Minimum wage in Colombia 2022: everything you need to know

Knowing the figures legally stipulated as remuneration for a minimally decent job is a need for every person of working age. In this way it is possible to avoid irregularities at work and verify that, at least at the salary level, their rights are recognized and respected. At the same time, it is part of the knowledge that any employer must master in order not to fall into legal breaches and make financial decisions.

The minimum wage that governs during the 2022 term in Colombia was set by Decree 1724 of 2021 of the Ministry of Labor , signed on December 15 of the year in question. Here we inform you everything you need to know on the matter, since it is not only about the monthly minimum wage but also several other determinations.

Current monthly legal minimum wage (SMLMV)

Compared to 2021, the increase was 10.07%, reaching the value of one million Colombian pesos ( $1,000,000 ), which is effective as of January 1, 2022.

Monthly transportation allowance

The National Government set the transportation aid at $117,172 Colombian pesos (Decree 1725 of 2021). This payment only applies to workers who earn up to two (2) current monthly legal minimum wages and meet the other conditions established by law.

Current legal daily minimum wage (SMLDV)

According to the SMLMV, the daily minimum wage corresponds to $33,333.33 Colombian pesos. This value is a reference to take into account for various state procedures, as is also the case with the monthly minimum wage.

Ordinary working hour and night working hour

Each hour that you work during the day (6:00 am to 9:00 pm) in 2022 must be recognized for the minimum amount of $4,166.67 Colombian pesos.

For its part, the night work hour (9:00 pm to 6:00 am), with its legal surcharge of 35%, has a minimum value of $5,625.00 Colombian pesos.

Extra hours

The extra daytime hour has a surcharge of 25% and was set at $5,208.33 Colombian pesos. If it is overtime on Sundays/daytime holidays , you receive a surcharge of 25% plus 75%, equivalent to $8,333.33 Colombian pesos.

The extra night hour has a surcharge of 75% and was set at $7,291.67 Colombian pesos. If it is overtime Sunday/holiday night , you receive a surcharge of 75% plus 75%, equivalent to $10,416.67 Colombian pesos.

Social Security

Taking as a reference the percentages that by law correspond to social security benefits , the following table illustrates the values to be paid depending on the case if the worker receives minimum monthly income:

category

Employee

Independent

To be paid by the employer

to be paid by the employee

Health

$85,000

(8.5%)

$40,000

(4%)

$125,000

(12.50%)

Pension

$120,000

(12%)

$40,000

(4%)

$160,000

(16%)

Occupational hazards

– level I

$5,300

(0.522%)

Does not apply

$5,300

(0.522%)

Family Compensation Fund (CCF)

$40,000

(4%)

Does not apply

$20,000

(up to 2% optional)

Total with CCF

$250,300

(25.022%)

$80,000

(8%)

$310,300

(31.022%)

Total without CCF

Does not apply

$290,300

(29.022%)

Premium of services and layoffs

The service premium corresponds to the payment of 30 days of salary for each year worked, or in proportion to the time worked when this is less than one year. This benefit is paid twice a year. According to the SMLMV 2022 , the monthly premium payment is equivalent to $93,098 Colombian pesos with transportation assistance and $83,333.33 Colombian pesos without it.

Severance payments (regulated by Law 50 of 1990 ) are another benefit that is settled annually on December 31 and deposited in a Severance Fund before February 15 of the following year. Its amount is equivalent to one month's salary for each year worked by the employee, so that monthly payment is equal to that of the service premium, although independent.

Finally

Have this information at your fingertips as it will be very useful for you. In case of doubts or inconveniences, seek advice from experts on the subject or consult the laws and decrees mentioned here. Remember that in Colombia there are different types of contracts and not all the specifications described here apply in the same way in each of them.