site to stay updated on all the latest here on site.
You are also welcome to check out his unique Jamaican products on his e-store.
If you are on social media, here are the links to follow his latest posts:
You are also invited to join his exclusive JAMHearts community where like-minded Jamaican enthusiasts discuss all things Jamaican.
Didn't Find What You Are Seeking?
Do a quick site search here:
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.