Costa Rica minimum wage 2027: up 1.70% from January 1
The National Wage Council approved a 1.70% increase in private-sector minimum wages for 2027, and 5.88% for domestic work. Who it applies to and what to do if you're paid less.
Private-sector minimum wages in Costa Rica will rise 1.70% on January 1, 2027. The National Wage Council (Consejo Nacional de Salarios, CNS) approved the adjustment unanimously on October 28, 2026, and also gave domestic workers a larger increase.
How much does it go up?
- General increase: 1.70% for all private-sector minimum wages.
- Domestic work: 1.70% plus an extra 4.18% adjustment, for a total of 5.88%. The monthly minimum wage for this occupation goes to ₡284,532.
Example: on a ₡400,000 monthly minimum wage, 1.70% adds ₡6,800, bringing it to ₡406,800.
Who does it apply to?
- All private-sector workers: each occupation has its own minimum wage, by category.
- It's mandatory for every employer in the country. Nobody can earn less than their occupation's minimum for a full workday.
- If you already earn more than the minimum, your employer isn't required to raise your pay by 1.70%, although many companies adjust salaries in January.
- The public sector has its own, separate adjustment process.
How is it decided?
The CNS brings together representatives of the government, employers and unions. Since 2021 it has used a formula based on expected inflation and economic growth. This year employers and the government proposed 1.70%, and unions between 1.70% and 2.23%.
What if I'm paid less?
From January, check that your salary is at least your occupation's minimum. If it isn't, you can ask or file a complaint with the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS) at mtss.go.cr or on line 800-TRABAJO.
In the meantime, check when the 2026 aguinaldo is paid and work it out with our aguinaldo calculator.
This article is for information only. The official tables by occupation are the ones the Ministry of Labor publishes with the minimum wage decree.