Nicaragua readjusts its minimum wage by 4% for 2026
The decision emerged from negotiations in the National Minimum Wage Commission, where the 4% proposal came from the National Workers' Front, aligned with Daniel Ortega's regime.
TL;DR
- Nicaragua implements a 4% minimum wage increase for nine key economic sectors from March 1, 2026, to February 28, 2027.
- The National Minimum Wage Commission approved the 4% hike, lower than proposals from some worker confederations.
- The agriculture sector receives the lowest increase, while construction, finance, and insurance see the highest minimum wage.
- The free trade zone, covering over 105,000 workers, has a separate 6.7% increase effective January 2026.
- The minimum wage in Nicaragua still covers only 30% to 65% of the basic household basket's cost.