Bali is an Indonesian Island, known for its gorgeous settings, fascinating diverse culture, and delicious food. This coupled with warm, sunny weather makes it Indonesia’s favourite tourist destination. But there’s more to Bali than simply an island paradise. It has a solid expat scene, as well as residents from other Indonesian cities, of both short-term individuals and those living long-term. Unless you have a significant amount of savings to last you a lifetime, it’s only logical that you’ll want to get a job in Bali or perhaps start a business. Whether as an employee or an employer, it’s very important to know the salaries being offered in a particular area.
So, how much does a person working in Bali earn? What is the average salary in Bali? Well, the average annual salary, including transport, housing, and other benefits, is 160,046,778 IDR ($11,165)/yr or 13,345,000 IDR ($931)/month for salaried jobs. Those who work hourly jobs can expect about 76,946 IDR ($5.36)/hr. Since these are gross salaries, the take-home pay will be lower after deductions.
Note that the currency used here is the Indonesian Rupiah and 1 USD = 14,460 IDR.
The favourable cost of living is one of the reasons expats are choosing to move to Bali. Of course, there are touristy areas with a partying vibe that are completely overrun by prices but most parts offer a nice quality of life for a low cost of living. If you are looking to work in a country that promises a vacation feeling, then Bali is the place to be. But like anywhere else, relocating to Bali requires some thorough preparation. Here are some of the most important things you need to know about living and working in Bali, including job opportunities and salaries offered.
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In this article you will find out:
How To Become An Expat
Average Salary in Bali
“How much money can I expect to earn.” This is a common question that many soon-to-be expats or even non-locals ask when they are planning to relocate to another city or country. If you are trying to get the answer to this with regard to Bali, I hate to disappoint you but there’s no magic source on the internet that can tell you the exact pay that you’ll get. That being said, foreigners can expect good pay working in Bali. That’s because local companies generally value western education, training, and work experience, and will offer higher salaries as an incentive to attract talent from the developed markets to Bali and Indonesia at large. The island also houses a good number of multinational corporations where you can earn a competitive western wage regardless.
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So, how do you get a baseline of knowledge as to how much you can expect to earn in Bali? First off, annual salaries in Bali range from 21,765,000 IDR (average minimum wage) to 708,900,000 IDR (average maximum wage). The median gross salary is 150,450,000 IDR a year. All these are great indicators of where your salary could fall. A good salary is one that falls above the average and median wage as it puts you above over 50% of what others earn. While salaries are generally negotiated between an employer and employee, the minimum wage for 2020 was set at 2,494,000 IDR ($172.49) per month. Several factors will determine one’s salary though; for instance:
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Salary by sector
Salaries differ from one sector/industry to the next with the highest-paying industries in Bali right now being Oil and Gas, IT and e-commerce, financial services, and Infrastructure. These industries are also the ones with the highest job opportunities, so consider them in your job search. Of course, the thriving tourism industry also offers quite a lot of jobs for foreigners, especially in the hotel management business. Things will, however, get more specific when you search salaries offered to people in a specific occupation.
Salaries by job title
This is the biggest determinant of an individual’s salary as there are so many different kinds of jobs that you can do in Bali. Here are some of the popular options, along with their average annual gross salaries:
- Internal auditor – 164,050,000 IDR ($11,426)
- Accountant – 117,300,000 IDR ($8,170)
- Receptionist – 89,250,000 IDR ($6,215)
- Graphic designer – 114,750,000 IDR ($7,987)
- Photographer – 112,200,000 IDR ($7,810)
- Flight attendant – 146,200,000 IDR ($10,174)
- Mechanic – 83,385,000 IDR ($5,806)
- Teller – 108,800,000 IDR ($7,575)
- Bank branch manager – 251,600,000 IDR ($17,520)
- Nanny – 105,400,000 IDR ($7,340)
- Project manager – 194,650,000 IDR ($13,555)
- Call centre representative – 109,650,000 IDR ($7,636)
- Electrical engineer – 163,200,000 IDR ($11,365)
- General Manager – 281,350,000 IDR ($19,591)
- Chef – 140,250,000 IDR ($9,767)
- Travel agent – 130,050,000 IDR ($9,057)
- Waitstaff – 96,050,000 IDR ($6,688)
- Hotel manager – 233,750,000 IDR ($16,275)
- Nurse – 132,600,000 IDR ($9,232)
- Pharmacist – 194,650,000 IDR ($13,555)
- Dentist – 383,350,000 IDR ($26,697)
- Computer technician – 125,800,000 IDR ($8,775)
- Developer/programmer – 149,600,000 IDR ($10,435)
- Attorney – 229,500,000 IDR ($16,009)
- Police officer – 124,100,000 IDR ($8,657)
- Elementary school teacher – 109,650,000 IDR ($7,649)
Other factors that affect salaries in Bali include the level of education, years of experience, seniority, and the employer. Naturally, the higher these factors you possess, the higher your salary will be. While these salaries don’t seem like much in comparison to western salaries, they are considered a great income in Bali given the low cost of living.
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Doctor Salary in Bali
The market for medical care in Bali, and Indonesia at large, has been growing in the past few years. With such a shortage, those in the medical field will easily find work on this island. The next logical question is how much can you earn? Well, doctors’ salaries in Bali range from a minimum average of 167,450,000 IDR to a maximum average of 629,850,000 IDR with the median wage being 393,550,000 IDR a year. The average annual doctor salary is 371,450,000 IDR/year or 30,940,000 IDR/month or an equivalent hourly rate of 178,500 IDR per hour. These figures are gross and include transport, housing, and other benefits, meaning that the take-home pay after deductions will be lower.
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Keep in mind that this is just an estimate and the exact salary you will receive working as a doctor in Bali will vary depending on several things. First, it varies between different doctor/physician careers. See below for the average annual gross pay for some specific types of doctors:
- Allergist – 317,050,000 IDR
- Chiropractor – 192,100,000 IDR
- Dermatologist – 595,850,000 IDR
- Forensic pathologist – 448,800,000 IDR
- Neurologist – 451,350,000 IDR
- Obstetrician/Gynaecologist – 436,900,000 IDR
- Paediatrician – 380,800,000 IDR
- Physical therapist – 276,250,000 IDR
- Physician – Occupational Medicine – 368,900,000 IDR
- Podiatrist – 323,850,000 IDR
- Psychiatrist – 430,100,000 IDR
- Radiologist – 451,350,000 IDR
- Urologist – 554,200,000 IDR
Doctor salaries also vary depending on the employer and one’s level of experience. Entry-level doctors make an average of 450,119,502 IDR a year. On the other hand, senior-level doctors with 8+ years of experience earn an average of 862,277,118 IDR.
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How to Live In Bali Permanently
Bali is an incredibly wonderful place to live and work as evidenced by the many expatriates from different parts of the world who came and have never left the island. Living in Bali is, of course, different from vacationing here.
There are several types of Bali visas you can apply for, depending on the purpose of your visit, length of stay, or whether or not you have a sponsor. However, for long-term residency, you will need a KITAP (Kartu Izin Tinggal Tetap), which translates as a permanent stay permit card. This visa is valid for five years, after which it is extended automatically.
Unlike any other Bali visa, the KITAP is not easy to attain. The only eligible candidates are:
Foreigners married to an Indonesian citizen: This group will have to apply for a KITAS first, which they can convert to a KITAP after two years of marriage.
Foreigners who are shareholders (investors, commissioners, or directors) of a foreign company in Indonesia: You can apply for a KITAP after 4 years of working with the same PT PMA in the same position.
Foreigners wanting to retire in Indonesia: Retirees can apply for a KITAP after four extensions of their KITAS. They must be 55+ years old.
Indonesians regaining their citizenship: There are no special obligations or restrictions for this group of candidates.
Retire In Bali
Bali is one of the most popular retirement destinations in the world. You’ll need to be 55+ years and have a retirement KITAS to be able to retire on this island. You are not allowed to work or even volunteer with this visa, meaning you must have an income (the minimum requirement is US$1,500 per month) or sufficient assets that can prove to the Indonesian government that you can support yourself.
Expect a laid-back lifestyle with a culture that’s rich, delicious foods, dolphin sightings, beautiful beaches, and tropical weather among other great things. Majority of the locals can speak English, meaning there likely won’t be much of a language barrier. Last, but not least, your currency stretches way further here, especially if you are from western or European countries. This will allow you to live a more comfortable lifestyle for just a few pennies.
That being said, it’s still important to do a little research and evaluate some factors before retiring in Bali for good. Test the waters first by staying in Bali for about three months. Be sure to live amongst the locals, eat local food, ensure the weather conditions suit you, and generally get the true feel of life on this island. Most importantly, learn and embrace the Balinese life.
Keep in mind that foreigners are not allowed to own property, although long-term lease is an option. If you enter into a lease for 10, 30, or more years, you essentially own the property and can do whatever you want with it provided you observe local guidelines. Some of the best places to retire in Bali are Amed, Sanur, Ubud, and Seminyak.
FAQs
How much is a good salary in Bali? ›
The average salary for jobs in Bali, Indonesia is Rp199. 232.928 (IDR) per year or an hourly rate of Rp95. 785 (IDR). The above data is a sample of data available in ERI's Global Salary Calculator.
How much does the average expat earn in Bali? ›Wages in Bali
An expatriate working in a leading industry such as Oil and Gas Company can earn between IDR 50 million (USD 3,750) and IDR 100 million (USD 7,500) per month; otherwise, one should expect average salaries to range between IDR 10 million and IDR 38 million (IDR 720 to 2,600).
An entry level tourist guide (1-3 years of experience) earns an average salary of Rp81. 728.717. On the other end, a senior level tourist guide (8+ years of experience) earns an average salary of Rp124. 360.473.
How much do hotel staff earn in Bali? ›The average pay for a Hotel Waiter/Waitress is IDR 136,647,645 a year and IDR 65,696 an hour in Bali, Indonesia. The average salary range for a Hotel Waiter/Waitress is between IDR 100,026,076 and IDR 162,883,992. On average, a High School Degree is the highest level of education for a Hotel Waiter/Waitress.
Is it cheaper to live in Bali than the US? ›...
Cost of living in Bali: average monthly expenses.
How money you need in bank for second home visa. To attract wealthy global citizens for long-term stays in Bali and other destinations, Indonesia has launched a "second home visa" program that will allow foreigners to stay and work in the country for five to 10 years.
How much is it to live in Bali US Dollars? ›When using figures to make a budget for living in Bali, a rough guide of approximately $700 USD per person per year is a good starting point for an average comprehensive cover.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Bali? ›...
Cost of Living in Bali: $720 to $2,600.
In 2021, the monthly minimum wage in Bali was 2.49 million Indonesian rupiah.
How much is the average house in Bali? ›
The price of the average home in Bali in 2022 is 6,408,211,880 IDR ($410,783 USD) for a 301 square (3243 square) meter home with an average of 3.5 bedrooms and 3.2. This data comes from analyzing 2000+ real estate listings posted the 45 day period of October to mid-November 2022.
What is a good tip in Bali? ›TIPPING IN BALI
In most restaurants tipping between 5-20% is generally what we opt for. That said, there is no standard amount for other services in Bali such as hired drivers and guides, housekeepers and staff in your accommodation, or a porter who takes care of your belongings.
Bali is in many ways an incredibly wonderful place to live and work, and there are many expatriates from all over the world living in Bali, who have opened businesses and made a living.
What is the most common job in Bali? ›Most people are employed either in the tourism industry in the south of the island, or work in subsistence farming and agriculture. For expats who plan on working in Bali, the hospitality industry is the most pragmatic choice.
Is it easy to get a job in Bali? ›Even though finding work as an expat in other parts of the world can be surprisingly easy, this isn't really the case in Bali. Employers might be reluctant to cover the costs of getting the permits necessary for hiring expats, so they typically stick with finding locals to employ instead.
Can a US citizen retire in Bali? ›If you're 55 years or over, you can live in Bali long term, enter and exit Indonesia as often as you like, and even open a local bank account. Once you've arrived in Bali on a social visa, there are steps you need to take to ensure a smooth process to gaining your retirement visa.
Is it safe for Americans to live in Bali? ›Yes, it's safe to live in Bali. The crime rate is low, and there is a strong sense of community.
Can an American buy a home in Bali? ›The only way foreigners can safely invest in property or buy land in Bali is by owning an Indonesian legal entity- a PT PMA. Property owned by a foreigner may not be freehold ownership, but the Right to Build and Right to Use titles give you clear legal grounding.
Is it cheaper to live in Bali or Thailand? ›Thailand is notoriously less expensive than Bali overall. However, cities like Bangkok, Thailand are likely to be more expensive than living in Ubud, Bali when it comes to the cost of living.
Can you live in Bali for 1000 a month? ›Definitely! Bali is one of the top hubs for digital nomads and expats. And for a good reason! The island is known for its beautiful nature, wellness culture, and chilled out vibe.
Can foreigner buy property in Bali? ›
Yes, foreigners can own freehold property in Bali.
Why do Americans move to Bali? ›One of the many reasons people choose to live in Bali is the affordable cost of living. It's ideal for those working hard to build an online empire from scratch, and others who are just starting their digital nomad journeys. Below are a few monthly expenses you can expect when living in Bali.
Is Bali visa free for Americans? ›Passport holders from over 60 countries (including the UK, Australia and the United States) can enter Indonesia visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism purposes.
What age can you retire in Bali? ›To access a retirement visa in Bali, you must be over 55 years of age and meet a few other criteria to ensure you can fund your retirement here.
How much is $1000 US dollars in Bali? ›The conversion value for 1000 USD to 355588.428 BALI.
Can you use American money in Bali? ›Bali is the largest of 17,508 islands that make up Indonesia and the Indonesian Rupiah is the only currency accepted in all of them. However, as Bali receives a lot of tourists on vacation Australian Dollars (AUD), American Dollars (USD) and Euros (EUR) are sometimes accepted and can be exchanged for IDR on the island.
How much does a meal cost in Bali in USD? ›Budget & Backpacking (Average USD 1.5-2.5 per meal)
All across Bali, you'll find traditional warungs (small eateries) and street-food stalls selling tasty food. It's good, and it's also very fresh.
- Transportation – One of the majors cons of living in Bali is the transportation situation. ...
- The Traffic – The traffic in Bali can be extremely hectic, chaotic and overall just too much for the small roads that connect many destinations in Bali.
Typical Costs for 1 Week in Bali
For a comfortable private tour (2–4 people): About 160–220 USD per day per person is typical with private guide, 4- or 5-star hotels, nice meals, and private transfers included. For this standard of vacation in the US, the average price is 500+ USD.
| Job type | Median salary (USD) | Salary ranking compared to all cities |
|---|---|---|
| Physician | $14,003 | 244/265 |
| Interior Designer | $14,001 | 220/265 |
| Data Analyst | $13,925 | 234/265 |
| Lecturer | $13,884 | 229/265 |
Do foreigners pay tax in Bali? ›
Non-resident individuals are subject to a general withholding tax (WHT) at 20% in respect of their Indonesian-sourced income.
Do you pay tax in Bali? ›...
Tax planning for digital nomads in Bali.
| Progressive Tax Rate | Taxable Income |
|---|---|
| 15% | IDR 50 – 250 million |
| 25% | IDR 250 – 500 million |
| 30% | > IDR 500 million |
You don't need a large budget to live in Bali. Digital nomads, remote workers, expats, and even retirees can live a very comfortable life at about $1,000 – $1,500 per month. Nevertheless, expats should keep in mind that Bali is the major holiday destination and tends to be more expensive than other parts of Indonesia.
Is it cheaper to build or buy in Bali? ›Generally, when comparing similar build sizes and materials, it is cheaper to build in Bali then in most western countries. However, prices in other South East Asian countries, such as Thailand, or even other areas of Indonesia can be cheaper than Bali, but typically have a less profitable return on investment.
Is rent cheap in Bali? ›The cost of rent in Bali is going to totally vary depending on your style of living, area, and whether you're booking long-term rentals or short-term. Rent in Bali can be as low as $300 per month for super budget accommodation, $700-$800 for a 1-bedroom, and above $1000 if you're getting a villa.
What is considered disrespectful in Bali? ›Don't hand a Balinese person something with your left hand, it is considered rude. Don't leave your plate completely empty when eating a meal at someone's house. A little food is always left over as an offering for the gods and to let your host know you had enough to eat.
Should I carry cash in Bali? ›Cash is still a very important form of payment in Bali, particularly in the smaller shops and also when you need to pay for your transportation, or if you need gasoline. The 100,000 bills are the largest bills (ca. USD 7 / AUD 10). It's useful if you take also some smaller bills with you.
Do you flush toilet paper in Bali? ›When they say “don't flush any paper product”, yes – this also means toilet paper. When I mentioned that the plumbing system in Bali isn't built to handle toilet paper being flushed down it, I meant it. Remember: you're in a country where the traditional method is to wet clean rather than dry wipe clean.
Can unmarried couples live together in Bali? ›Cohabitation will also be illegal, so if you and your partner aren't married and have been dreaming of a Bali digital nomad lifestyle, it's probably worth looking elsewhere. According to the new penal code, you could get time in jail just for living or staying with a partner you aren't married to.
Can foreigners get jobs in Bali? ›Bali's job market for foreigners is dominated by hospitality & leisure industry. Depending on the size of the business they might hire one or several foreigners. Large multinational hotel chains might hire 5 or even more expatriates (often GM, RM, Marketing Director, Chef, FBM).
Where do American expats live in Bali? ›
Most expats live in Canggu, Ubud and Uluwatu. Canggu is famous for digital nomads, surfers, and backpackers and it's not the quietest spot around Bali.
What kind of jobs can Americans get in Bali? ›Common jobs for foreigners in Bali
Some jobs in which foreigners are employed in Bali are: Marketing, Dive Instructor, Chef in a bigger kitchen, Hotel/ Resort Manager and Yoga Instructor.
Tourism is now the largest single industry in terms of income, and as a result, Bali is one of Indonesia's wealthiest regions.
What is the average wage in Bali per month? ›| Provinces | Minimum Wage per Month |
|---|---|
| DKI Jakarta | 4,416,186 IDR |
| Papua | 3,516,700 IDR |
| Jambi | 2,630,162 IDR |
| Bali | 2,494,000 IDR |
The single entry visa is one of the favorite options for medium to long term stays in Bali. The visa allows for stays of up to 6 months in Indonesia. After this 6-month period, foreigners can apply for a new single entry visa again for another period of 6 months.
Can US dollars be used in Bali? ›Bali is the largest of 17,508 islands that make up Indonesia and the Indonesian Rupiah is the only currency accepted in all of them. However, as Bali receives a lot of tourists on vacation Australian Dollars (AUD), American Dollars (USD) and Euros (EUR) are sometimes accepted and can be exchanged for IDR on the island.
How much is $100 US in Bali? ›The conversion value for 100 USD to 35121.856 BALI.
How much is $500 US in Bali? ›The conversion value for 500 USD to 152500.862 BALI. BeInCrypto is currently using the following exchange rate 305.002. You can convert USD to other currencies like ADA, USDC or ETH. We updated our exchange rates on 2023/02/27 06:50.
How far does the US dollar go in Indonesia? ›1 USD = 15,251.440059 IDR Feb 28, 2023 17:40 UTC
The currency converter below is easy to use and the currency rates are updated frequently.
Yes, foreigners can own freehold property in Bali.
Can an American buy a house in Bali? ›
The only way foreigners can safely invest in property or buy land in Bali is by owning an Indonesian legal entity- a PT PMA. Property owned by a foreigner may not be freehold ownership, but the Right to Build and Right to Use titles give you clear legal grounding.
Can a foreigner own a house in Bali? ›Today, foreigners can “own” Bali properties with 30-year lease agreements with 20-year extensions. You can also “own” landed houses through long-term leases.