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Average Salary in Nicaragua 2024

How much money does a person working in Nicaragua make?


Average Monthly Salary
19,000 NIO
( 228,000 NIO yearly)

LOW
4,790
NIO
AVERAGE
19,000
NIO
HIGH
84,500
NIO
All salary figures displayed here are per month except when noted otherwise.
All salary and compensation figures displayed here are gross salary figures, that is the salary before tax deductions. Because taxes may differ across sectors and locations, it is difficult to accurately calculate the net salary after tax for every career.

A person working in Nicaragua typically earns around 19,000 NIO. Salaries range from 4,790 NIO (lowest average) to 84,500 NIO (highest average, actual maximum salary is higher).


Salary Variance

This is the average salary including housing, transport, and other benefits. Salaries in Nicaragua vary drastically between different careers. If you are interested in the salary of a particular job, see below for salaries for specific job titles.



Pay Scale and Salaries in Nicaragua

Median and salary distribution Nicaragua monthly
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Salary Structure and Pay Scale Comparison

5% of people earn
35,900 NIO or more
10% of people earn
28,100 to 35,900 NIO
20% of people earn
10,900 NIO or less
65% of people earn
10,900 to 28,100 NIO
Minimum Salary
4,790 NIO
Median
16,500 NIO
Maximum
84,500 NIO




Median Salary, maximum and minimum salary, minimum wage, starting salary, and the salary range

All salary figures displayed here are per month except when noted otherwise.
  • Salary Range, Minimum Wage, and Starting Salary

    Salaries in Nicaragua range from 4,790 NIO (starting salary) to 84,500 NIO (maximum average salary, actual maximum is higher). This is not the minimum wage as per the law, only the lowest reported number in the salary survey that had thousands of participants and professionals from all over the country.

  • Median Salary

    The median salary is 16,500 NIO, which means that 50% of the population in Nicaragua earns less than that while the other half earns more. The median represents the middle salary value. Generally speaking, you would want to be on the right side of the graph with the group earning more than the median salary.

  • Percentiles and Salary Scale

    Closely related to the median are two values: the 25th and the 75th percentiles. Reading from the salary distribution diagram, 25% of the population in Nicaragua earn less than 11,900 NIO while 75% of them earn more. Also from the diagram, 75% of the population earn less than 25,000 NIO while 25% earn more than that.

  • Pay Scale Structure

    We grouped the most common and recurring salaries into brackets to give more insight into what salary to expect. This method is more accurate than just the average salary and gives more insights into how salaries are actually distributed in Nicaragua. Around 65% of all reported figures are in the range 10,900 NIO to 28,100 NIO. Approximately 20% fall under the 10,900 NIO cap. Ten percent of wages are from 28,100 NIO to 35,900 NIO. Only 5% of people grossed 35,900 NIO or more.

Salary Comparison by Years of Experience

How does a person's salary progress over time?

Salary Comparison By Experience Level
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Salary is primarily determined by the level of experience one possesses, with higher levels of experience resulting in higher wages.

In Nicaragua, employees with two to five years of experience typically earn an average of 32% more than entry-level and junior workers in all industries and fields.

Individuals with more than five years of experience tend to earn an average of 36% more than those with less than five years of experience.

After ten years of work, salaries increase by 21%, with an additional 14% increase for those who have worked for over 15 years.

These figures should be used as rough estimates, as considering individual job titles can lead to more accurate assessments.


Change in salary based on experience varies drastically from one location to another and depends hugely on the career field as well. The data displayed here is the combined average of many different jobs. To view accurate figures, choose a specific job title.
On average, a person's salary doubles their starting salary by the time they cross the 10 years* experience mark.
* Based on the average change in salary over time. Salary variations differ from person to person.

Salary Comparison By Education

How does the education level affect your salary?

Salary Comparison By Education
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Change in salary based on education varies drastically from one location to another and depends hugely on the career field as well. The data displayed here is the combined average of multiple jobs. To view accurate figures, choose a specific job title.

The correlation between higher education and higher salary is widely acknowledged, but how much of an income increase can one expect from obtaining a degree?

We conducted a study in Nicaragua comparing the salaries of professionals with different levels of college degrees who held similar positions in various industries.

Our results showed that individuals with a certificate or diploma earned an average of 17% more than those who only completed high school.

Those who obtained a Bachelor's Degree earned 24% more than their counterparts with a certificate or diploma.

Professionals with a Master's Degree earned 29% more than those with a Bachelor's Degree.

Finally, those who held a PhD earned an average of 23% more than those with a Master's Degree while performing the same job.


Is investing in a Master's degree or an MBA worth it? Is pursuing higher education worth the investment?

Earning a Master's degree or any post-graduate qualification in Nicaragua is a substantial financial commitment, with tuition fees ranging from 95,000 NIO to 285,000 NIO and a duration of around two years. It's important to note that during this period, any salary increases are unlikely, assuming ongoing employment. Salary reviews are typically conducted after completing the program and obtaining the degree.

Many individuals pursue advanced education as a means of transitioning to higher-paying positions, and the statistics indicate that this is an effective strategy. On average, individuals who change jobs after earning a higher degree receive a salary increase of about 10% more than the typical annual raise.

Ultimately, deciding whether or not to pursue advanced education depends on a variety of factors, including the personal situation and experience. However, if one can afford the financial costs of obtaining a higher degree, the return on investment is likely to be worthwhile, with the ability to recoup the costs in approximately a year.



Salary and Compensation Comparison By Gender / Nicaragua

Salary comparison by gender Nicaragua monthly
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Though gender should not have an effect on pay, in reality, it does. So who gets paid more: men or women? In Nicaragua, the average difference between the salary of male and female employees is 9% across all career fields.

Male
20,000 NIO
Female-8%
18,300 NIO
Percentage increase and decrease are relative to the previous value


Average Annual Salary Increment Percentage in Nicaragua

How much are annual salary increments in Nicaragua? How often do employees get salary raises?

Nicaragua

Employees in Nicaragua are likely to observe a salary increase of approximately 5% every 28 months.

Annual Salary Increment Rate Nicaragua
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The figures provided here are averages of numbers. Those figures should be taken as general guidelines. Salary increments will vary from person to person and depend on many factors, but your performance and contribution to the success of the organization remain the most important factors in determining how much and how often you will be granted a raise.

The term Annual Salary Increase usually refers to the increase in 12 calendar month period, but because it is rare that people get their salaries reviewed exactly on the one-year mark, it is more meaningful to know the frequency and the rate at the time of the increase.

How to calculate the salary increment percentage?

The annual salary Increase in a calendar year (12 months) can be easily calculated as follows: Annual Salary Increase = Increase Rate x 12 / Increase Frequency

The average salary increase in one year (12 months) in Nicaragua is 2%.

Worldwide Salary Raises: All Countries and All Jobs

World Average Annual Salary Increment
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Salary Packages and Schemes

Not all compensation increases are reflected directly in the salary. Some companies offer upgraded packages to their staff instead of cash money. The figures displayed here account only for direct increments to the base salary.



Bonus and Incentive Rates in Nicaragua

How much and how often are bonuses being awarded?Annual Salary Bonus Rate Nicaragua
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67% of surveyed staff in Nicaragua reported that they haven't received any bonuses or incentives in the previous year while 33% said that they received at least one form of monetary bonus.

Those who got bonuses reported rates ranging from 3% to 5% of their annual salary.

Received Bonus
33%
No Bonus
67%

Types of Bonuses Considered

Individual Performance-Based Bonuses

The most standard form of bonus, where the employee is awarded based on their exceptional performance.

Company Performance Bonuses

Occasionally, some companies like to celebrate excess earnings and profits with their staff collectively in the form of bonuses that are granted to everyone. The amount of the bonus will probably be different from person to person depending on their role within the organization.

Goal-Based Bonuses

Granted upon achieving an important goal or milestone.

Holiday / End of Year Bonuses

These types of bonuses are given without a reason and usually resemble an appreciation token.

Bonuses Are Not Commissions!

People tend to confuse bonuses with commissions. A commission is a prefixed rate at which someone gets paid for items sold or deals completed while a bonus is in most cases arbitrary and unplanned.


Bonus Rates Comparison by Career Field

Finance
High
Architecture
High
Sales
High
Business Development
High
Marketing / Advertising
High
Information Technology
Moderate
Healthcare
Moderate
Insurance
Moderate
Customer Service
Moderate
Human Resources
Moderate
Construction
Low
Transport
Low
Hospitality
Low

What makes a position worthy of good bonuses and a high salary?

The main two types of jobs

Revenue GeneratorsSupporting Cast

Employees that are directly involved in generating revenue or profit for the organization. Their field of expertise usually matches the type of business.

Employees that support and facilitate the work of revenue generators. Their expertise is usually different from that of the core business operations.

Example:
A graphics designer working for a graphics designing company.

Example:
A graphic designer in the marketing department of a hospital.


Revenue generators usually get more and higher bonuses, higher salaries, and more frequent salary increments. The reason is quite simple: it is easier to quantify your value to the company in monetary terms when you participate in revenue generation.

Try to work for companies where your skills can generate revenue. We can't all generate revenue and that's perfectly fine.

Bonus Comparison by Seniority Level

Top management personnel and senior employees naturally exhibit higher bonus rates and frequencies than juniors. This is very predictable due to the inherent responsibilities of being higher in the hierarchy. People in top positions can easily get double or triple bonus rates than employees down the pyramid.

Salaries for popular jobs. Salaries by occupations.

Job TitleAverage Salary
Accounting and Finance
Accountant13,400 NIO
Accounting Assistant10,000 NIO
Accounting Manager28,200 NIO
Bookkeeper8,320 NIO
Chartered Accountant16,700 NIO
Corporate Treasurer24,500 NIO
Financial Analyst23,300 NIO
Financial Manager38,500 NIO
Internal Auditor18,500 NIO

Administration / Reception / Secretarial
Administrative Assistant9,580 NIO
Office Manager16,300 NIO
Receptionist7,270 NIO
Secretary8,650 NIO

Advertising / Graphic Design / Events
Art Director18,500 NIO
Creative Director18,400 NIO
Graphic Designer11,500 NIO
Photographer10,200 NIO

Airlines / Aviation / Aerospace / Defense
Aerospace Engineer24,300 NIO
Air Traffic Controller20,000 NIO
Flight Attendant12,200 NIO
Pilot33,200 NIO

Architecture
Architect21,600 NIO
CAD Drafter9,430 NIO

Automotive
Mechanic6,680 NIO
Service Advisor12,400 NIO

Banking
Bank Branch Manager33,000 NIO
Teller7,040 NIO

Bilingual
Teacher14,800 NIO
Translator16,700 NIO

Business Planning
Business Analyst22,900 NIO
Business Development Manager29,200 NIO
Project Manager21,100 NIO

Care Giving and Child Care
Nanny7,450 NIO
Nursery Teacher6,730 NIO

Construction / Building / Installation
Civil Engineer16,800 NIO
Construction Project Manager31,800 NIO
Health and Safety Officer8,320 NIO

Customer Service and Call Center
Call Center Representative7,150 NIO
Customer Service Manager25,900 NIO
Customer Service Representative6,870 NIO

Engineering
Electrical Engineer17,400 NIO
Engineer16,900 NIO
Mechanical Engineer17,700 NIO

Executive and Management
Chief Executive Officer40,100 NIO
Chief Financial Officer38,100 NIO
General Manager33,500 NIO

Food / Hospitality / Tourism / Catering
Chef11,500 NIO
Executive Chef13,500 NIO
Hotel Manager34,600 NIO
Travel Agent12,300 NIO
Waiter / Waitress5,890 NIO

Health and Medical
Dentist44,100 NIO
Dietitian34,900 NIO
Laboratory Technician14,100 NIO
Nurse14,400 NIO

Human Resources
Human Resources Manager28,200 NIO
Human Resources Officer11,500 NIO

Information Technology
Computer Technician14,100 NIO
Database Administrator18,000 NIO
Developer / Programmer18,200 NIO
Information Technology Manager30,700 NIO
Network Engineer15,600 NIO

Law Enforcement / Security / Fire
Police Officer10,900 NIO

Legal
Attorney35,600 NIO
Legal Assistant10,100 NIO

Media / Broadcasting / Arts / Entertainment
Journalist20,900 NIO

Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology
Biomedical Engineer16,500 NIO
Pharmacist22,800 NIO

Sales Retail and Wholesale
Cashier7,100 NIO
Sales Manager32,000 NIO
Sales Representative11,500 NIO

Teaching / Education
Elementary School Teacher13,100 NIO
Secondary School Teacher14,500 NIO

Average Hourly Wage in Nicaragua


110 NIO per hour

The average hourly wage (pay per hour) for all employees in Nicaragua is 110 NIO.This is the rate that the average individual gets paid for every worked hour.


Hourly Wage = Annual Salary / ( 52 x 5 x 8 )

About The Hourly Pay Rate

The hourly wage is the salary paid in one worked hour. Usually, jobs are classified into two categories: salaried jobs and hourly jobs. Salaried jobs pay a fixed amount regardless of the hours worked. Hourly jobs pay per worked hour. To convert salary into hourly wage the above formula is used (assuming 5 working days in a week and 8 working hours per day which is the standard for most jobs). The hourly wage calculation may differ slightly depending on the worked hours per week and the annual vacation allowance. The figures mentioned above are good approximations and are considered to be the standard. One major difference between salaried employees and hourly paid employees is overtime eligibility. Salaried employees are usually exempt from overtime as opposed to hourly paid staff.

What is the minimum hourly rate of pay?

The minimum pay rate per hour for a person in Nicaragua is 28 NIO. This is the minimum as per the gathered data in the salary survey not the minimum hourly rate mandated by law.

Government vs Private Sector Salary Comparison

Where can you get paid more, working in a private company or the government? The difference between the public or government sector salaries and the private sector salaries in Nicaragua is 14% on average across all career fields.

Private Sector
18,100 NIO
Public Sector+14%
20,500 NIO
Percentage increase and decrease are relative to the previous value

Salary Statistics and Calculation Guide

What is considered to be a good and competitive salary in Nicaragua?

It is extremely difficult to give an exact figure of a good salary when no specific job is selected, however; an estimate can be provided based purely on the cost of living. A good compensation in Nicaragua would range anywhere between 16,500 NIO and 25,000 NIO.

Gross Salary (before tax) and Net Salary (after tax)

All salary and compensation figures displayed here are gross salary figures, that is the salary before tax deductions. Because taxes may differ across sectors and locations, it is difficult to accurately calculate the net salary after tax for every career.

Base / Basic Salary

The base salary in Nicaragua ranges from 4,790 NIO to 11,900 NIO. The base salary depends on many factors including profession, experience, and education. It is not easy to provide a figure with very little information, so take this range with a grain of salt.


What is the difference between the median and the average salary?

Both are indicators. If your salary is higher than both the average and the median then you are doing very well. If your salary is lower than both, then many people earn more than you and there is plenty of room for improvement. If your wage is between the average and the median, then things can be a bit complicated. We wrote a guide to explain all about the different scenarios. How to compare your salary


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