Determining a market competitive salary in French Polynesia requires understanding the interplay between several factors.

Local Market Rates

French Polynesia has a unique labor market with a mix of local and international businesses. It's crucial to consider salary data specific to French Polynesia, not just global averages for the position. Salary surveys conducted by recruitment agencies or government entities in French Polynesia can provide valuable insights.

Experience and Qualifications

Experience and relevant qualifications significantly impact salary expectations. An individual with extensive experience and specialized skills will command a higher salary than someone with limited experience or a more general skillset.

Cost of Living

French Polynesia has a relatively high cost of living compared to mainland France. To attract and retain talent, employers need to offer salaries that compensate for the higher living expenses.

Industry and Sector

Salaries can vary depending on the specific industry and sector. Some industries, like finance or tourism, may offer higher salaries due to market demand or profitability.

Negotiating Power

The negotiation process also plays a role. Employees with in-demand skills or strong negotiation abilities may be able to secure salaries above the average market rate.

French Polynesia follows a unique territory-specific minimum wage, different from mainland France. The minimum wage in French Polynesia is referred to as the Guaranteed Minimum Interprofessional Wage (SMIG). This is set as an hourly rate and is applicable to all employees irrespective of their age, nationality, or type of employment contract, unless a higher minimum wage is specified in a collective bargaining agreement.

Current SMIG Rate

The SMIG is periodically reviewed and adjusted by the French Polynesian government. As of the current date, the SMIG rate stands at XPF 904.82 per hour. This translates to a monthly minimum wage of approximately XPF 152,914 for a full-time employee working 169 hours per month, based on a 35-hour workweek.

Important Note: The SMIG amount mentioned here may be outdated. While the latest data is not directly accessible, the process for finding the current SMIG rate is outlined in the reference provided.

Employer Social Security Contributions

It's crucial to note that the quoted SMIG is the net amount received by the employee. Employers are responsible for paying additional social security contributions on top of the SMIG rate. These contributions can add around 30% to the total labor cost for employers.

In French Polynesia, employee compensation extends beyond just the base salary. Many employers offer a variety of bonuses and allowances to attract and retain qualified personnel.

Thirteenth Month Pay

A prevalent benefit in French Polynesia is the thirteenth month pay. This is essentially an annual bonus typically equivalent to one month's base salary. It's not mandatory by law but is a common employer practice and can be a significant motivator for employees.

Transportation and Meal Allowances

Due to the geography of French Polynesia, some employers, particularly those located in remote areas, may offer transportation allowances to help employees cover commuting costs. Additionally, meal allowances might be provided to offset lunch expenses, especially if suitable cafes or restaurants are unavailable near the workplace.

Housing Allowances

The cost of housing can be high in French Polynesia, particularly in popular tourist destinations. To assist employees with housing expenses, some employers may offer housing allowances. This could be a fixed monthly amount or a contribution towards rent.

Family Benefits

Family-oriented benefits are another potential perk. Some employers might provide family allowances or contribute to childcare costs.

Performance-Based Bonuses

Companies may offer performance-based bonuses to incentivize employees and reward exceeding targets or achieving set goals. These bonuses can be tied to individual performance, departmental results, or overall company performance.

Profit-Sharing Schemes

In some organizations, particularly those with strong financial performance, profit-sharing schemes might be offered. This allows employees to share in the company's success through a portion of the profits distributed as bonuses.

The payroll cycle is a recurring process that businesses use to pay their employees. It involves several steps, including collecting employee time information for a selected time period, managing benefits & deductions, and distributing employee pay for that time period.

Frequency of Payment

The frequency of payment is determined by the company's payroll policy. It could be weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly. The frequency of payment is often determined by the type of work and the level of the employee within the organization.

Payday Schedule

The payday schedule refers to the specific dates on which employees receive their pay. This could be a specific day of the week or a specific date of the month. The payday schedule is typically consistent to allow employees to plan their finances accordingly.

Payslips and Records

Payslips are a record of an employee's pay and deductions. They typically include information such as gross pay, net pay, and any deductions made. Employers are required to keep payroll records for a certain period of time. This period can vary, but it is typically several years.

Additional Considerations

There are also additional considerations to take into account when managing the payroll cycle. These can include off-cycle payments, such as bonuses or expense reimbursements, and the method of payment, such as electronic bank transfers or direct deposits. These factors can all impact the payroll cycle and need to be managed effectively to ensure accurate and timely payment to employees.