No universal minimum wage — rates are hourly and by occupation

The Labour Standards Act, Chapter 89:05 sets minimum standards on hours, leave, overtime and wages in Dominica.

Minimum wage

Dominica does not have a single universal monthly minimum. Rates are hourly and occupation-specific under the Minimum Wages (Amendment) Order, 2021.

A typical minimum wage is around EC$7.50 per hour, but the applicable rate depends on your occupation.

Confirm the rate for your occupation with the Labour Division rather than assuming a general figure applies.

Overtime

There is no statutory cap on weekly overtime hours for adults.

However, the Labour Commissioner can intervene where excessive hours threaten worker safety. That is the safeguard rather than a hard limit.

Shift work

Night shifts and shift work are common in hotels and security services. The Labour Standards Act allows the Minister to set special rules for those sectors.

If you work in one of them, sector-specific rules may apply to you.

Annual leave by service

• Two weeks after one year of work
• Three weeks after five years with the same employer

Employers must schedule leave considering both business needs and the employee's preference.

Contributions on your wage

Social Security takes 6.75% from you and 7.75% or 7.50% from your employer, remitted by the 14th of the following month.

VAT context

The standard VAT rate is 15%, with a reduced 10% rate for hotel accommodation and diving activities — relevant if you work in those sectors and see it on invoices.

What to check on your payslip

1. That your hourly rate meets the minimum for your occupation
2. That Social Security is deducted at 6.75%
3. That the employer rate shown is 7.75% if you should be covered for redundancy
4. That overtime worked is paid

Verify separately

Check your contribution record with DSS. Employees should regularly verify that contributions are properly paid.