Employer cost in Costa Rica at different salaries
| Salary level | Gross salary | Employer SSC | Total employer cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 67% of AW | 6,928,131 CRC | 24.6% | 8,633,731 CRC |
| 100% of AW | 10,340,494 CRC | 24.6% | 12,886,165 CRC |
| 167% of AW | 17,268,626 CRC | 24.6% | 21,519,896 CRC |
Worked example
The OECD average wage in Costa Rica for 2025 is 10,340,494 CRC (about $33,482 in US-dollar purchasing power). On top of that salary the employer pays social security contributions of 24.6%, or 2,545,671 CRC. That brings the statutory total to 12,886,165 CRC a year (1,073,847 CRC a month), or 6,195 CRC per hour at 2,080 hours. In 2024 the rate at the average wage was 24.6%, so it was essentially unchanged. The rate stays at about 24.6% even at 167% of the average wage, so it scales with pay.
Costa Rica ranks #10 of 38 OECD countries for employer contributions at the average wage (OECD average: 16.6%). Employer contributions are a substantial extra cost to budget for.
Sources: OECD Taxing Wages 2025, comparative indicators (single worker, no children; average wage as defined by the OECD for each country) and OECD, Non-tax compulsory payments as an additional burden on labour income in 2025 (Tables 5 and 6) for mandatory pension and insurance payments that are not classed as taxes, such as Australian superannuation. Model estimates: voluntary benefits, local caps and sector-specific schemes are not included.
Related
Frequently asked questions
How much does an employee cost in Costa Rica?
At the OECD average wage of 10,340,494 CRC, about 12,886,165 CRC a year including 24.6% employer social security (2025).
What are employer social security contributions in Costa Rica?
About 24.6% of gross pay at the average wage, 24.6% at 67% and 24.6% at 167% of it (OECD model).