.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
Thousands of global businesses can't be wrong.
Sign up for free and explore global hiring with Playroll.
Honduras offers access to cost-effective, Spanish-speaking talent in hubs like Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, with growing capability in tech, shared services, and back-office operations. Your total employer cost includes gross salary plus mandatory contributions to Honduran social security and the national training institute.
Below are average monthly costs for common roles in 2026, combining typical market salaries with statutory employer contributions of roughly 12%-13% to IHSS (social security), RAP (pension/savings), and INFOP (training). Figures are estimates for full-time roles in larger cities and will vary by seniority, sector, and benefits. USD values assume an exchange rate of HNL 24 = USD 1 and are rounded.
- Software Engineer:
Average salary HNL 45,000 (≈ USD 1,875) + employer contributions HNL 5,600 (≈ USD 235) = Estimated Total Monthly Cost HNL 50,600 (≈ USD 2,110). Senior engineers, bilingual talent, and those with cloud, fintech, or U.S. client experience can fall significantly above this range. - Product Manager:
Average salary HNL 55,000 (≈ USD 2,290) + employer contributions HNL 6,850 (≈ USD 285) = Estimated Total Monthly Cost HNL 61,850 (≈ USD 2,575). Costs rise for roles owning full P&L responsibility or cross-border product strategy, where bonuses and equity-based incentives are more common. - Marketing Specialist:
Average salary HNL 30,000 (≈ USD 1,250) + employer contributions HNL 3,750 (≈ USD 155) = Estimated Total Monthly Cost HNL 33,750 (≈ USD 1,405). Expect to pay more for digital-focused profiles with strong performance marketing, SEO, or analytics skills, especially in export-oriented or tech firms. - Customer Support Representative:
Average salary HNL 18,000 (≈ USD 750) + employer contributions HNL 2,250 (≈ USD 95) = Estimated Total Monthly Cost HNL 20,250 (≈ USD 845). Bilingual or night-shift agents supporting North American customers often receive higher base pay plus shift, transport, or attendance allowances. - HR Manager:
Average salary HNL 40,000 (≈ USD 1,670) + employer contributions HNL 5,000 (≈ USD 210) = Estimated Total Monthly Cost HNL 45,000 (≈ USD 1,880). HR leaders with experience in Honduran labor law, social security, and multinational standards can command a premium and may negotiate performance bonuses.
Figures may differ depending on exchange rates, contribution ceilings, and how you structure bonuses, health coverage, allowances, and long-term incentives.
💡 Curious how much it would cost to hire your next role in Honduras? Use our Salary Benchmarking Tool to get an instant, role-specific estimate - including taxes and compliance costs.
When you hire in Honduras, salary is just one part of your budget. You also need to plan for social security and RAP contributions, paid leave, public holidays, and customary year-end bonuses that can meaningfully increase your all-in employment cost.
In 2026, mandatory employer contributions and typical benefits can add around 15%-25% on top of gross salary, depending on salary level, contribution caps, and whether you offer private health coverage or additional allowances.
Leave and Paid Time Off
Honduran law grants at least 10 working days of paid annual leave after one year of service, rising to 12, 15, and 20 days with longer tenure. Employees also receive paid rest on national public holidays and weekly rest days, which you should factor into staffing and overtime planning.
Mandatory Employer Contributions
Employers in Honduras contribute to IHSS for health and social insurance, RAP for pension and savings, and INFOP for vocational training, with combined rates typically around 12%-13% of salary up to legal ceilings. These statutory costs must be budgeted monthly and processed through compliant local payroll.
Probation and Notice Periods
Probation periods in Honduras are often set at up to two months for general roles, and up to six months for more technical or skilled positions, as allowed by law. After probation, terminations usually require statutory notice or payment in lieu, plus settlement of accrued benefits and leave.
Compensation Structure and Bonuses
In Honduras, compensation often includes base salary plus commissions, transport or meal allowances, and a mandatory thirteenth-month "aguinaldo" bonus paid in December. Some employers also provide a fourteenth-month vacation bonus, so you should clarify whether these extra payments apply when modelling total annual cost.
Social Security and Tax Compliance
You must register your company and employees with IHSS, RAP, and INFOP, with contributions withheld and remitted monthly via local systems. Employers are responsible for properly withholding income tax from salaries and ensuring timely filings to avoid penalties or interest.
Hiring and Engagement Models
If your company lacks a Honduran entity, partnering with an Employer of Record lets you hire talent in Honduras while Playroll or another provider handles contracts, payroll, and compliance. If you do have an entity, you can hire directly but must manage all registrations, filings, and HR administration yourself.
Bring them on board seamlessly with Playroll. Our legal experts handle compliance so you don’t have to.
Book a DemoHere are six actionable ways to make your hiring strategy more cost-efficient – wherever you’re building your team.
- Plan Around Statutory Contribution Caps
Most countries set salary ceilings for mandatory employer contributions like pensions, healthcare, or unemployment insurance. Once an employee’s earnings exceed that cap, your contribution amount stays fixed. Mapping compensation bands against these limits before finalizing offers helps you remain competitive without paying unnecessary premiums. - Localize Benefits Strategically
Every market values different perks. Instead of applying a global benefits template, align packages to local expectations and cultural norms. In some regions, private healthcare or transport allowances are far more attractive than bonuses or extra paid leave. Prioritize what your team will value most and trim the rest – you’ll keep engagement high while reducing spend. - Consider an Employer of Record (EOR)
Running your own entity can be expensive – local payroll systems, tax filings, and compliance administration add up fast. Partnering with a trusted EOR like Playroll simplifies hiring anywhere in the world. We manage contracts, benefits, payroll, and compliance for you, all under one transparent monthly fee. It’s the easiest way to scale globally without unexpected costs or compliance risks. - Revisit Employment Contract Types and Terms
Not every role needs to be permanent or full-time. Many labor frameworks allow fixed-term or project-based contracts, which can offer both flexibility and cost control. Be intentional about probation periods, notice clauses, and renewal terms – clear definitions reduce risk and prevent costly disputes later. - Explore Cross-Border Hiring Options
If a role doesn’t require strict on-site presence, widen your search to include neighboring or lower-cost markets. With compliant hiring solutions, you can engage top talent in other countries while reducing salary and overhead costs – all without setting up additional legal entities. - Build Internal Mobility
Before recruiting new talent, look at who you already have. Upskilling or promoting existing employees can fill gaps faster and for less cost than external recruitment. This also boosts retention and engagement, since employees see clear career progression within your organization.
What is the average employer cost of hiring in Honduras in 2026?
.png)
In 2026, mid-level hires in Honduras typically cost employers about HNL 25,000-65,000 per month, including social security contributions and common benefits. Budget above gross salary to cover statutory charges and any bonuses or allowances.
Are there regional or industry-specific variations in employer costs in Honduras?
Employer costs in Honduras vary by city and sector, with Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula and industries like BPO, tech, and finance commanding higher pay. Factor in location and industry norms when planning Honduran hiring budgets.
What is the estimated timeline for hiring in Honduras?
Hiring in Honduras usually takes about 4-8 weeks for standard roles, with longer timelines for senior or specialized positions. Plan extra time for bilingual or niche-skill hiring in the Honduran market.
What factors impact the cost of hiring in Honduras?
In Honduras, seniority, skills, and industry norms shape salary levels, while social security, RAP contributions, and bonuses drive up total cost. Allowances and private benefits further influence your all-in Honduran hiring budget.
How often do employment-cost rules change in Honduras?
Honduran employment-cost rules, including contribution ceilings and rates, can change periodically, so employers should review them annually. Keeping payroll aligned with updated Honduran regulations helps avoid compliance issues and unexpected costs.
about the author
Jaime Watkins
Jaime is a content specialist at Playroll, specializing in global HR trends and compliance. With a strong background in languages and writing, she turns complex employment issues into clear insights to help employers stay ahead of the curve in an ever-changing global workforce.
Back to Top
.svg)
.svg)