If you work in Costa Rica’s private sector, you have probably wondered at some point how much your minimum wage will go up. There is now an answer for 2027: the National Wage Council (Consejo Nacional de Salarios) approved a general increase of 1.7%, effective January 1. The exact figures depend on your job category, and there is one point that has not yet been decided.
What was approved, specifically
According to Delfino.cr, the National Wage Council (CNS) unanimously approved a general increase of 1.7% for private-sector minimum wages during 2027. Teletica agrees on the percentage and the effective date. The measure is mandatory for employers in the country and applies both to workers paid by the day and to those paid by piecework, as long as their wage is set in the corresponding decree.
How much it rises by category
The Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS), cited by Delfino.cr, calculated the additional monthly amounts on the minimum wage of each group:
- Unskilled occupation: ₡6.342,57 more per month.
- Skilled occupation: ₡7.135,85 more per month.
- University bachelor’s degree holder: ₡11.289,33 more per month.
- Intermediate Technician (Técnico Medio) in Diversified Education: ₡12.931,56 more per month.
The case of the intermediate technician deserves attention. An additional increase of 0.88768% was applied to this category on top of the general rate, bringing the total adjustment to 2.58768%. In other words, not all groups rise by exactly the same percentage, and this becomes clear when you look at the colón amounts.
Why the percentage ended at 1.7%
The 1.7% matches the Government’s proposal and the position of the business sector and part of the labor unions. Other labor representatives asked for an increase of 2.23%, according to Delfino.cr. The unanimous vote indicates that, in the end, the adjustment was agreed within the Council.
It is worth remembering that the same percentage produces different amounts because it is applied to different wages. A 1.7% increase on a higher minimum means more colones, even though the rate is the same. That is why, to find out what applies to you, it is more useful to look at your category than at the percentage alone.
What it means for workers and employers
For workers, the key point is that the new amount is a floor. If your salary is already above the minimum for your category, the adjustment will not automatically change your pay. Those earning the minimum, on the other hand, should see the increase reflected from the start of the year.
For employers, the obligation is the same for everyone. The rule applies across the entire private sector, so it is worth reviewing payrolls and categories before January.
What is still pending: domestic work
Not everything has been resolved. According to Delfino.cr, the adjustment for paid domestic work remains under review. The Government had proposed an additional increase of 4.186693% over the general increase for this category, but the Council announced that it is still analyzing it and will decide in the coming days. Teletica also indicates that this decision will be announced soon.
The essentials
- The National Wage Council unanimously approved a 1.7% increase for private-sector minimum wages in 2027.
- It takes effect on January 1, 2027, and is mandatory for all employers.
- Monthly amounts range from ₡6.342,57 to ₡12.931,56, depending on the category.
- The intermediate technician receives a total adjustment of 2.58768%.
- The adjustment for domestic work has not yet been set and will be announced in the coming days.
News sources
- Teletica: Salarios mínimos del sector privado aumentarán 1,70% en enero de 2027
- Delfino.cr: Consejo Nacional de Salarios aprueba aumento de 1,7% para salarios mínimos del sector privado
- CR Hoy: Aprueban aumento de 1,70% en salarios mínimos del sector privado