In Costa Rica the parties are free to negotiate wages so long as the wage does not fall below the minimum wage scale established by the Ministry of Labor of Costa Rica. The minimum wage scale is set twice a year by the wage council of the Ministry of Labor.
The minimum wage scale was passed by Decree number 38101-MTSS and has been in effect since January 1, 2014. The following is a sample of some of the wages established for 2014.
Agricultural Laborers ¢ 8,944.51 day $18.07
Construction Laborer ¢ 8,944.51 day $18.07
Carpenter ¢ 9,926,53 day $20.05
Gardener ¢ 9,926,53 day $20.05
Machine Operator ¢ 9,926,53 day $20.05
Domestic Maid ¢ 158,335.10 month $320.00
Guard ¢ 287,547.21 month $581.00
Vocational school graduate ¢ 322,146.10 month $651.00
Receptionist ¢ 287,547.21 month $581.00
Secretary ¢ 322,146.10 month $651.00
Messenger ¢ 266,942.49 month $539.30
Cashier ¢ 302,534.49 month $611.00
General Office ¢ 287,547.21 month $581.00
Medical Technician ¢ 397,010.24 month $802.00
Bachelors Degree ¢ 486,344.70 month $983.00
Licenciate Degree ¢ 583,633.64 month $1,179.00
