Labor Costs & Productivity in Colombia
What does manufacturing labor really cost in Colombia? It depends on the total cost of each worker — wages plus non-wage costs — and on the output each worker delivers. Industry Economics & Competitiveness reports both, monthly, for Colombia's manufacturing and construction sectors.
Colombia's labor costs across chemical and manufacturing sectors declined consistently from 2020 to 2021, with chemical plant operators experiencing the steepest contraction at $0.10 per hour, falling from $1.86 to $1.76. Manufacturing labor similarly decreased by $0.18 per hour year-over-year to $2.98, while chemical plant supervisors declined by $0.14 per hour to $2.44. Across the 2016–2021 period, manufacturing labor commanded the highest hourly rates, ranging from $3.36 to $2.98, compared to chemical plant operators at the lower end of the wage spectrum at $1.88 to $1.76.
The figures shown are illustrative and represent a historical sample. For up-to-date monthly labor cost and productivity benchmarks in Colombia — along with industrial costs and manufacturing competitiveness data across 33 countries — subscribe to Intratec Industry Economics & Competitiveness.
About the Labor Benchmarks. Each monthly release reports three categories of labor data for Colombia: total employer cost (wages plus non-wage costs) for manufacturing and construction sectors, output per worker for the same sectors, and role-specific wages for chemical plant operators and supervisors at typical plant staffing levels. The same methodology produces comparable benchmarks for every country in the program, with a 10-year monthly history alongside the current values.
Beyond Labor Costs
Labor cost and productivity factors are part of the Industry Economics & Competitiveness subscription — a monthly program benchmarking commodities manufacturing competitiveness across 33 countries, including Colombia.
33 Key Countries
Country-by-country monthly reports covering major industrial hubs — USA, China, Germany, Japan, Brazil, India, and more.
7 Industries Covered
Industry-specific rankings across olefins, aromatics, alcohols & organic acids, polymers, fertilizers, inorganic chemicals, and metals.
Reference Datasets
Country-level cost inputs for plant projects — labor costs, utility prices, construction indexes, and location factors.
Monthly Updates
Fresh data every month, always reflecting the most recent period available, with short-term forecasts on selected series.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Colombia's Manufacturing Industry
Colombia's economy is one of the most dynamic in Latin America, characterized by a diverse industrial base and a growing emphasis on innovation and sustainable development. The manufacturing sector plays a vital role in the country's economic structure, contributing significantly to GDP, employment, and export performance.
Key industries within Colombia's manufacturing sector include food processing, textiles, chemicals, and electronics. The country's strategic location, abundant natural resources, and improving infrastructure provide a solid foundation for manufacturing growth. Additionally, Colombia is focusing on enhancing its competitiveness by investing in education, technology, and infrastructure, which are critical for boosting productivity and fostering industrial innovation.
As Colombia continues to strengthen its industrial capabilities and integrate into global supply chains, the manufacturing sector remains a crucial driver of economic development. With ongoing reforms and investments, Colombia is well-positioned to expand its industrial base and enhance its role in the regional and global economy.