Minimum Wage in Colombia: Rates, Trends & Compliance

If you’re hiring in Colombia, it’s important to adhere to the latest laws surrounding minimum wage to remain compliant as an employer. Learn what the updated minimum wage is, how it applies to different workers, and factors influencing minimum wage in Colombia.

Iconic landmark in Colombia

Capital City

Bogota

Currency

Colombian Peso

(

$

)

Timezone

CST

(

GMT -5

)

Payroll

monthly

Employment Cost

0% - 39%

Milani Notshe

Research Specialist

Last Updated

March 4, 2025

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Discover Your Competitive Edge

Ensuring your compensation packages align with evolving minimum wage standards is crucial for attracting top talent and maintaining compliance. Try Playroll's Salary Benchmarking Tool today to align your pay scales with industry standards.

Salary Benchmarking

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:

  • Scale your global team: Legally hire and swiftly onboard new hires in 180+ regions without the red tape by offloading the HR admin to Playroll, so you can freely explore new markets and focus on growth.
  • Pay your team accurately: Ensure your international employees and global contractors are paid on time, every time, and set up centralized global payroll processes.
  • 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.

Disclaimer

THIS CONTENT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE. You should always consult with and rely on your own legal and/or tax advisor(s). Playroll does not provide legal or tax advice. The information is general and not tailored to a specific company or workforce and does not reflect Playroll’s product delivery in any given jurisdiction. Playroll makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information and shall have no liability arising out of or in connection with it, including any loss caused by use of, or reliance on, the information.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Milani Notshe

Milani is a seasoned research and content specialist at Playroll, a leading Employer Of Record (EOR) provider. Backed by a strong background in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, she specializes in identifying emerging compliance and global HR trends to keep employers up to date on the global employment landscape.

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FAQS

FAQs about Minimum Wage in Colombia

Questions and Answers

What is the current hourly or daily minimum wage in Colombia?

As of 2025, the monthly minimum wage is COP 1,423,500. This translates to approximately COP 7,423 per hour or COP 59,740 per day for a 48-hour workweek.

Are there exceptions to the minimum wage law in Colombia?

Generally, all employees are entitled to the minimum wage, but exceptions exist for certain interns and apprentices.

How often is the minimum wage reviewed in Colombia?

The minimum wage is reviewed annually, with adjustments taking effect each January.

What is the minimum wage vs. living wage in Colombia?

The statutory minimum wage is COP 1,423,500 per month, but a living wage for some regions is estimated at COP 2,295,528.