Minimum Wage in Dominican Republic: Rates, Trends & Compliance

What Is the Minimum Wage in the Dominican Republic

As of January 2026, the private-sector minimum wage in the Dominican Republic ranges from RD$15,860.32 to RD$27,988.80 per month, depending on company size. Microenterprises must pay at least RD$15,860.32, while large enterprises must pay RD$27,988.80 per month. These rates reflect the first phase of the approved wage adjustment that took effect on April 1, 2025. A second and final increase is scheduled for February 1, 2026, at which point higher minimum wage levels will apply.

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Minimum Wage in the Dominican Republic Based on Region

The Dominican Republic does not have a region-based minimum wage structure. The wage rates outlined above apply nationally, regardless of region. However, some industries may offer higher wages due to specific regional demands or the cost of living in certain areas.

Average vs Reasonable vs Typical Minimum Wages

Minimum wage discussions in the Dominican Republic often use terms like average, reasonable and typical to describe different pay benchmarks. While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they reflect different ways of understanding statutory minimum wages, market practices and cost-of-living considerations.

Average Minimum Wage: As of January 2026, the minimum wage in the Dominican Republic generally ranges from DOP 15,860.32 to DOP 27,988.80 per month, depending on company size. This represents the baseline statutory pay for workers in the formal private sector.

Reasonable Minimum Wage: A reasonable wage goes beyond the legal minimum and takes the cost of living into account. This can vary by industry, location and role. For example, employees in more specialized or higher-demand sectors such as IT, finance or tourism often earn above the statutory minimum to reflect skill requirements and market conditions.

Typical Minimum Wage: In practice, a common reference point is the minimum wage for medium-sized enterprises, which stands at DOP 25,656.96 per month. This figure is often viewed as a typical minimum for many full-time private-sector workers prior to the February 2026 increase.

How Does Minimum Wage Apply to Different Workers in the Dominican Republic?

The minimum wage applies uniformly to all workers, though there are distinctions based on employment status, the size of the business, and industry-specific agreements.

Full-Time Employee Wages

Full-time employees must be paid at least the statutory minimum wage set by the government, with no general exceptions. You're required to meet the applicable minimum wage based on company size – ranging from DOP 15,860.32 per month for microenterprises up to DOP 27,988.80 per month for large enterprises. You may choose to offer higher compensation, but they cannot pay below the legally established minimum for their business category.

Part-Time Employee Wages

If you employ part-time workers, you must pay them in proportion to the applicable minimum wage. Their compensation should be calculated based on the number of hours worked, and you must ensure that their pay is not lower than the equivalent minimum wage for a full-time employee when adjusted to an hourly basis. There is no separate statutory minimum wage for part-time employees, so compliance is measured against the proportional full-time minimum.

Interns and Trainees

If you engage interns or trainees, they are generally not entitled to the statutory minimum wage unless they are formally employed under an employment contract. Some internships may be unpaid, particularly when they are part of an academic programme or clearly structured as voluntary training arrangements. However, if the role functions as regular employment, you must comply with minimum wage requirements.

Expats

f you employ expatriates in the Dominican Republic, you must apply the same minimum wage rules that apply to local employees. There are no general exemptions or reduced minimum wage thresholds for foreign workers. Your company must pay expatriate employees in accordance with the applicable minimum wage based on company size, sector and role, just as you would for Dominican nationals.

Minimum Wage for Top Paying Roles in the Dominican Republic

While the statutory minimum wage sets the legal floor for compensation, many professional and highly skilled roles earn significantly more. As of 2026, salaries for top-paying roles in the Dominican Republic typically reflect higher education requirements, specialised skills and seniority, placing them well above minimum wage levels

 
• Surgeons and Physicians: DOP 65,000 to DOP 90,000 per month, with highly specialised surgeons earning up to approximately DOP 957,800 per year
• Senior Managers in large firms: DOP 60,000 to DOP 80,000 per month
• ‍Lawyers: DOP 45,000 to DOP 75,000 per month
• ‍Engineering Professionals: DOP 50,000 to DOP 75,000 per month

These compensation levels are substantially higher than the statutory minimum wage and reflect the expertise, responsibility and experience required for these roles.