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The Costa Rica minimum wage for 2026 was officially updated through Executive Decree Nº 45303-MTSS, published in La Gaceta #229/2025, and became effective on January 1, 2026.
For global employers, HR leaders, and payroll managers hiring in Costa Rica, understanding the updated minimum salary structure is critical for compliance, budgeting, and accurate payroll execution. Since Costa Rica applies differentiated minimum wages by job category in the private sector, employers must ensure proper classification of each employee to avoid underpayment risks.
What Is the Minimum Wage in Costa Rica in 2026?
The Costa Rica minimum wage is not a single nationwide flat rate. Instead, it varies by occupational category and qualification level.
According to Executive Decree Nº 45303-MTSS, the general private-sector minimum wages were adjusted by +1.63%, with certain categories receiving differentiated increases.
Examples of official 2026 minimum wages include:
| Effective Date | Category | Monthly Wage (CRC) |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2026 | Unskilled Worker | ₡373,092.30 |
| Jan 1, 2026 | Licensed Professional | ₡796,921.00 |
| Jan 1, 2026 | Domestic Worker | ₡268,731.31 |
Because Costa Rica maintains multiple occupational brackets, employers must consult the full MTSS salary list to determine the correct classification applicable to each employee.
These rates are effective from January 1, 2026, and apply throughout the year under a single annual adjustment decree.
Comparison with 2025
The 2026 Costa Rica minimum wage reflects:
- A +1.63% general increase across most private-sector categories
- A +3.96% increase for domestic workers
This adjustment follows Costa Rica’s standard annual wage review process under the Consejo Nacional de Salarios (National Wage Council).
Hiring in Costa Rica? Avoid Payroll Miscalculations
Incorrectly applying the Costa Rica minimum wage can result in:
- Employee misclassification
- Underpayment claims
- Retroactive payroll adjustments
- Labor authority scrutiny
Because Costa Rica’s wage system is category-based, errors often occur when employers apply a generalized rate instead of the legally mandated occupational wage.
How the Minimum Wage Impacts Employers
The Costa Rica minimum wage directly affects several operational areas:
1. Payroll Budgeting
Even a 1.63% increase can impact annual labor cost projections, especially for large teams or labor-intensive operations.
2. Overtime Calculations
Minimum wage adjustments affect the base salary used to calculate overtime pay and other statutory compensation.
3. Employment Contracts
Employment agreements referencing salary levels must reflect updated minimums where applicable.
4. Cost Forecasting for 2026
For foreign companies entering the Costa Rican market, accurate salary classification is essential to determine total employment cost and avoid unexpected liabilities.
5. Category-Based Compliance
Since Costa Rica differentiates wages by job type, employers must carefully document each role’s classification under the MTSS salary schedule.
Compliance Considerations for Foreign Companies
For foreign companies hiring in Costa Rica, compliance risks typically arise from:
- Incorrect occupational classification
- Applying outdated wage tables
- Failing to update payroll systems effective January 1, 2026
Employers must ensure wage levels meet or exceed the legally established category rate.
Underpayment can expose companies to:
- Retroactive salary payments
- Administrative sanctions
- Reputational risk
Stay Compliant When Hiring in Costa Rica
Navigating the Costa Rica minimum wage structure requires local expertise. With differentiated salary categories and annual regulatory updates, foreign companies must ensure accurate classification, payroll calculation, and ongoing compliance.
At Serviap, we support international companies hiring in Costa Rica through:
- Employer of Record (EOR) services
- Fully compliant payroll processing
- Correct occupational classification
- Ongoing labor law monitoring
- Risk mitigation and audit support
Whether you are expanding your team or entering the Costa Rican market for the first time, our local experts help ensure your workforce remains compliant from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the current minimum wage in Costa Rica?
The Costa Rica minimum wage varies by job category. For example, in 2026, an unskilled worker earns ₡373,092.30 per month, while a licensed professional earns ₡796,921.00 per month.
2. When does the new minimum wage take effect?
The 2026 rates became effective on January 1, 2026.
3. Is the minimum wage monthly or hourly?
Costa Rica’s minimum wages are officially established by occupational category and are commonly expressed as monthly amounts in the private sector.
4. Does the minimum wage apply to all employees?
Minimum wage rates apply according to occupational classification within the private sector. Employers must apply the rate corresponding to each job category.
5. Did domestic workers receive a different increase?
Yes. While the general increase was +1.63%, domestic workers received a +3.96% increase for 2026.
The Costa Rica minimum wage framework for 2026 reinforces the importance of proper job classification and structured payroll compliance for all employers operating in the country.
