Average Salary in Uruguay 2023
How much money does a person working in Uruguay make?
LOW
8,340
UYU AVERAGE
33,000
UYU HIGH
147,000
UYU
A person working in Uruguay typically earns around 33,000 UYU per month. Salaries range from 8,340 UYU (lowest average) to 147,000 UYU (highest average, actual maximum salary is higher).
This is the average monthly salary including housing, transport, and other benefits. Salaries 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 Uruguay
Salary Structure and Pay Scale Comparison
64,500 UYU or more
50,500 to 64,500 UYU
19,600 UYU or less
19,600 to 50,500 UYU
 8,340 UYU |
29,600 UYU |
147,000 UYU |
Median Salary, maximum and minimum salary, minimum wage, starting salary, and the salary range
Salary Range, Minimum Wage, and Starting Salary
Salaries in Uruguay range from 8,340 UYU per month (starting salary) to 147,000 UYU per month (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 29,600 UYU per month, which means that half (50%) of the population are earning less than 29,600 UYU while the other half are earning more than 29,600 UYU. 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 are earning less than 21,400 UYU while 75% of them are earning more than 21,400 UYU. Also from the diagram, 75% of the population are earning less than 44,800 UYU while 25% are earning more than 44,800 UYU.
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 on how salaries are actually distributed. Around 65% of all reported figures are in the range 19,600 UYU to 50,500 UYU. Approximatly 20% fall under the 19,600 UYU cap. Ten percent of wages are from 50,500 UYU to 64,500 UYU. Only 5% of people grossed 64,500 UYU or more.
Salary Comparison by Years of Experience
How does a person's salary progress over time?
The experience level is the most important factor in determining the salary. Naturally the more years of experience the higher the wage.
Generally speaking, employees having experience from two to five years earn on average 32% more than freshers and juniors across all industries and disciplines.
Professionals with experience of more than five years tend to earn on average 36% more than those with five years or less of work experience.
As you hit the ten years mark, the salary increases by 21% and an additional 14% for those who have crossed the 15 years mark.
Those figures are presented as guidelines only. The numbers become more significant if you consider one job title at a time.
Salary Comparison By Education
How does the education level affect your salary?
It is well known that higher education equals a bigger salary, but how much more money can a degree add to your income? We compared the salaries of professionals at the same level but with different college degrees levels across many jobs, below are our findings.
Workers with a certificate or diploma earn on average 17% more than their peers who only reached the high school level.
Employees who earned a Bachelor's Degree earn 24% more than those who only managed to attain a cerificate or diploma.
Professionals who attained a Master's Degree are awarded salaries that are 29% more than those with a Bachelor's Degree.
Finally, PhD holders earn 23% more than Master's Degree holders on average while doing the same job.
Is a Master's degree or an MBA worth it? Should you pursue higher education?
A Master's degree program or any post-graduate program in Uruguay costs anywhere from 165,000 Uruguayan Peso(s) to 494,000 Uruguayan Peso(s) and lasts approximately two years. That is quite an investment.
You can't really expect any salary increases during the study period, assuming you already have a job. In most cases, a salary review is conducted once education is completed and the degree has been attained.
Many people pursue higher education as a tactic to switch into a higher paying job. The numbers seem to support this tactic. The average increase in compensation while changing jobs is approximately 10% more than the customary salary increment.
The decision really depends on your situation and experience among many other factors. Putting all variables aside, if you can afford the costs of higher education then the return on investment is definitely worth it. You should be able to recover the costs in roughly a year or so.
Salary and Compensation Comparison By Gender
Though gender should not have an effect on pay, in reality, it does. So who gets paid more: men or women? Male employees in Uruguay earn 7% more than their female counterparts on avergae across all sectors.
| Male | 34,000 UYU | |
| Female | -7% | 31,600 UYU |
Average Annual Salary Increment Percentage in Uruguay
How much are annual salary increments in Uruguay? How often do employees get salary raises?
Uruguay
Employees in Uruguay are likely to observe a salary increase of approximately 7% every 19 months.
The term 'Annual Salary Increase' usually refers to the increase in 12 calendar month period, but because it is rarely 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
Annual Increment Rate By Industry 2022
| Banking | 6% | |
| Energy | 3% | |
| Information Technology | 9% | |
| Healthcare | 6% | |
| Travel | 3% | |
| Construction | 9% | |
| Education | 6% |
Listed above are the average annual increase rates for each industry in Uruguay for the year 2022. Companies within thriving industries tend to provide higher and more frequent raises. Exceptions do exist, but generally speaking, the situation of any company is closely related to the economic situation in the country or region. These figures tend to change frequently.
Average Salary Increase Rate by Experience Level
| Junoir Level | 3% - 5% | |
| Mid-Career | 6% - 9% | |
| Senior Level | 10% - 15% | |
| Top Management | 15% - 20% |
The difference in increment rates is somehow justified because employers put more effort to retain more experienced staff since they are harder to acquire than less experienced ones.
Worldwide Salary Raises: All Countries and All Jobs
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 Uruguay
How much and how often are bonuses being awarded?
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49% of surveyed staff in Uruguay reported that they haven't received any bonuses or incentives in the previous year while 51% said that they received at least one form of monetary bonus.
Those who got bonuses reported rates ranging from 3% to 6% of their annual salary.
| Received Bonus | 51% | |
| No Bonus | 49% |
Types of Bonuses Considered
Individual Performance-Based BonusesThe most standard form of bonus where the employee is awarded based on their exceptional performance.
Company Performance BonusesOccasionally, 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 BonusesGranted upon achieving an important goal or milestone.
Holiday / End of Year BonusesThese 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 Generators | Supporting 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: | Example: |
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.
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 specific job categories
Choose a job category to explore specific salary details
Accounting and FinanceAdministration / Reception / SecretarialAdvertising / Grapic Design / EventsAirlines / Aviation / Aerospace / DefenseArchitectureAutomotiveBankingBilingualBusiness PlanningCare Giving and Child CareCleaning and HousekeepingConstruction / Building / InstallationCounselingCourier / Delivery / Transport / DriversCustomer Service and Call CenterElectrical and Electronics TradesEngineeringEnvironmentalExecutive and ManagementFacilities / Maintenance / RepairFactory and ManufacturingFashion and ApparelFitness / Hair / BeautyFood / Hospitality / Tourism / CateringFundraising and Non ProfitGardening / Farming / FishingGovernment and DefenceHealth and MedicalHuman ResourcesImport and ExportIndependent JobsInformation TechnologyInsuranceLaw Enforcement / Security / FireLegalMarketingMedia / Broadcasting / Arts / EntertainmentOil / Gas / Energy / MiningPet CarePharmaceutical and BiotechnologyPhotographyPublic RelationsPublishing and PrintingPurchasing and InventoryQuality Control and ComplianceReal EstateRecreation and SportsSales Retail and WholesaleScience and Technical ServicesTeaching / EducationTelecommunicationSalary Trend and Forecast in Uruguay
How are Uruguay salaries changing over time? The chart below shows the average salary change in the past few years.
| Average Salary 2019 | 29,300 UYU | |
| Average Salary 2020 | +4% | 30,300 UYU |
| Average Salary 2021 | +3% | 31,200 UYU |
| Average Salary 2022 | +2% | 31,800 UYU |
Salaries in Uruguay are on the rise in the year 2023 based on recent submitted salaries and reports. As displayed in the chart, salaries in 2022 are 2% higher than those of 2021. The trend suggests a slow yet continuous increase in pay in 2024 and future years. These numbers may vary from industry to another.
Salaries for popular jobs. Salaries by occupations.
| Job Title | Average Salary |
| Accounting and Finance | |
| Accountant | 22,700 UYU |
| Accounting Assistant | 18,300 UYU |
| Accounting Manager | 49,100 UYU |
| Bookkeeper | 15,600 UYU |
| Chartered Accountant | 29,800 UYU |
| Corporate Treasurer | 47,200 UYU |
| Financial Analyst | 40,500 UYU |
| Financial Manager | 63,800 UYU |
| Internal Auditor | 32,900 UYU |
Administration / Reception / Secretarial | |
| Administrative Assistant | 16,700 UYU |
| Office Manager | 27,700 UYU |
| Receptionist | 12,700 UYU |
| Secretary | 14,700 UYU |
Advertising / Grapic Design / Events | |
| Art Director | 31,400 UYU |
| Creative Director | 32,000 UYU |
| Graphic Designer | 21,500 UYU |
| Photographer | 18,200 UYU |
Airlines / Aviation / Aerospace / Defense | |
| Aerospace Engineer | 41,300 UYU |
| Air Traffic Controller | 36,600 UYU |
| Flight Attendant | 22,400 UYU |
| Pilot | 59,200 UYU |
Architecture | |
| Architect | 40,600 UYU |
| CAD Drafter | 17,700 UYU |
Automotive | |
| Mechanic | 12,900 UYU |
| Service Advisor | 22,800 UYU |
Banking | |
| Bank Branch Manager | 57,400 UYU |
| Teller | 12,000 UYU |
Bilingual | |
| Teacher | 24,500 UYU |
| Translator | 29,800 UYU |
Business Planning | |
| Business Analyst | 42,000 UYU |
| Business Development Manager | 50,900 UYU |
| Project Manager | 35,900 UYU |
Care Giving and Child Care | |
| Nanny | 14,000 UYU |
| Nursery Teacher | 12,000 UYU |
Construction / Building / Installation | |
| Civil Engineer | 30,100 UYU |
| Construction Project Manager | 55,500 UYU |
| Health and Safety Officer | 14,900 UYU |
Customer Service and Call Center | |
| Call Center Representative | 12,800 UYU |
| Customer Service Manager | 45,000 UYU |
| Customer Service Representative | 12,900 UYU |
Engineering | |
| Electrical Engineer | 31,800 UYU |
| Engineer | 32,500 UYU |
| Mechanical Engineer | 31,700 UYU |
Executive and Management | |
| Chief Executive Officer | 77,200 UYU |
| Chief Financial Officer | 68,000 UYU |
| General Manager | 58,400 UYU |
Food / Hospitality / Tourism / Catering | |
| Chef | 21,600 UYU |
| Executive Chef | 24,000 UYU |
| Hotel Manager | 60,300 UYU |
| Travel Agent | 22,000 UYU |
| Waiter / Waitress | 10,300 UYU |
Health and Medical | |
| Dentist | 78,700 UYU |
| Dietitian | 65,500 UYU |
| Laboratory Technician | 25,200 UYU |
| Nurse | 25,100 UYU |
Human Resources | |
| Human Resources Manager | 51,600 UYU |
| Human Resources Officer | 19,100 UYU |
Information Technology | |
| Computer Technician | 24,600 UYU |
| Database Administrator | 31,400 UYU |
| Developer / Programmer | 33,200 UYU |
| Information Technology Manager | 57,600 UYU |
| Network Engineer | 28,600 UYU |
Law Enforcement / Security / Fire | |
| Police Officer | 19,500 UYU |
Legal | |
| Attorney | 61,900 UYU |
| Legal Assistant | 17,200 UYU |
Media / Broadcasting / Arts / Entertainment | |
| Journalist | 38,200 UYU |
Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology | |
| Biomedical Engineer | 28,100 UYU |
| Pharmacist | 43,900 UYU |
Sales Retail and Wholesale | |
| Cashier | 12,400 UYU |
| Sales Manager | 60,000 UYU |
| Sales Representative | 21,100 UYU |
Teaching / Education | |
| Elementary School Teacher | 23,400 UYU |
| Secondary School Teacher | 26,600 UYU |
Average Hourly Wage in Uruguay
190 UYU per hourThe average hourly wage (pay per hour) in Uruguay is 190 UYU. This means that the average person in Uruguay earns approximately 190 UYU for every worked hour.
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 fix 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?
This minimum pay rate per hour for a person in Uruguay is 48 UYU. 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 for a private company or for the government? Public sector employees in Uruguay earn 9% more than their private sector counterparts on average across all sectors.
| Private Sector | 31,400 UYU | |
| Public Sector | +9% | 34,100 UYU |
Salary Statistics and Calculation Guide
What is considered to be a good and competitive salary in Uruguay?
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 Uruguay would range anywhere between 29,600 UYU and 44,800 UYU.
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 salart after tax for every career.
Base / Basic Salary
The base salary in Uruguay is ranges from 21,400 UYU to 44,800 UYU. 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 in 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 of the average and the median then you are doing very well. If your salary is lower than both, then many people are earning 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
