As of July 1, 2025, the minimum wage for the Upper-Secondary Technical Education (TMED) category was set at CRC 484,568.18 per month, an adjustment that was required to be applied in a single installment.

To address the salary gaps identified within the TMED category, the National Wages Council (as its acronym in Spanish - CNS) approved specific adjustments to the minimum wage through Resolution RG-MTSS-CNS-1-2025.

Increases Applicable as of 2026

Additionally, the resolution established a specific annual increase of 0.88768% to be applied progressively over five years. Accordingly, as of January 1, 2026, employers must use a new mandatory increase in accordance with the schedule approved by the CNS.

This specific 0.88768% increase is in addition to the general minimum wage increase of 1.63%, which has been in force since January 2026 for all categories in the private sector.

Employer Obligations

Employers are reminded of the importance of:

• Verifying the correct application of the TMED minimum wage in force since July 2025.
• Ensuring the application of the corresponding phased increase as of January 2026 and in subsequent years, through 2030.
• Confirming that the adjustments are reflected correctly in payroll processes.

Legal Basis

• Resolution RG-MTSS-CNS-1-2025, published in the Official Gazette La Gaceta No. 115 of June 24, 2025.
• Executive Decree No. 45303-MTSS, published in Alcance No. 156 to La Gaceta No. 229 of December 5, 2025.

Effective Date

The additional increase applicable for 2026 is effective as of January 1, 2026.

See: Attached document in PDF format.

J.A. DEL RÍO offers a wide array of specialized consulting services to assist you with these and other matters, in order to ensure that your project complies with the applicable characteristics  contained in this agreement.

If you have any questions, J.A. DEL RÍO can provide you with our experts to advise in matters concerning compliance with your legal and tax obligations. Once again, please let us know if we may be of any further assistance to you at: contacto@jadelrio.com.