The Government has approved a revised national minimum wage structure that will take effect on December 1, 2025, marking the first adjustment since 2021. The decision follows a comprehensive review by the Minimum Wage Advisory Board, which includes representatives from the public and private sectors, employer groups and trade unions.
Officials from the Government of Dominica say the updated framework reflects current labour market conditions and wage patterns across the OECS. The revision spans multiple categories, including agricultural workers, hospitality staff, home assistants, manufacturing workers and security personnel.
Revised Minimum Wage Rates – Effective December 1, 2025
| Occupation/Category | 2021 Rate (EC$) | 2025 Approved Rate (EC$) | Change (EC$) | Percentage Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Workers and Labourers in the agricultural sector | $7.50/hr | $9.75/hr | $2.25 | 30% |
| Daily paid workers (Factory, tourism and manufacturing) | $7.50/hr | $9.00/hr | $1.50 | 20% |
| Cashiers/Receptionists | $7.25/hr | $9.42/hr | $2.17 | 30% |
| Sales Persons/Cashiers | $7.25/hr | $9.42/hr | $2.17 | 30% |
| Home Assistants (with meals) | $200.00/wk | $240.00/wk | $40.00/wk | 20% |
| Home Assistants (without meals) | $250.00/wk | $300.00/wk | $50.00/wk | 20% |
| Home Assistants (Live-in) | $220.00/wk | $264.00/wk | $44.00/wk | 20% |
| Cooks | $7.25/hr | $9.00/hr | $1.75 | 24% |
| Bar Tenders | $7.24/hr | $9.00/hr | $1.76 | 24% |
| Servers | $7.24/hr | $9.00/hr | $1.76 | 24% |
| Room Attendants | $7.24/hr | $9.00/hr | $1.76 | 24% |
| Groundsmen | $7.24/hr | $9.00/hr | $1.76 | 24% |
| Public Area Attendants | $7.24/hr | $9.00/hr | $1.76 | 24% |
| Vehicle Drivers/Messengers | $7.50/hr | $9.00/hr | $1.50 | 20% |
| Security Guards | $8.00/hr | $9.60/hr | $1.60 | 20% |
| Janitors/Sanitization Workers | $7.24/hr | $9.00/hr | $1.76 | 24% |
| Other unskilled workers (e.g., Labourers in the construction industry, handymen) | $7.50/hr | $9.00/hr | $1.50 | 24% |
Officials have framed the move as part of a broader strategy to ensure fair compensation and improve the quality of life for lower income workers. The Labour Standards (Minimum Wage) Order, 2025, provides the legal basis for the increase.
While the revised structure has been welcomed by some sectors, public discussion continues on the long term impact of minimum wage adjustments on employment, competitiveness and the private sector’s ability to expand. Economists often stress the importance of aligning wage policies with productivity growth, investment in skilled industries and reforms that help businesses scale.
The Government maintains that the updated wage floor is intended to balance worker welfare with national development goals, and has reiterated its focus on strengthening labour protections and creating stronger conditions for sustainable employment growth.
This article is copyright © 2025 DOM767
