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Togo offers access to French-speaking West African talent at relatively moderate salary levels, especially in Lomé, the country’s main economic hub. Your total cost to hire in Togo depends on gross salary plus mandatory employer social security contributions and any additional benefits you choose to offer.
Below are average monthly costs for popular roles in 2026, combining typical market salaries in Lomé with employer social security contributions that usually range around 18%–22% of gross pay, depending on the salary band and applicable ceilings. USD amounts assume an exchange rate of roughly XOF 600 = USD 1 and are rounded.
- Software Engineer:
Average salary XOF 850,000 (≈ USD 1,415) + employer contributions XOF 170,000 (≈ USD 285) = Estimated Total Monthly Cost XOF 1,020,000 (≈ USD 1,700). Costs tend to be lower for junior engineers and significantly higher for senior, cloud, or security specialists or those with international product experience. - Product Manager:
Average salary XOF 1,100,000 (≈ USD 1,835) + employer contributions XOF 220,000 (≈ USD 365) = Estimated Total Monthly Cost XOF 1,320,000 (≈ USD 2,200). Product talent with strong fintech, SaaS, or regional go-to-market experience can command a premium and may also negotiate performance-based bonuses. - Marketing Specialist:
Average salary XOF 600,000 (≈ USD 1,000) + employer contributions XOF 120,000 (≈ USD 200) = Estimated Total Monthly Cost XOF 720,000 (≈ USD 1,200). Digital marketers with paid media, analytics, and francophone–anglophone campaign skills usually sit at the higher end of the range, especially in tech or telecoms. - Customer Support Representative:
Average salary XOF 350,000 (≈ USD 585) + employer contributions XOF 70,000 (≈ USD 115) = Estimated Total Monthly Cost XOF 420,000 (≈ USD 700). Bilingual French–English agents, night-shift roles, and those supporting international customers often attract higher pay and may receive shift or attendance allowances. - HR Manager:
Average salary XOF 900,000 (≈ USD 1,500) + employer contributions XOF 180,000 (≈ USD 300) = Estimated Total Monthly Cost XOF 1,080,000 (≈ USD 1,800). HR leaders experienced in Togolese labor law, WAEMU/ OHADA frameworks, and multinational standards generally command higher salaries, particularly in larger or heavily regulated organizations.
Figures are market-based estimates rather than legal requirements and may vary by seniority, sector, benefits, and current exchange rates.
💡 Curious how much it would cost to hire your next role in Togo? Use our Salary Benchmarking Tool to get an instant, role-specific estimate – including taxes and compliance costs.
When you hire in Togo, salary is just the starting point. You also need to budget for mandatory social security, paid leave, potential bonuses, and the administrative work required to stay compliant with local labor and tax rules.
In 2026, statutory employer contributions and related payroll costs commonly add around 18%–22% on top of gross salary, before you layer in any private health cover, allowances, or performance incentives your company decides to offer.
Leave and Paid Time Off
Employees in Togo are generally entitled to at least 30 calendar days of paid annual leave after one year of service, with accruals starting earlier. You should also account for roughly a dozen widely observed public holidays, plus maternity leave and sick leave entitlements that can affect resourcing.
Mandatory Employer Contributions
The main statutory cost in Togo is social security paid to the Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale, covering family benefits, pensions, and workplace risks. These employer contributions usually total around 18%–22% of gross salary up to certain ceilings, so higher earners may not attract the same percentage cost above the cap.
Probation and Notice Periods
Togolese law allows probation periods, often one to three months for most staff and longer for senior roles, during which termination is simpler but still should be documented. After probation, notice periods and any severance obligations add to exit costs, so they need to be considered in workforce planning.
Compensation Structure and Bonuses
Compensation in Togo typically centers on a base salary, sometimes complemented by transport, meal, or housing allowances and performance bonuses. A 13th-month salary is not legally mandatory but may be provided on a contractual or sectoral basis, so clarify expectations early and build any recurring bonuses into your annual budget.
Social Security and Tax Compliance
As an employer in Togo you must register with the social security fund, calculate and remit both employer and employee contributions, and withhold individual income tax from salaries. Late or incorrect filings can attract penalties, making accurate local payroll processing an essential cost of hiring.
Hiring and Engagement Models
If you lack a legal entity in Togo, working with an Employer of Record lets you hire locally while Playroll or another provider acts as the legal employer. This can reduce setup and compliance costs, while direct employment through your own entity gives more control but higher administrative and regulatory responsibilities.
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 Togo in 2026?
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In 2026, typical total employer costs in Togo for mid-level professionals range from roughly XOF 400,000 to 1,400,000 per month, including mandatory social security. Budget above gross salary for contributions, benefits, and any bonuses.
Are there regional or industry-specific variations in employer costs in Togo?
Employer costs in Togo vary by region and industry, with Lomé and sectors like telecoms, banking, and tech generally commanding higher salaries than smaller towns and traditional services companies.
What is the estimated timeline for hiring in Togo?
Hiring in Togo generally takes around four to eight weeks for most professional roles, with longer timelines for niche or bilingual positions and more complex recruitment processes.
What factors impact the cost of hiring in Togo?
In Togo, role seniority, skills scarcity, location, social security contributions, and your benefits and hiring model all shape the total cost to hire an employee.
How often do employment-cost rules change in Togo?
Togo’s employment-cost rules, including social security and tax parameters, are updated periodically rather than monthly, so employers should review them at least once a year to keep payroll budgets accurate.
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.
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