Although the unemployment rate decreases, the private salaried segment suffers a 7.3% drop in January 2026
Private employment slowed down in January 2026. Photo: Carlos Arturo García
TL;DR
- Colombia's overall unemployment rate fell to 10.9% in January 2026, down from 11.6% in January 2025.
- However, the private salaried employment segment saw a 7.3% decrease in jobs.
- Experts cite a 23% increase in the minimum wage at the end of 2025 as a major contributing factor to job losses.
- This real increase in wages was significantly higher than in previous decades, impacting sectors sensitive to labor costs.
- The slowdown in employment growth is more pronounced in the salaried segment, particularly in the private sector, with only 17,000 new jobs created in January 2026 compared to the 2025 average.
- Sectors like accommodation and food services, and commerce, have seen job losses or a loss of dynamism.
- Non-salaried employment showed relative strength, increasing by 195,000 positions in January 2026.
- Experts predict a continued slowdown in employment growth for 2026, with potential increases in informality due to factors like the minimum wage hike and labor reforms.