The Cuban government confirmed that the average monthly salary in the country's state and budgeted sector rose in April 2025 to 6,506.5 Cuban pesos (CUP), which is equivalent to just 17 US dollars at the informal exchange rate currently in effect on the island.
The data, published by the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI), reflects an increase of 15% compared to the same period last year. Despite having increased by around 600 pesos relative to 2024, the figure remains insufficient given the high cost of living, inflationary prices, the devaluation of the national currency (CUP), and the ongoing decline in the purchasing power of Cubans.
The average salary in the business sector was slightly higher, at 7,120.3 CUP, while the budgeted sector, which includes services such as health, education, and culture, recorded an average of 5,850.4 CUP.
The highest-paying economic activities were "Electricity, gas, and water supply" with 12,141.7 CUP per month; "Construction" with 10,404.6 CUP; and "Mining and quarrying" with 8,677.2 CUP. In contrast, the lowest incomes were observed in sectors such as "Other community service activities" (4,437.5 CUP), "Commerce" (4,499.6 CUP), and "Culture and sports" (5,161.2 CUP).
If we take as a reference the unofficial market rate published by the independent media elTOQUE on June 26 —which places the dollar at 380 CUP and the euro at 420 CUP—, the average monthly salary barely covers the equivalent of 17 dollars or 15 euros.
This reality has triggered an outpouring of testimonies on social media where professionals such as teachers, doctors, and engineers are denouncing the inability to cover basic expenses with their incomes.
Cases like that of a doctor from Sancti Spíritus, who cannot buy a can of milk for her daughter with her maternity salary, or that of a teacher who could only afford hygiene products with her entire paycheck, reflect a structural crisis.
The salary gap between provinces also persists. Havana leads with 6,449 CUP, followed by Artemisa and Holguín, while Santiago de Cuba occupies the last place with 5,123 CUP.
The Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa recently acknowledged that “with a salary of 6,000 pesos, one cannot live,” although he did not provide any concrete solutions. Meanwhile, the population is facing a fragmented economy and a national currency that is increasingly devalued.
Frequently Asked Questions about Salary and the Economy in Cuba
What is the average salary in Cuba and how much does it equate to in dollars?
According to official data from the Cuban regime, the average monthly salary in the state and budgeted sector of Cuba is 6,506.5 Cuban pesos (CUP), which is equivalent to 17 US dollars at the current informal exchange rate on the island. This salary is insufficient to cover basic needs due to the high cost of living and inflation in the country.
How does inflation affect the purchasing power of Cubans?
Despite the Cuban government's claim that inflation has reached its lowest level in years, the purchasing power of Cubans continues to be severely affected. Year-on-year inflation stood at 16.43%, but the prices of food and basic services remain unattainable for the majority of the population. This creates an economic crisis that suffocates the average citizen.
What economic sectors in Cuba have the highest and the lowest salaries?
The highest-paying economic activities in Cuba are “Electricity, gas, and water supply” with 12,141.7 CUP per month; “Construction” with 10,404.6 CUP; and “Mining and quarrying” with 8,677.2 CUP. In contrast, the sectors with the lowest income include “Other communal service activities” (4,437.5 CUP), “Commerce” (4,499.6 CUP), and “Culture and sports” (5,161.2 CUP).
What solutions does the Cuban government offer in response to the wage crisis?
The vice president Salvador Valdés Mesa acknowledged that "with a salary of 6,000 pesos one cannot live," but did not offer concrete solutions. The population faces a fragmented economy and a devalued national currency, while the government has not implemented effective measures to improve the purchasing power of citizens.
Filed under: