Costa Rica is a terrific outsourcing destination due to its skilled workforce, low labor costs, nearshoring advantages, and political stability. Employers considering hiring remotely may wonder, “What is the average salary in Costa Rica?” This information will help them prepare a fair offer. 

The average monthly income Costa Rica is 411,511 colones, which translates to about USD 810. However, the average wage provides limited insight. You must also consider how industry, education, location, and experience impact salary. 

This article will review all aspects of Costa Rican salaries, providing the required information.

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What is the Average Salary in Costa Rica?

You can calculate the average salary by adding salaries across the country and dividing them by the total number of workers. The average salary Costa Rica is 411,511 colones, approximately USD 810. Wages are low due to a low cost of living and a dominant tourist industry, which means low-paying, service-related positions are readily available. 

Median Income Costa Rica

The median salary can also be considered the ‘middle salary.’ Costa Rica’s median monthly income is 2,140,000 colones. 50% of workers earn more than this amount, and the other half earn less. 

There is a considerable difference when comparing average vs median salary due to income inequality in the country. 

Salary Range

The salary range spans from the highest to the lowest-paid workers. Low-paid workers earn around 597,000 CRC, while high-paid workers can earn as much as 10,500,000 CRC.

Salary Comparison by Profession

Workers in highly skilled industries tend to make more than unskilled laborers. The following salary comparison chart provides additional insight into earnings for various job positions.

PositionYearly Salary (CRC)
Chief Executive Officer32,663,040
IT Director28,328,040
Call Center Director25,670,880
IT Architect25,026,240
Financial Manager24,263,640
Plant Manager22,985,160
Managing Director22,008,120
Sales Director21,706,560
Lead Developer21,102,111
IT Manager20,088,720
Medical Records Clerk5,308,416
Banking Cashier5,291,148
Fabric Cutter5,281,440
Clothing Technologist5,258,424
General Laborer5,226,696
Packer5,150,340
Seamstress4,917,213
Tailor4,700,160
Social Counselor4,559,012

Average Wage in Costa Rica by Education

Education is another factor impacting Costa Rica’s average salaries and employment rates. Sixty-five percent of 25 to 34-year-olds without a secondary education are employed, while 69 percent of those with a secondary education are employed. 

29% of workers 25-64 years old without a secondary education earn wages at or below the median income compared to 16% of workers with a secondary education and 6% with a tertiary education. 

Salary Comparison by Experience

More experienced workers tend to earn more than their less skilled counterparts. The following chart reveals salary increments among professionals. 

Experience LevelAverage Annual Salary Increment
Junior Level3% to 5%
Mid-Career6% to 9%
Senior Level10% to 15%
Top Management15% to 20%

Salary Comparison by Location

Location impacts earnings in Costa Rica. People in urban areas earn more than those in rural areas due to a higher cost of living and proximity to more job opportunities. Costa Rican employees living in the Greater Metropolitan area tend to be paid more than workers outside that area. 

For example, San Jose is a major tourist destination and a mainstay of the country’s economy. Workers who live in that region earn higher wages than workers in rural areas. 

How Much is Minimum Wage in Costa Rica?

The minimum wage for unskilled labor is 348,557 colones per month, which translates to a Costa Rica minimum wage USD of $687. This rate increased on Jan. 1, 2024, making Costa Rica the country with the highest minimum wage in Latin America. Rates vary depending on skill level as follows:

Worker CategoryDaily Wage (USD)
Semi-Skilled$25
Skilled$26
Specialized$30

These rates are calculated based on an eight-hour workday.

Average Salary in Costa Rica vs. the Rest of the World

Comparing salaries worldwide will provide further insight into the Costa Rican work economy. The following charts compare Costa Rica to developed, developing, and undeveloped countries. 

Costa Rica vs. Developed Countries

CountryAverage SalaryComparison to Average Costa Rica Salary
United Kingdom3,000 euros (approx. $3,116)– 287%
United States$5,677– 687%
Norway50,790 kroner (approx. $4,700)– 487%
Germany4,300 euros (approx. $4,467)– 462%
Austria3,500 euros (approx. $3,636)– 350%

Costa Rica vs. Developing Countries

CountryAverage SalaryComparison to Average Costa Rica Salary
Romania4,000 RON (approx. $835)– 4%
Russia73,709 Rubles (approx. $700)14%
Albania1,500 Euros (approx. $1,550)– 93%
Kazakhstan342,082 Tenge (approx. $645)69%
Ukraine18,000 Hryvnia (approx. $500)60%

Costa Rica vs. Undeveloped Countries

CountryAverage SalaryComparison to Average Costa Rica Salary
Thailand97,500 Baht (approx. $2,772)– 250%
Philippines18,423 PHP (approx. $875)– 9%
Vietnam8.5 million dong (approx. $360)193%
Egypt13,244 EGP (approx. $263)203%
Pakistan45,000 PKR (approx. $150)633%

Costa Rica is a developing company that has made considerable strides recently. It has a  high Human Development Index and is a ‘middle-income’ nation. However, it still faces challenges due to income inequality, rural poverty, and a lack of economic diversification. 

The country is an ideal outsourcing destination due to its political stability, nearshoring advantages, highly skilled workforce, and low-cost labor. Its work economy is service-based. However, its manufacturing and agricultural industries are developing rapidly. 

What are the Most Common Outsourced Industries in Costa Rica?

Employers wishing to outsource to Costa Rica may consider hiring for the following positions.

IT Services

Costa Rica boasts a thriving IT industry that focuses on software development. Due to its low labor costs and highly skilled workforce, companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Intel have established locations in the country. The government supports the tech community with favorable policies and incentives. 

Tech workers in Costa Rica earn between $28,197 and $100,005 per year, compared to the median salary of $124,200 for American tech workers. Thus, employers can save considerable money by outsourcing tech to Costa Rica. 

Digital Marketing

Costa Rica’s digital marketing industry is growing in leaps and bounds due to the rising popularity of social media and the internet. The country boasts an emerging talent pool with workers skilled in SEO, content creation, and social media management. Nearshoring opportunities enhance the favorable business environment.

Digital marketers in the U.S. earn between $52,223 and $119,727 annually, while Costa Rican marketers earn an average salary of 4,843,396 colones per year (approx. $9546), giving American employers plenty of leverage.

Customer Service

Costa Rica’s service-oriented work culture makes it the perfect destination for outsourcing customer service reps. Many workers are bilingual and focus on excellent customer support. It is a popular choice for call center employment.

A call center rep in Costa Rica typically earns about $31,200, while an American worker makes closer to $45,000. The difference could add up to cost savings for employers looking to outsource.

Conclusion

Costa Rica’s low labor costs, skilled workforce, and nearshoring advantages make it an ideal outsourcing destination. Employers who hire Costa Rican remote workers can benefit from human resource savings while helping the country overcome income inequality. This solution is suitable for all involved parties.