Updated labor guide
Minimum wage in Guatemala 2026
Daily and monthly amounts for agricultural, non-agricultural, and export or maquila activities, differentiated between the department of Guatemala and the rest of the country.
In 2026, the base monthly minimum wage in Guatemala ranges from Q3,221.10 to Q4,002.28. By adding the mandatory incentive bonus of Q250, the monthly total goes from Q3,471.10 to Q4,252.28.
What is the minimum wage in Guatemala?
There is no single amount for the entire country. Government Agreement 256-2025 establishes six minimum wages, based on two factors: the worker's economic activity and the applicable economic district.
To identify the correct amount, it is necessary to define whether the activity is agricultural, non-agricultural, or export and maquila, and whether Economic Circumscription 1 (CE1) or Economic Circumscription 2 (CE2) applies.
Official amounts
2026 minimum wage table
| Constituency | Activity | Diary | Base monthly | Bonus | Monthly total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CE1 | Agricultural | Q124.64 | Q3,791.20 | Q250.00 | Q4,041.20 |
| CE1 | Non-farm | Q131.58 | Q4,002.28 | Q250.00 | Q4,252.28 |
| CE1 | Export and contract manufacturing | Q112.10 | Q3,409.73 | Q250.00 | Q3,659.73 |
| CE2 | Agricultural | Q119.21 | Q3,625.89 | Q250.00 | Q3,875.89 |
| CE2 | Non-farm | Q125.49 | Q3,816.90 | Q250.00 | Q4,066.90 |
| CE2 | Export and contract manufacturing | Q105.90 | Q3,221.10 | Q250.00 | Q3,471.10 |
The monthly and daily amounts come from Government Agreement 256-2025. The “total monthly” column includes the Q250 incentive bonus established by Decree 78-89. It does not include overtime, benefits, social security contributions, or other items that may apply.
The base monthly salary of Q3,221.10 reproduce the value established in Article 7 of Government Agreement 256-2025. Some informative publications show Q3,321.10; however, this table and the calculator use the amount set forth in the text of the agreement. Daily and monthly values must be consulted in accordance with the standard and should not be reconstructed solely through multiplication, as they were calculated and rounded separately.
Location
What are CE1 and CE2?
Location is relevant because the agreement differentiates the minimum wage by economic zone.
Department of Guatemala
It includes all municipalities of the department of Guatemala, not just Guatemala City.
Rest of the country
Includes the other departments of the Republic of Guatemala.
Guideline tool
2026 Minimum Wage Calculator
Select the location and the activity to check the applicable amount. This tool shows the general values of the agreement; it does not determine by itself the legal classification of a position or workplace.
Informative result. The displayed bonus is Q250 per month. The calculation does not include benefits, overtime, deductions, or employer costs.
Agreement criteria
How is it determined which salary applies?
The application should not be resolved solely based on the worker's residential address. The agreement establishes an order of criteria.
Workplace
First, the location where the workplace is situated is taken.
Regular place of work
If by the nature of the service a workplace cannot be determined, the place where the work is usually performed or the service is rendered shall be considered.
Primary residence
If the aforementioned criteria do not allow it to be determined clearly, the place where the worker habitually resides is considered.
These scenarios may require reviewing the contract, the actual form of provision, employer records, and the classification of the activity. The calculator is not a substitute for that analysis.
Labor compliance
What companies should check
Updating the figure on the spreadsheet is necessary, but not sufficient. The company must be able to demonstrate why it applied a specific activity and jurisdiction, and maintain consistency among contracts, workplaces, personnel files, and payments.
Correct classification
Confirm the applicable economic activity and avoid classifications based solely on the job title.
Contracts and records
Review the center's location, work modality, agreed-upon salary, and supporting documentation.
Payroll and benefits
Separate base salary and bonus, and consider the effect on related benefits and obligations.
Pending differences
Identify underpayments, affected periods, and a documented correction path prior to an inspection or claim.
Underpaying the minimum wage can result in penalties and the obligation to cover the owed differences. The fine does not replace compliance. Before making retroactive corrections or modifying contracts, it is advisable to review the complete case.
Clear answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in Guatemala in 2026?
It depends on the activity and the jurisdiction. Including the Q250 incentive bonus, the monthly total ranges from Q3,471.10 for export and maquila in CE2 to Q4,252.28 for non-agricultural activities in CE1.
What is the non-agricultural minimum wage in 2026?
The base monthly salary is Q4,002.28 in CE1 and Q3,816.90 in CE2. With the incentive bonus, the monthly totals are Q4,252.28 and Q4,066.90, respectively.
Is the CE1 exclusively Guatemala City?
No. The CE1 includes all municipalities in the department of Guatemala. The CE2 includes the rest of the departments.
Is the incentive bonus included in the minimum wage?
It must be paid additionally. In this guide, it is shown separately —Q250— and the monthly total is also presented to avoid confusing the base salary with the amount the worker receives for both concepts.
Can a lower payment be agreed upon for piecework or work by the piece?
The calculation method must not harm the worker or result in a wage lower than the applicable minimum. The documentation and calculation must be reviewed according to the specific modality.
What happens if a company pays less than the minimum wage?
It may be subject to penalties and must cover the owed wage differences. The specific consequences depend on the facts, the period, the jurisdiction, and the applicable regulations.
Does this amount include the Christmas bonus, Bono 14, or overtime?
No. The table shows the base minimum wage and incentive bonus. The Christmas bonus, Bono 14, vacations, overtime, social security contributions, and other items are determined separately when applicable.
Legal basis
Sources consulted
- Government Agreement 256-2025, published on December 22, 2025 and in effect since January 1, 2026.
- Decree 78-89 of the Congress of the Republic, incentive bonus for private sector workers.
- Guatemala Labor Code, Decree 1441, especially the rules on minimum wage and applicable labor sanctions.
Editorial review: August 3, 2026. This publication is informative and does not constitute legal opinion for a specific case. Regulations, administrative criteria, and particular facts may alter the analysis.
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