2006 Workforce Update

Independent surveys of current investors reveal that the Dominican labor force is the nation's principal economic asset. Employers characterize workers as diligent, highly trainable, dexterous and capable of utilizing new technologies. 

Services and government (includes parastatal corporations) employ 35% of the work force. Agriculture employs 21%, and industry outside of the duty free zones employs 12%. Unemployment is estimated at approximately 16.4%. 

The Dominican Labor Code, which dates back to June 1992, is a comprehensive piece of legislation which establishes policies and procedures for aspects of employer/employee relationships. 

The standard workweek is 44 hours. The minimum wage is RD$6,400.00 for companies with capital of more than RD$500,000. The minimum wage for free zone industries is RD$4,450.00. Other minimum wages have been set for specific work classifications.

Labor force wage breakdown by sector:

General private sector workers (As of April 2004) 

RD$6,400 per month (companies with more than RD$400,000 in assets)
RD$4,400 per month (companies with assets from RD$200,000,000 to RD$400,000)
RD$3,900 per month (companies with assets of less than RD$200,000)

Farm workers: 
RD$130 per day for farm workers (10 hour work day)
RD$5,400 per month for night watchmen 

Hotel, Bars, Cafes, Night Clubs, Pizzerias, Fast Food, Ice Cream Vendors, & restaurant employees: 

RD$4,970 per month (companies with more than RD$500,000 in assets)
RD$3,550 per month (companies with assets from RD$200,000 to RD$500,000)
RD$3,200 per month (companies with assets of less than RD$200,000)

Bakery and pastry shop employees: 
RD$4,439 per month (companies with more than RD$500,000,000 in assets)
RD$3,048 per month (companies with assets from RD$200,000,000 to RD$400,000,000)
RD$2,607 per month (companies with assets of less than RD$200,000,000)

Industrial Free Trade Zone Workers:

RD$4,100.00 per month as of January 1st, 2005

RD$4,450.00 as of April 4th 2005

Heavy duty machine operators: 
RD$10,875 per month for operators
RD$5,415   per month for assistants

Heavy duty farm equipment operators: 
RD$5,000 per month

Construction workers: 
Non skilled worker: RD$268 per day
Skilled worker: RD$294 per day
Assistant: RD$345 per day
Third category operator: RD$448 per day
Second category operator: RD$511 per day
First category operator: RD$639 per day
Master of trade of each area of construction: RD$830 per day

For information on current wages for various jobs in the Dominican Republic, please click on this link to an ongoing thread on the topic on our message boards.

Minimum wage (general): RD$ 6,400 (for companies with more than RD$400,000 in assets) 
Minimum wage tourism: RD$ 4,970 (for companies with more than RD$500,000 in assets) 
Minimum wage free zones: RD$ 4,450

Unemployment rate: 16.4% (2006)