Minimum Wage in Colombia: Rates, Trends & Compliance

What Is the Minimum Wage in Colombia?

As of January 1, 2025, Colombia's national minimum wage has been set at COP 1,423,500 per month, reflecting a 9.54% increase from the previous year. In addition to the base salary, employees are entitled to a transportation allowance of COP 200,000 per month, bringing the total minimum compensation to COP 1,623,500 monthly. This adjustment aims to enhance workers' purchasing power and address inflationary pressures.

Minimum Wage in Colombia Based on Region

Colombia maintains a standardized national minimum wage, with no regional variations. Therefore, the minimum wage rates are consistent across all regions of the country.

Average vs. Reasonable vs. Typical Minimum Wages

• Average Wage: The mean salary earned across various industries and positions, often exceeding the minimum wage due to specialized sector earnings.
• Reasonable Wage: A fair compensation level based on industry standards, experience, and job responsibilities.
• Typical Minimum Wage: The legally mandated lowest remuneration, set at COP 1,423,500 per month in 2025.

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How Does Minimum Wage Apply to Different Workers in Colombia?

Full-Time Employee Wages

Full-time employees are entitled to the national minimum wage plus a transportation allowance, totaling COP 1,623,500 per month.

Part-Time Employee Wages

Part-time workers receive proportional wages based on hours worked, ensuring at least the equivalent of the hourly minimum wage.

Interns and Trainees

Interns may not be entitled to a salary if their work is part of academic training, but those performing employee-like tasks must receive at least the minimum wage.

Expatriates

Foreign workers in Colombia are subject to the same minimum wage laws as local employees.

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Factors Influencing Minimum Wage in Colombia

Industry-Specific Variations

Certain industries, such as technology, finance, and oil, offer higher wages due to skilled labor demand.

Economic Conditions

Inflation and employment rates influence minimum wage adjustments. The 2025 increase counteracts inflation.

Government Policies and Legislation

The Colombian government reviews and adjusts the minimum wage through policy changes when employer-labor negotiations fail.

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Minimum Wage History and Trends in Colombia

Recent wage increases include a 12% rise in 2024 and a 9.54% increase in 2025, reflecting the government's efforts to support workers.

• Historical Changes: Since 1984, Colombia has seen a consistent upward trajectory in its minimum wage. In 1984, the monthly minimum wage was 11,298 Colombian pesos (COP). By 2024, this had risen to 1,300,000 COP per month, marking a substantial increase over four decades.
• Recent Regulations:In December 2024, President Gustavo Petro announced a 9.54% increase in the minimum wage for 2025, setting it at 1,423,500 COP per month, effective from January 1, 2025. This decision was made by decree after negotiations between the government, business associations, and workers' unions failed to reach a consensus. The increase was smaller than the 12% hike implemented in 2024.

Additionally, the transportation subsidy for workers was raised to 200,000 COP per month in 2025, bringing the total minimum compensation to 1,623,500 COP monthly.

• Future Projections: Projections indicate that Colombia's minimum wage will continue to rise. Trading Economics forecasts suggest that the minimum wage is expected to reach 1,500,000 COP per month in 2026.

These adjustments aim to improve the purchasing power of workers and address income inequality. However, debates persist regarding the potential economic impacts, such as effects on employment rates and business operating costs.

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Minimum Wage for Top Paying Roles in Colombia

While the national minimum wage is standardized across all professions, actual earnings for various professions exceed this minimum due to factors such as expertise, demand, and responsibility. Below is a list of some of the highest-paying roles in Colombia, along with their average monthly salaries:

• Surgeons and Doctors: Medical professionals specializing in surgery and general medicine earn an average of 17,400,000 COP per month.
• Judges: Entrusted with upholding justice, judges have an average monthly salary of 14,700,000 COP.
• Lawyers: Legal practitioners provide counsel and representation, earning around 11,900,000 COP per month (depending on their specialization and experience).
• Bank Managers: Overseeing financial operations and strategies, bank managers receive an average salary of 11,200,000 COP monthly.
• Chief Executive Officers (CEOs): As top executives, CEOs are responsible for strategic decision-making and leadership, with average earnings of 10,500,000 COP per month.
• Orthodontists: Dental specialists focusing on correcting teeth and jaw alignment, orthodontists have an average monthly income of 9,420,000 COP. 
• Marketing Directors: Leading marketing strategies and teams, marketing directors earn about 6,280,000 COP per month.

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Discover Your Competitive Edge

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How To Stay Compliant When Hiring in Colombia With Playroll

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be a logistical nightmare to hire and pay employees in different countries. That’s the advantage of using a trusted Employer of Record like Playroll:

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• ‍Meet minimum wage requirements: Our built-in compliance checks and vetted contracts mean your agreements will always meet all legal requirements for statutory benefits, minimum wage, and more.