Employ
RecruitAverage Salary in Guatemala
- 5 ★ on G2
Guatemala’s cost-effective labor, nearshore advantage, and English proficiency make it an ideal outsourcing destination. Employers considering hiring remote workers in the area may wonder, what is the average salary in Guatemala? This information will help them prepare a fair offer.
The average monthly salary in Guatemala is 3,605 Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ), which translates to about USD 458. However, salaries vary by education, experience, location, industry, and position. Other factors to consider are salary range and median monthly income.
This article will review all aspects of Guatemalan salaries, ensuring you are ready to hire for your company.
What is the Average Salary in Guatemala?
The average salary in Guatemala is 3,605 GTQ or $458 per month. Wages are low in the country due to a labor crisis. The area has been led by an anti-union government aiming to dismantle labor rights. However, a new leader is now in office, and the country hopes the situation will improve.
Median Income
The median salary in Guatemala is 3,300 GTQ or $420 monthly. Half the country’s population earns higher wages, while the other half earns less.
Salary Range
The salary range spans from the lowest to the highest in the country. In Guatemala, low earners make around 2,200 GTQ (approximately $280) per month, while top earners make closer to 9,500 GTQ (roughly $1,210).
Salary Comparison by Profession
Industry and position impact earnings. This salary comparison chart will list Guatemalan average salaries in various industries.
| Industry | Average Monthly Income (GTQ) |
|---|---|
| Pharmaceutical | 8000 |
| Environment | 7500 |
| Information Technology | 7250 |
| Mining and Metallurgy | 6900 |
| Telecommunication | 6650 |
| Import & Export | 6500 |
| Automobile | 6000 |
| Electrical & Electronics | 5800 |
| Administration | 4500 |
| Construction | 4300 |
This chart lists earnings by profession.
| Position | Average Monthly Income (GTQ) |
|---|---|
| Dentist | 23,400 |
| Marketing Manager | 18,000 |
| Sales Manager | 15,000 |
| Human Resource Manager | 12,100 |
| Financial Analyst | 10,500 |
| Web Developer | 9580 |
| Project Manager | 8000 |
| Graphic Designer | 6020 |
| Nursery Teacher | 3670 |
| Call Center Representative | 3500 |
Average Wage in Guatemala by Education
A lack of education is a major contributor to Guatemala’s economic crisis. Many citizens in poor communities lack access to education, and uneducated workers are often employed in the informal sector at low wages.
Here are some statistics that reveal the wage gap in Guatemala based on education.
- Employees with a certificate or diploma make 17% more than those who graduated high school.
- Workers with a Bachelor’s degree earn 24% more than certificate and diploma holders.
- Professionals with a Master’s degree earn 29% more than workers with a Bachelor’s degree.
- Ph.D holders earn 23% more than those with a Master’s Degree.
Salary Comparison by Experience
Experience is another factor that impacts salary. Workers earn more based on their industry experience. They may also be eligible for raises as they accumulate tenure in the company. For example, Guatemalan workers qualify for a 7% raise every 19 months.
The following chart shows how wages in the country could vary based on experience. However, Guatemalan workers are often employed in the informal sector, where employers don’t always follow the rules and employees don’t have much bargaining power.
| Experience Level | Average Incremental Rate |
|---|---|
| Top Management | 15% – 20% |
| Senior Level | 10% – 15% |
| Mid-Career | 6% – 9% |
| Junior Level | 3% – 5% |
Salary Comparison by Location
Location plays a massive role in earnings determination. Workers in urban areas, like Guatemala City, earn more due to the higher cost of living, proximity to education, and large companies that pay more. Employees in rural areas often live in poverty.
How Much is Minimum Wage in Guatemala?
The country’s minimum wage further reveals the impact of location on salary. Wages vary based on economic circumscription, AKA, the worker’s location.
The minimum wage in the country increased by 10% on Jan. 1, 2025, showing a glimmer of hope for the country’s work economy. The new wages are as follows:
Economic Circumscription 1 (Urban Workers)
| Economic Circumscription | Average Monthly Income (GTQ) | Approx. Income in USD |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | 3,593.55 GTQ | $465 |
| Non-Agriculture | 3,923.05 GTQ | $508 |
| Factory Workers | 3,278 GTQ | $424 |
Economic Circumscription 2 (Rural Workers)
| Economic Circumscription | Average Monthly Income (GTQ) | Approx. Income in USD |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | 3,436.86 GTQ | $445 |
| Non-Agriculture | 3,550.60 GTQ | $459 |
| Factory Workers | 3,097.21 GTQ | $401 |
Average Salary in Guatemala vs. the Rest of the World
Comparing Guatemalan salaries to salaries in developed, developing, and undeveloped countries can give you more perspective on the country. The following charts compare Guatemalan salaries to wages in these countries.
Guatemala vs. Developed Countries
| Country | Average Salary | Comparison to Average Guatemala Salary |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | £3,000 (approx. $4,100) | − 795% |
| United States | $5,220 | − 1,040% |
| Norway | 50,000 NOK (approx. $4,700) | − 926% |
| Germany | €4,300 (approx. $4,470) | − 876% |
| Austria | €3,700 (approx. $4,050) | − 784% |
Guatemala vs. Developing Countries
| Country | Average Salary | Comparison to Average Guatemala Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Romania | 4,000 RON (approx. $835) | − 82% |
| Russia | 73,700 RUB (approx. $700) | − 53% |
| Albania | 83,330 ALL (approx. $860) | − 88% |
| Kazakhstan | 342,000 KZT (approx. $645) | − 41% |
| Ukraine | 18,000 UAH (approx. $500) | − 9% |
Guatemala vs. Undeveloped Countries
| Country | Average Salary | Comparison to Average Guatemala Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | 15,000 Baht (approx. $420) | 8% |
| Philippines | 15,000 PHP (approx. $265) | 42% |
| Vietnam | 7.5 million Dong (approx. $300) | 35% |
| Egypt | 14,317 EGP (approx. $284) | 38% |
| Pakistan | 60,000 PKR (approx. $210) | 54% |
Guatemala is a developing country with significant poverty. The agricultural sector dominates its work economy, but the service sector also accounts for a large share of the GDP.
The country is considered a good outsourcing destination due to its cost-effective labor, bilingual and nearshoring advantage. It has grown in the tech center and offers call center expertise. However, there is a demand for skilled labor in the area.
What are the Most Common Outsourced Industries in Guatemala?
Employers interested in outsourcing to Guatemala should consider hiring for the following industries:
IT Service
Guatemala’s emerging tech industry offers a growing talent pool, English proficiency, and cost-effective solutions. The government actively supports foreign investment in the tech sector, promoting a favorable business environment. However, there may be limitations in development as the country strives to catch up with its competitors.
Tech workers in Guatemala earn around 7,500 GTQ (approx. $950) per month, while their American counterparts earn closer to $4,087. Employers who outsource in this industry will experience considerable savings.
Customer Service
Guatemala boasts a strong customer service industry primarily focused on call center outsourcing. It offers a bilingual workforce and a favorable time zone for American employers. The country’s service-dominated work economy means workers are polite and aim for positive customer interactions.
Customer service reps in the country typically earn around 3,200 GTQ (approx. $405) monthly. Meanwhile, workers in America earn around $3,600. The difference could lead to considerable cost savings for employers.
Market Research/Sales
Guatemala offers a developing market research industry with a mix of local firms and international players. It is home to MERCAPLAN, a prominent regional market firm, and Euromonitor, a global company focused on household goods. Workers in the country focus on price sensitivity and an understanding of local markets.
Market research workers in Guatemala earn an average of 5,500 GTQ (approx. $700), while American workers earn closer to $5,326. Companies that outsource to Guatemala can save quite a bit on human resource expenses.
Conclusion
Guatemala is becoming a promising outsourcing destination due to its nearshoring advantages, cost-effective labor, and multilingual workforce. Employers hiring remote workers in the country can save money while helping employees overcome poverty. Overall, the situation is advantageous.
Hire Globally. Stay Compliant.
- Hire in 150+ countries
- EOR from $199/mo
- In-house recruiters
- Humans, not chatbots
Switching from another EOR? We handle the migration for free.