Minimum Wage in Costa Rica: Rates, Trends & Compliance

What Is the Minimum Wage in Costa Rica?

As of January 1, 2026, Costa Rica implemented a new adjustment to minimum wages for the private sector. The specific rates vary based on job categories and skill levels. An unskilled worker earns CRC 12,436.41 per day, while a specialized worker receives CRC 16,244.50 per day. In monthly terms, a generic unskilled worker earns about CRC 373,092, and a generic skilled worker earns just over CRC 422,000, reflecting the differentiated increases applied in 2026. For comparison, as of early 2026, CRC 373,092 is approximately equivalent to USD 730–735, depending on exchange rates.

How Does Minimum Wage Apply to Different Workers in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica's minimum wage structure is comprehensive, covering various types of workers across different industries and skill levels. The National Wage Council sets these wages annually, ensuring they align with economic conditions and the cost of living.

Full-Time Employee Wages

Full-time employees in Costa Rica are entitled to the minimum wage rates established for their job categories. As of January 1, 2026, an unskilled worker earns CRC 12,436.41 per day, while a specialized worker earns CRC 16,244.50 per day. These rates may vary based on industry-specific agreements or collective bargaining agreements.

Part-Time Employee Wages

Part-time employees receive proportional compensation based on the minimum wage for their job category. The standard working hours are eight per day and 48 per week. Wages for part-time work are calculated based on hours worked, ensuring compliance with minimum wage regulations.

Interns and Trainees

Minimum wage laws for interns and trainees in Costa Rica depend on their employment status. If an intern or trainee is classified as an employee – performing work under employer supervision with compensation – they are entitled to the minimum wage. If the program is primarily educational, exemptions may apply.

Expats

Expatriates working in Costa Rica are subject to the same minimum wage laws as local employees. Employers must comply with immigration and work permit regulations while ensuring expat compensation meets the minimum wage requirements.

Factors Influencing Minimum Wage in Costa Rica

Minimum wage levels in Costa Rica are not set in isolation. Instead, they are shaped by a combination of market dynamics, economic conditions, and public policy considerations. These factors help explain why minimum wages vary across industries and why adjustments are made over time to balance worker protection with economic sustainability.

Industry-Specific Variations

Minimum wage laws vary by industry. Some sectors, such as technology and finance, may offer wages above the minimum due to high demand for skilled labor, while industries with abundant labor supply may adhere closely to minimum wage rates.

Economic Conditions

The National Wage Council reviews economic indicators such as inflation and employment trends when determining wage adjustments. The increase effective January 1, 2026 – which averaged around 1.6% for most private-sector workers, with higher differentiated adjustments for certain categories – was intended to help preserve workers’ purchasing power amid ongoing inflationary pressures.

Government Policies and Legislation

The National Wage Council, consisting of government, employer, and worker representatives, sets and adjusts minimum wages. Wage policies are regularly reviewed to ensure fair compensation and compliance with labor laws.

Minimum Wage History and Trends in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a long-standing practice of regularly adjusting its minimum wage to reflect changing economic conditions, including inflation, productivity, and employment trends. These annual or near-annual revisions are intended to protect workers’ purchasing power while balancing broader economic sustainability.

Following a 2.37% adjustment in 2025, the January 2026 update introduced a more moderate general increase of around 1.6%, alongside higher differentiated increases for certain categories such as domestic workers and specialized occupations. Together, these adjustments reflect Costa Rica’s ongoing effort to keep minimum wages aligned with cost-of-living pressures while accounting for differences across sectors and skill levels.

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