How To Hire in El Salvador: Complete Guide

Remote hiring is booming, and El Salvador is quickly becoming a go-to destination for top-tier tech talent. Thinking about setting up a team there? Focus on the basics: how to hire, which roles are in demand, what to pay, and smart moves to attract and retain the right people.

How to Hire Remote Talent in El Salvador

Building a team in El Salvador? You’ve got options, but each comes with its own legal twists. Here are three reliable hiring routes to access top talent—without the hassle.

Contractor

Independent contractors can cut costs and give you control, but they come with compliance risks. Lupa keeps you protected and makes hiring easy.

• Recruiting: We find and vet top candidates. It's best when you want full control with expert backup.
• RPO: We take over your whole recruiting process for a flat monthly rate—sourcing, screening, and hiring included. Perfect for fast growth without the extra weight.

Staffing

Hiring in Latin America doesn’t have to be painful. Our staffing service covers it all—finding talent, managing contracts, running payroll, and staying compliant. We take care of the complexities so you can focus on growing your team.

EOR (Employer of Record)

Need top Salvadoran talent without opening a local entity? Our EOR service has you covered. We care for legal, tax, and HR so you can hire fast and stay compliant—minus the bureaucracy.

Remote Roles to Hire in El Salvador

When building a remote team in El Salvador, these roles are top picks for full-time or part-time remote talent:

{{roles}}

Benefits of Hiring Talent From El Salvador

• Cost Savings: Hiring in El Salvador can cut labor and overhead costs by up to 60% vs. U.S. rates. Call center services alone are 50–60% cheaper than in the U.S. or Europe—without sacrificing quality.
• Bilingual Talent: Roughly 7% of the population speaks fluent English and Spanish, many with a neutral U.S. accent. Great fit for support roles and cross-border teams.
• Nearshore Efficiency: Only a 3–4 hour flight from the U.S. with matching time zones. El Salvador uses the U.S. dollar and shares strong cultural ties—real-time collaboration, no translation needed.
• Government Perks: Tax breaks for foreign investors include exemptions on income tax, VAT, and local taxes in service zones. The 2023 Innovation Law adds up to 15 years of tax exemptions for tech and R&D.
• Skilled Talent Pool: El Salvador has a growing base of tech and business professionals—college-educated and trained in IT, finance, and customer service. Over 70 global companies already tap into this talent.

Labor Costs in El Salvador vs. USA

Hiring remote talent in El Salvador gives U.S. companies a clear advantage—lower employee costs, high-quality talent, and flexible scaling. Here’s how the salaries compare per year:

{{table}}

How to Pay Talent in El Salvador

Paying remote workers in El Salvador is straightforward with the right setup. The goal: keep it fast, compliant, and cost-effective. Here are your top options:

Bank Transfers

Reliable but pricey. Transfers to local accounts work, but they’re often slow and come with high fees.

Online Payment Platforms

Tools like PayPal, Payoneer, and Wise make global payments easy and secure. They offer buyer protection but watch for fees and transaction limits.

Global Payroll Providers

Platforms like Deel, Ontop, and Oyster streamline payroll, stay compliant, and often beat the banks on fees and rates.

Cryptocurrencies

Bitcoin and Ethereum allow fast, borderless payments. But volatility and legal gray areas make them a riskier bet.

Hiring Remote Trends in El Salvador 2025

• Remote work is on the rise in El Salvador. Tech and BPO firms are leading the shift to hybrid and fully remote setups—and even traditional businesses are following suit to boost productivity and cut costs.
• Internet infrastructure is getting stronger, and by 2025, coverage is expected to reach 87%. Major cities already have solid broadband and 4G, with co-working spaces and cafés offering fast, reliable Wi-Fi.
• El Salvador backs remote work with pro-telework laws and bold moves like Bitcoin adoption. Investments in digital skills and infrastructure are helping grow the remote economy and attract global business.
• Already a call center hotspot, El Salvador’s tech sector is gaining speed. More companies are nearshoring here to tap into skilled, bilingual talent—at a lower cost.

Talent Hubs in El Salvador

To hire employees in El Salvador, target the cities that are leading in innovation and business growth. These are the main talent hubs:

• San Salvador: San Salvador is the core of El Salvador’s tech and service talent. With top universities, a booming startup scene, and global players, it’s built for remote work—great infrastructure, coworking spaces, and a strong bilingual workforce.
• Santa Ana: The second-largest city is on the rise. Home to top university talent and lower living costs than the capital, it's attracting call centers, tech firms, and remote teams. Reliable internet and coworking options make it a smart pick for growing teams.
• La Libertad Coast: La Libertad is the go-to for digital nomads who want waves and Wi-Fi. With upgraded infrastructure, solid cafés, and coworking spaces, it’s a remote work hotspot blending lifestyle and productivity.

Labor Laws or Employment Laws in El Salvador

El Salvador’s labor laws offer strong worker protections—compliance is mandatory. Here’s what you need to know about work permits, social security contributions and benefits packages:

Salary Payment

Salaries must be paid in U.S. dollars and on time according to the contract (biweekly, monthly). Employers must provide payslips and cannot pay wages in kind or with vouchers.

Minimum Wage

Currently, the minimum wage in El Salvador is approximately USD 365 per month, but offering above-market salaries is recommended to attract top talent.

Holidays

El Salvador recognizes 11 national holidays, and employees are entitled to paid leave on national holidays. If employees work on these days, they are entitled to double pay. Key holidays include New Year’s Day, Independence Day, and Christmas.

Overtime Pay

Overtime is paid at double time (200%) for hours worked beyond the normal 44-hour workweek. Overtime cannot exceed a certain number of hours per day.

Vacation & Annual Leave

Employees earn 15 days of paid vacation after 12 months of service. Vacation pay is 130% of the normal salary. Unused vacation must be paid out upon termination.

Christmas Bonus

Employees receive an annual Christmas bonus based on their length of service, ranging from 15-21 days’ salary. The bonus must be paid between December 12 and 20.

Social Security

Both employees (10.25%) and employers (15.25%) contribute to social security and pension systems. These contributions cover health insurance, pension fund, paternity and maternity leave, and other benefits.

Probation Period

The probation period can be up to 30 days, during which either party can terminate the employment contract without severance pay. After the probation period, the employee becomes a regular employee.

Notice Period and Mutual Agreement

The labor code does not mandate a notice period for termination, but it's often a good practice to provide notice. Termination can also occur by mutual agreement, where both parties settle terms in writing.

Holidays in El Salvador 2025

To foster cultural respect and stay compliant, recognize El Salvador’s 11 national holidays—employees are legally entitled to take these days off:

• January 1: New Year’s Day
• April 17: Maundy Thursday (Date varies)
• April 18: Good Friday (Date varies)
• April 19: Holy Saturday (Date varies)
• May 1: Labor Day
• May 10: Mother’s Day
• Jun 17: Father’s Day
• August 6: Feast of the Divine Savior of the World
• September 15: Independence Day
• November 2: All Souls' Day
• December 25: Christmas Day

Honoring these holidays keeps you compliant with local labor laws and shows respect for your Salvadoran team—helping build a strong, supportive work culture.

Cultural Considerations of Salvadoran Professionals

• Warm Communication: Salvadorans value friendly, personal interaction. Small talk about family or interests goes a long way. They steer clear of direct conflict and prefer a respectful, indirect tone.
• Respect for Hierarchy: Workplace hierarchy matters. Titles are used when addressing senior staff, and decisions typically come from the top. Be clear on roles and reporting lines.
• Relationship-Driven: Business is built on trust. Personal connections matter—expect informal chats before getting down to business. Once trust is earned, they’re loyal and dependable.
• Business Etiquette: in remote settings, stay polite, add small talk, and sprinkle in some Spanish—it shows respect. Keep feedback tactful.

Start Hiring Remote Salvadoran Talent With Lupa Today

El Salvador, is a Central American country with top talent—Lupa makes it easy to hire new employees. We help U.S. companies find, vet, and onboard remote professionals without the usual hassle.

Our automated sourcing and hands-on screening deliver top candidates in days. Tech, finance, marketing—you name it, we’ve got it.

Check out our recruiting, staffing, and RPO services—or book a consultation. We handle the heavy lifting. You get the talent.

FAQs

What Is an Employer of Record (EOR)?

An Employer of Record (EOR) legally employs talent on your behalf. It manages payroll, taxes, contracts, and compliance—making sure everything aligns with local labor laws.

What Jobs Are in Demand in El Salvador?

High-demand sectors in El Salvador include customer service, technology (IT, software development), and marketing.

What Is El Salvador Minimum Wage?

El Salvador’s minimum wage is USD 365 per month.

What Is the Standard Workweek in El Salvador?

The standard workweek is 44 hours, typically split into 8 hours per day from Monday to Friday and 4 hours on Saturday.

Can US Companies Hire Remote Employees From El Salvador?

Yes. You can hire as contractors or use an EOR—no local entity needed if done right. We’ll help you structure it clean and compliant.

What Language Is Spoken in El Salvador?

Spanish is the official language. English is taught, and many professionals in tech and customer service have working fluency.

How Do You Terminate an Employee in El Salvador?

No at-will firing here (unless they’re execs). You need just cause or must pay severance—one month per year worked, capped at 11 months. Contracts often include notice periods, but it's not legally required.

Do I Need a Visa to Hire a Remote Worker in El Salvador?

No. Your worker doesn’t need to relocate, and you don’t need a visa. The relationship stays remote—EORs or contractor agreements make it clean and legal.

What Are the Tax Implications for Foreign Companies Hiring in El Salvador?

Taxes apply locally, not in the U.S. If you hire through an EOR, they handle all local taxes and compliance. No need to set up a local entity or deal with El Salvador’s tax system yourself—Lupa takes care of it.