Cayman Islands minimum wage (2026)
The Cayman Islands minimum wage is CI$8.75 per hour from 1 January 2026, before pension and health insurance deductions, up from CI$6.00. Service employees of an employer with a gratuities scheme approved by the Department of Labour & Pensions must be paid at least CI$6.56 per hour and keep all gratuities. Source: Department of Labour & Pensions (gov.ky) and the Labour (National Minimum Basic Wage) (Amendment) Order, 2025.
Independent summary, not legal advice. Every legal figure here is taken from the official sources linked next to it. If anything differs, the official source is right. Last checked 28 October 2026.
The rate
From 1 January 2026 the national minimum basic wage is CI$8.75 per hour, before pension and health insurance deductions. It replaced CI$6.00, the rate since the minimum wage was introduced in 2016. Source: Department of Labour & Pensions: Minimum Wage; Labour (National Minimum Basic Wage) (Amendment) Order, 2025.
The DLP says it applies to all industries and job types, including part-time employees, unless an exemption applies. The exemptions it lists are self-employed persons, juveniles (under 17 and required by law to attend school), registered charitable organisations, and churches. (DLP)
Special cases
- Service employees of an employer with a gratuities scheme approved in writing by the DLP Director: at least CI$6.56 per hour (previously CI$4.50), and they keep all gratuities on top. (DLP; Order)
- Live-in household domestic employees: up to CI$2.19 per hour may be credited for accommodation and utilities only, so at least CI$6.56 per hour must be paid in cash. (DLP; gov.ky notice)
- Commission-based employees: up to CI$2.19 per hour of earned commission may count towards CI$8.75, and the employee keeps all commission earned. (DLP)
Overtime
The DLP says overtime is paid at one and a half times the normal hourly rate, so at least CI$13.13 an hour for someone on CI$8.75, unless a Labour Tribunal has approved an overtime waiver. (DLP)
Checking a monthly salary
The DLP's method: monthly gross salary × 12, divided by (normal weekly hours × 52). The result must be at least CI$8.75 an hour (CI$6.56 for service employees). For example, CI$1,600 a month for 40 hours a week is CI$19,200 ÷ 2,080 hours = CI$9.23 an hour.
Reporting a problem
The Department of Labour & Pensions enforces the minimum wage. Its page lists +1 (345) 945-8960, a confidential tip line on 945-3073, and [email protected]. It accepts anonymous reports. (DLP)
What current job adverts pay
Of the current WORC adverts that state an hourly rate in CI$, the median starting rate is CI$9.00 an hour (sample of 408 adverts, 28 October 2026). These are advertised rates, not a survey of what people are paid, and they don't include gratuities. See the salary guide for more.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in the Cayman Islands?
CI$8.75 per hour, effective 1 January 2026, before pension and health insurance deductions (Department of Labour & Pensions).
What is the minimum wage for service employees who receive gratuities?
CI$6.56 per hour for service employees of an employer with a gratuities scheme approved in writing by the Director of the Department of Labour & Pensions. Employees keep all gratuities on top of their wages.
Who is exempt from the Cayman minimum wage?
The Department of Labour & Pensions lists self-employed persons, juveniles (under 17 and required by law to attend school), registered charitable organisations, and churches.
What is the overtime rate in the Cayman Islands?
The DLP says overtime is paid at one and a half times the normal hourly rate, so at least CI$13.13 an hour for someone on CI$8.75, unless a Labour Tribunal has approved an overtime waiver.
Who enforces the minimum wage?
The Department of Labour & Pensions (DLP). Its page lists +1 (345) 945-8960, a confidential tip line on 945-3073 and [email protected].
Cayman Job Finder is independent and free, and is not part of the Cayman Islands Government. For advice about your own pay, contact the DLP.