The average salary in Colombia is around 4,710,000 COP, which is roughly 1074.84 USD.
Colombia is emerging as a leading destination for outsourcing, offering a strategic location, a skilled bilingual workforce, and a favorable business environment.
In this article, we will explore the average salary in Colombia, minimum wage, median salary, maximum wages, factors influencing average salary in Colombia, and the reasons why Colombia can be a good outsourcing destination. Let’s dive in!
Average Salary in Colombia
According to the Salary Explorer, the average monthly salary in Colombia in 2024 is 4,710,000 COP which is approximately 1074.84 USD.
The average annual salary in Colombia in 2024 is 56,500,000 COP which is equivalent to 12893.57 USD.
The average hourly wage in Colombia in 2024 is 27,200 COP which is nearly 6.21 USD.
Minimum Wage in Colombia
The Colombian government reviews and adjusts the minimum wage each year to ensure it meets the needs of workers and matches inflation rates. According to the ColombiaOne report, In Colombia, discussions about the minimum wage for 2025 have started. The minimum wage is very important because it affects many workers in the country.
As of 2024, the minimum wage in Colombia is set at 1,300,000 COP, which is about 301.52 USD. Over the past two years, the minimum wage has increased by 28%. This increase is partly due to high inflation rates that have affected the economy.
The government, employers, and workers are now negotiating the new wage rate. These talks will help decide how much the minimum wage will be next year. Inflation is expected to drop to around 5.5% by December, which is better than it was last year.
In 2023, the minimum wage increased by 16% because inflation was high at that time. This year, it increased by 12% as inflation rates fell a bit.
For 2025, it is expected that the new minimum wage will be between 1,410,000 COP and 1,450,000 COP, which is around 327.04 USD to 336.31 USD. This increase in the minimum wage helps workers manage their expenses better and reflects the government’s effort to keep up with rising living costs.
Median Salary in Colombia
According to the World Salaries Survey, the median salary in Colombia in 2024 is 52,918,800 COP (12082.25 USD) per year. This figure shows the average earnings of workers by sector and region in Colombia. Half of Colombian workers earn less than the median salary, and half earn more.
Maximum Salary in Colombia
The maximum salary in Colombia in 2024 is nearly 20,900,000 COP per month which is approximately 4771.82 USD according to the Salary Explorer. This number is the highest pay level across all jobs in Colombia.
Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in Colombia in 2024
In 2024, several jobs in Colombia offer high salaries. Here are some of the highest-paying jobs:
| Profession | Average Monthly Salary in Colombia in COP | Average Monthly Salary in Colombia in USD |
|---|---|---|
| Surgeons / Doctors | 17,400,000 | 4035.34 |
| Judges | 14,700,000 | 3409.17 |
| Lawyers | 11,900,000 | 2759.80 |
| Bank Managers | 11,200,000 | 2597.46 |
| Chief Executive Officers | 10,500,000 | 2435.12 |
| Chief Financial Officers | 9,770,000 | 2265.82 |
| Orthodontists | 9,420,000 | 2184.65 |
| College Professors | 8,370,000 | 1941.14 |
| Pilots | 6,980,000 | 1618.78 |
| Marketing Directors | 6,280,000 | 1456.43 |
Source: Salary Explorer
Factors Affecting Average Salary in Colombia
In Colombia, the average salary varies based on different factors. Here are the average salaries in Colombia based on occupation and location in 2024.
Average Salary in Colombia Based on Occupation
In Colombia, people earn different amounts of money depending on their job. Here’s a basic overview of average monthly salaries for various occupations:
| Occupation | Average Salary in Colombia in COP per Month | Average Salary in Colombia in USD per Month |
|---|---|---|
| Accountant | 3,080,000 | 704.73 |
| Office Manager | 3,950,000 | 903.80 |
| Pilot | 8,130,000 | 1860.22 |
| Business Development Manager | 7,000,000  | 1601.67 |
| Health and Safety Officer | 2,160,000 | 494.23 |
| General Manager | 8,470,000 | 1938.02 |
| Developer / Programmer | 4,330,000 | 990.75 |
Source: Salary Explorer
Average Salary in Colombia Based on Location
In Colombia, where you live can make a big difference in how much people earn. Here’s a simple breakdown of average salaries in different parts of the country:
| City | Average Salary in Colombia in COP per Month | Average Salary in Colombia in USD per Month |
|---|---|---|
| Barranquilla | 4,840,000 | 1107.44 |
| Bello | 4,470,000 | 1022.78 |
| Cucuta | 4,760,000 | 1089.13 |
| Pereira | 4,370,000 | 999.90 |
| Santa Marta | 4,510,000 | 1031.93 |
| Soledad | 4,760,000 | 1089.13 |
| Villavicencio | 4,590,000  | 1050.24 |
Source: Salary Explorer
Salary Comparisons in Colombia
Here are the salary comparisons in Colombia based on education levels and experience in 2024:
By Education
The earnings are largely determined by education and job experience. Higher-paying roles demand advanced levels of educational qualification. But how much of a difference does education truly make in Colombia?
When we compare salaries across the same roles and career levels, it is clear that higher education pays more. But what makes the impact vary depends on your job and your location. Here’s an overview of how education influences earnings according to World Salaries:
Diploma: Employees with a certificate or diploma earn about 17% more than those with just a high school education.
Bachelor’s Degree: Having a bachelor’s degree increases earning potential by 25% over a diploma.
Master’s Degree: Those with a master’s degree typically earn about 30% more than those with a bachelor’s degree.
Doctorate (PhD): The difference between a PhD and a master’s degree in salary increase is around 22%.
By Gender
Here’s a salary comparison in Colombia in 2024 based on the gender:
| Gender | Average Monthly Salary in Colombia in COP Across All Career Fields |
|---|---|
| Male | 4,920,000 (1125.74 USD) |
| Female (-12%) | 4,380,000 (1002.19 USD) |
Source: Salary Explorer
Salary Comparison Between Government & Private Sector in Colombia
In Colombia, people working in government jobs and private companies earn different amounts of money. Let’s break down the salary differences in Colombia based on the sector:
| Sector | Average Monthly Salary in Colombia in COP Across All Career Fields |
|---|---|
| Private | 4,410,000 (1009.05 USD) |
| Government (+11%) | 4,900,000 (1121.17 USD) |
Source: Salary Explorer
Cost of Living in Colombia in 2024
The cost of living in Colombia varies by city and lifestyle. In 2024, many people find that living in Colombia is affordable compared to other countries. Here’s a simple overview of the cost of living in Colombia in 2024 according to the Numbeo Survey:
General Expenses in Colombia
In Colombia, monthly expenses for a family with four members excluding rent costs around 7,402,381 COP (1696.88 USD).
For a single person, monthly expenses are approximately 2,125,606 COP (487.26 USD).
Groceries
In Colombia, 1 litre of milk costs in the range of 3,350 COP-6,990 COP (0.77 USD-1.60 USD).
12 Eggs cost in the range of 5,962 COP-14,000 COP (1.37 USD-3.21 USD).
1 kg chicken fillets cost around 9,000 COP-32,000 COP (2.06 USD-7.34 USD).
Transportation
Public Transport:
One-way ticket: 2,650 COP-3,500 COP (0.61 USD-0.80 USD).
Monthly pass: 90,000 COP-210,000 COP (20.63 USD-48.14 USD).
Taxi:
Starting fare: 4,600 COP-8,400 COP (1.05 USD-1.93 USD).
Per km: 5,000 COP-10,000 COP (1.15 USD-2.29 USD).
Fuel: Gasoline (1L) costs 2,530 COP – 4,227 COP (0.58 USD – 0.97 USD).
Accommodation
Rent Per Month:
A 1-bedroom apartment in Colombia’s city center costs in the range of 900,000 COP – 2,600,000 COP (206.31 USD – 596.01 USD) and the outside center costs 800,000 COP – 2,000,000 COP (183.39 USD – 458.47 USD).
A 3-bedroom apartment in the city center of Colombia costs in the range of 1,500,000 COP – 5,000,000 COP (343.85 USD – 1146.17 USD) and the same apartment in the outside center costs in the range of 1,300,000 COP – 3,800,000 COP (298.00 USD – 871.09 USD).
Buying Property:
Price per square meter in the city centre costs nearly 3,444,451 COP -10,000,000 COP (789.59 USD – 2292.34 USD).
Price per square meter in the outside center costs around 3,000,000 COP – 7,500,000 COP (687.70 USD – 1719.26 USD).
Utilities and Services
Basic Utilities (Electricity, Water, Garbage for 85m² apartment): 212,500 COP -600,000 COP (48.71 USD – 137.54 USD) per month.
Internet (60 Mbps): 65,000 COP – 150,000 COP (14.90 USD – 34.39 USD) monthly.
Mobile Plan with 10GB+ Data: 25,000 COP – 65,000 COP (5.73 USD – 14.90 USD) per month.
Colombia’s Most Expensive Cities to Live in 2024
In 2024, some cities in Colombia are more expensive to live in than others. Here are the top cities with the highest monthly living costs:
| City | Monthly Living Cost in COP | Monthly Living Cost in USD |
|---|---|---|
| Bogota | 3,858,242.15 | 883 |
| Cartagena | 3,832,025.33 | 877 |
| Medellin | 3,788,330.63 | 867 |
| Soledad | 3,718,419.11 | 851 |
| Barranquilla | 3,408,186.72 | 780 |
| Manizales | 3,176,604.81 | 727 |
| Cali | 3,146,018.52 | 720 |
Source: Statista
Top 3 Reasons Why Colombia Can Be a Good Outsourcing Destination?
Let’s take a look at the top 3 reasons that make Colombia the best destination for outsourcing:
Cost Effectiveness
Labor costs in Colombia are among the lowest in Latin America. This means that companies can hire skilled workers at a lower price than in the United States or Europe. This cost advantage attracts businesses looking to outsource services like IT support, customer service, and administrative tasks.
Strategic Geographic Location
Colombia’s location makes it an ideal place for businesses that trade with North and South America. Being close to both continents helps companies communicate easily and work together without major time zone differences. This makes it simpler for businesses to manage their operations and respond quickly to their clients’ needs.
Skilled Workforce and Language Proficiency
Colombia has a large number of skilled workers, especially in fields like information technology, engineering, finance, and customer service. Many Colombians speak English well, which is important for companies that want to serve English-speaking customers.
The Colombian government has also invested in education and training programs to ensure that workers have the right skills for the job. According to  Conectys, Colombia ranks among the top five outsourcing destinations worldwide due to its talented workforce and strong language skills.
How Can You Improve Productivity with Your Outsourced Colombian Team?
Here are some of the best tips you need to follow to improve your outsourcing Colombian team’s productivity:
Clear Communication Channels
Establish clear and efficient communication channels between your in-office team and the outsourced Colombian team. Use video conferencing, and instant messaging platforms to facilitate regular communication and ensure everyone is on the same page regarding tasks, goals, and deadlines.
Define Clear Objectives and Expectations
Start by clearly stating the project goals, what needs to be achieved, and what is expected from the outcomes. Clearly explain to the Colombian team members what their roles and responsibilities are to minimize problems based on the misunderstandings.
Provide Training and Development Opportunities
Provide training and development opportunities for the Colombian team you have outsourced to improve their skills, knowledge, and productivity. Offer workshops, webinars, online courses, and other resources to help them grow professionally and stay current with industry trends and best practices.
Utilize Project Management Tools
Implement project management tools such as Time Champ to track progress, assign tasks, set deadlines, and monitor productivity. This tool can help streamline workflow management, facilitate collaboration, and ensure that everyone is accountable for their assigned tasks.
Boost Your Team’s Productivity Easily Using Time Champ
When you are working with outsourcing or remote teams, you need to track their productivity effectively to achieve good results in your organization. If you are unsure about their productivity, it’s like trying to keep track of many balls in the air at once and you are not sure if you are getting what you are paying for, and the whole process feels overwhelming and confusing.
But, don’t worry! Time Champ helps you to enhance your business productivity effectively. Time Champ is the best employee time and productivity tracking software, which offers comprehensive features from tracking employee time to managing projects and budgets effectively.
You don’t need to bother about tracking your employees’ time manually, Time Champ tracks your employees’ hours automatically. Time Champ tracks each and every minute that your employees spend on their work with detailed reports.
Time Champ tracks your employee productivity accurately providing detailed insights on their productive, unproductive, and neutral times during work hours. Time Champ has an effective monitoring feature, which helps you monitor your remote employees effortlessly capturing screenshots, screen recordings, keystrokes, and mouse-click detections.
Time Champ offers a comprehensive project management feature that helps you assign tasks to your remote employees, and track their work status and project budgets easily. You can get timesheets automatically based on the working hours of your employees using Time Champ, which simplifies your payroll process. Know more about Time Champ!
Final Words
Understanding the average salary in Colombia and the factors that affect it can help you make better decisions about work and living. Salaries in Colombia vary based on education, experience, and the industry you choose. While the cost of living may be higher, it is still an affordable country for outsourcing. If you are planning to outsource to Colombia, knowing these details will help you plan effectively and make informed choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, like in many countries, Colombia has a gender pay gap. On average, women earn about 15-20% less than men for similar roles. Efforts are being made to reduce this disparity through labor laws and gender equality initiatives, but progress is ongoing.
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The cost of living in Colombia is relatively low compared to many Western countries, but it varies by city. For example, Bogotá and MedellÃn have higher living costs, which influence higher salary expectations. In smaller cities, salaries may be lower, but so are expenses like rent and transportation.
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Healthcare professionals in Colombia earn varying salaries based on their specialization and experience. General practitioners typically earn between COP 3,500,000 to COP 5,000,000 monthly, while specialists like surgeons or anaesthesiologists can earn upwards of COP 10,000,000.
Remote jobs, especially those linked to international markets, often pay higher than local positions. Remote workers in tech, marketing, or customer support can earn salaries ranging from COP 4,000,000 to COP 8,000,000, depending on their employer and skillset.
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Inflation in Colombia has put pressure on wages, with annual adjustments to the minimum wage aiming to keep up with rising living costs. However, real wage growth sometimes lags behind inflation, affecting purchasing power.
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