How much does an employee really cost in Colombia in 2026?
Enter the salary and see the monthly and annual cost in seconds, including mandatory benefits, social security and payroll contributions, with current Colombian values.
- 2026 minimum wage: COP 1,750,905
- Transportation allowance: COP 249,095
- Instant result
Every peso, explained
Transportation allowance
COP 249,095 per month for employees earning up to 2 minimum wages (Decree 1470 of 2025). It counts for the service bonus and severance, not for social security.
Mandatory benefits
Severance and service bonus (one monthly salary per year each), 12% annual interest on severance and 15 working days of vacation per year (Labor Code and Law 52 of 1975).
Social security
Employer pays 8.5% health and 12% pension (Law 100 of 1993), plus ARL by risk class: 0.522% to 6.96% (Decree 1772 of 1994).
Payroll contributions
Family compensation fund 4%, ICBF 3% and SENA 2%. Companies and individuals with 2 or more employees are exempt from health, SENA and ICBF for staff earning under 10 minimum wages (article 114-1 of the Tax Code).
2026 values: minimum wage COP 1,750,905, set on a transitional basis by Decree 0159 of 2026 of the Ministry of Labor while the Council of State rules on Decree 1469 of 2025; transportation allowance COP 249,095 (Decree 1470 of 2025).
What people ask us most
How much does a minimum-wage employee cost in 2026?
For an exempt company with risk class I, a minimum-wage employee costs about COP 2,715,000 per month, including salary, transportation allowance, benefits, social security and the compensation fund. Use the calculator for your case.
Why is the cost higher than the salary?
Because on top of the salary, employers pay mandatory benefits, social security and payroll contributions. That is why it pays to calculate before hiring.
Does it work for household staff?
Yes. Choose “Household”. If the person works by the day or part time, message us and we will calculate it exactly.
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