Paraguay: jobs and pay

What is the minimum wage in Paraguay?

Paraguay's general minimum wage is ₲3,044,000 a month, and the minimum daily wage ₲117,077, from 1 July 2026, according to the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security (MTESS). The rates rose 5% under Decree No. 6225; minimum wages for specified activities were updated by MTESS Resolution No. 670/2026.

The general rate applies to activities not covered by a specific minimum. The minimum is adjusted once a year, in July. Workers who have not received the increase can report the employer to the Ministry, which in 2026 introduced a faster, mainly digital inspection procedure for these complaints.

Official sources: MTESS: minimum wage adjustment procedure, August 2026 · MTESS: reminder on the 2026 minimum wage

What is the unemployment rate in Paraguay?

Unemployment in Paraguay was 4.1% in the second quarter of 2026, down from 5.3% in the first quarter and 5.0% a year earlier, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INE). It was 3.5% for men and 4.8% for women.

The figures come from the quarterly continuous household survey (EPHC) and follow the ILO definition of unemployment. Rates are not seasonally adjusted. The INE schedules its third-quarter 2026 bulletin for 30 October 2026.

Official sources: INE: labour market rates by quarter, 2017-2026 · INE: Employment publications

What is the average salary in Paraguay?

Employed people in Paraguay earned an average of ₲3,313,700 a month from their main job in the second quarter of 2026, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INE). Men averaged ₲3,638,600 and women ₲2,859,200.

This is average current monthly income from the main occupation, from the household survey, and includes employees, the self-employed and domestic workers. Public employees earn more than private employees on average. Averages are pulled up by high earners, so a typical worker earns less than this; zero incomes are excluded.

Official sources: INE: average monthly income by occupational category, 2017-2026

What is Paraguay's minimum wage?

In 2024, the statutory minimum wage in Paraguay was 2,798,309 PYG a month (about $370), according to the ILO. That is the highest since at least 2012.

What is the average monthly salary in Paraguay?

The ILO puts average monthly earnings of employees in Paraguay at $429 a month in 2025. Its high point since 2012 was 2014, at $456 a month; its low point was 2016, at $366 a month. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was $523 a month, and Paraguay placed 14th highest of 14. Of 57 countries with 2025 data, 50th highest.

How high is unemployment in Paraguay?

According to the ILO, the unemployment rate in Paraguay was 4.8% in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2020, at 7.5%; its low point was 2012, at 4.1%. It is 21st highest of 29 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 6.0%. World rank, highest first: 95th of 174.

How many young people in Paraguay are unemployed?

In 2025, unemployment among 15 to 24 year olds in Paraguay was 11.7%, according to the ILO. The peak was 17.2% in 2020 and the low 9.5% in 2013. Latin America & Caribbean median: 14.0%; Paraguay is 17th highest of 29. Worldwide: 91st of 174.

How many people in Paraguay are working or looking for work?

70.2%: that is the labour force participation rate in Paraguay for 2025, according to the ILO. Since 2005 it has ranged from 67.0% (2006) to 72.4% (2019). It is 4th highest of 29 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 63.4%. Worldwide: 27th of 174.

What is female labour force participation in Paraguay?

The ILO puts the labour force participation rate for women in Paraguay at 59.0% in 2025. The peak was 60.3% in 2019 and the low 51.0% in 2006. Latin America & Caribbean median: 52.5%; Paraguay is 8th highest of 29. Worldwide: 53rd of 174.

What is the employment rate in Paraguay?

In 2025, the employment to population ratio in Paraguay was 66.9%, according to the ILO. Since 2005 it has ranged from 63.5% (2006) to 68.4% (2012). Latin America & Caribbean median: 59.4%; Paraguay is 5th highest of 29. World rank, highest first: 28th of 174.

How many workers in Paraguay are self-employed or family workers?

36.1%: that is the share of workers who are own-account or contributing family workers in Paraguay for 2025, according to the ILO. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2005. Latin America & Caribbean median: 29.8%; Paraguay is 11th highest of 29. World rank, highest first: 73rd of 174.

How many people in Paraguay are employees?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is 58.7%. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 21st highest of 29 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 64.8%. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 102nd highest.