Domestic Worker Wage Rights In Brunei

The minimum salary for domestic workers in Brunei is USD 400 per month, as specified by the DOLE's household service workers reform package. This is higher than the lowest reported salary in the country of 810 BND per month.

Minimum monthly salary for domestic workers in Brunei: USD 400

The minimum salary for domestic workers in Brunei is USD 400 per month. This was specified by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as part of their household service workers reform package. The Philippine Embassy and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Brunei Darussalam have worked to ensure that Filipino domestic workers in the country receive this wage as a minimum, in addition to welfare and protection measures.

The minimum wage for domestic workers in Brunei is separate from the country's minimum hourly pay rate of BND 5 per hour.

Salary comparison by years of experience

The number of years of experience is a crucial factor in determining salary. In general, more years of experience result in higher wages. In Brunei, employees with two to five years of experience typically earn 32% more than those starting in junior roles. This applies across all industries and fields.

For those with over five years of experience, the average salary increases by 36% compared to those with less than five years of experience. After ten years of work, salaries increase by a further 21%, and for those with over 15 years of experience, there is an additional 14% increase.

These figures are rough estimates, and individual job titles should be considered for more accurate assessments. It is worth noting that, on average, a person's salary doubles their starting salary after working for ten years.

Salary comparison by education

The correlation between higher education and higher salaries is widely acknowledged. In Brunei, the impact of education on salaries is significant. A study by Salary Explorer found that:

• Employees with a certificate or diploma earned 17% more than those who only completed high school.
• Those with a Bachelor's Degree earned 24% more than those with a certificate or diploma.
• Professionals with a Master's Degree earned 29% more than those with a Bachelor's Degree.
• Those with a PhD earned 23% more than those with a Master's Degree.

The average income in Brunei, according to the World Bank, was $31,410 USD in 2019, which equates to about $2,620 BND per month. However, this average can be skewed by outliers. The median income, which is often more representative of the typical income, was $2,870 BND per month in 2020.

The impact of education on income is evident when comparing the average income by education level in Brunei. According to Salary Explorer, the average income for those with an education level below high school was $71,259 BND per year, while those with a high school education earned $38,435 BND per year. The income increased with higher education levels:

• Bachelor's Degree: $54,948 BND per year
• Master's Degree: $78,133 BND per year
• Doctorate Degree: $82,692 BND per year

It is worth noting that the average income for those with an education level below high school is surprisingly high, which may be due to specialised or niche fields that pay well. Nonetheless, the general trend is clear: higher education levels lead to higher income potential in Brunei.

Salary and compensation comparison by gender

In Brunei, the average salary for male employees is 38,700 BND, while female employees earn 36,700 BND. This means that men generally earn 5% more than women across all professions for performing the same job. The gender pay gap in Brunei is higher than the global average, which was 16% in 2020.

There are several factors that may contribute to the gender pay gap in Brunei, such as discrimination, social norms, occupational segregation, and work-life balance. For example, women may face barriers and biases in accessing education, training, and career opportunities. They may also be expected to take on more unpaid domestic and care work, limiting their time and availability for paid work. Additionally, women may be concentrated in lower-paying sectors such as education, health, and service, while men dominate higher-paying sectors like engineering, management, and finance.

Average annual salary increment percentage in Brunei

Employees in Brunei can expect to see their salaries increase by approximately 5% every 28 months. This means that, on average, a person's salary will double after they cross the 10-year experience mark.

The average annual salary increase in Brunei is 2%. This is calculated using the formula: Annual Increase = (Increase Rate / Months) x 12.

The salary increase varies depending on numerous factors, including performance and contribution to the organisation. The level of experience is a significant factor in salary determination. Employees with two to five years of experience typically earn 32% to 35% more than entry-level workers. Individuals with more than five years of experience earn 36% more than those with less than five years of experience. After ten years of work, salaries increase by 21%, and for those with over 15 years of experience, there is an additional 14% increase.

Education level also affects salary. In Brunei, individuals with a certificate or diploma earn 17% more than those with only a high school education. A bachelor's degree holder earns 24% to 25% more than those with a certificate or diploma. Professionals with a master's degree earn 29% to 30% more than bachelor's degree holders, while those with a PhD earn 22% to 23% more than master's degree holders.

Frequently asked questions