Working in Bolivia

Classified by the World Bank as a lower middle-income country, Bolivia’s economy is the 95^th largest in the world. Agriculture and forestry are the main sectors of the economy that provide livelihood to majority of the Bolivian population.

Job Market

Looking for a job in Bolivia can prove to be difficult for foreign nationals, especially those who are looking for professional work. One of the key factors is that Bolivia is a poor country; therefore salary is quite low, even for Bolivian nationals. However, there is always an employment opportunity for expats who are in the field of English-teaching. Accredited teachers can earn as much as US$500 a month. Some of the English and international schools in Bolivia include Santa Cruz International School, American International School of Bolivia, and Highlands International School.

Other industries that offer job opportunities in Bolivia are oil industry, mining, hydrocarbon sector, telecommunications and construction.

Foreign nationals looking to work for a Bolivian company must at least have a working knowledge of Spanish, since this is the official language in the country.

Minimum Wage/Salary

As of January 2013, the minimum salary in Bolivia is 1,200 BOB or approximately US$175 a month. There is also an obligatory Christmas bonus given to employees which is equivalent to one month salary, prorated for the amount of time the employee has worked in their current position.

Working Conditions

The standard working hours in Bolivia is 48 hours, or six days a week. Most businesses operate from 8AM to 12:30PM, then 2:30PM to 6:30PM or 7PM. They always take a two-hour siesta break at midday as is customary with Spanish countries.

Income Tax

All Bolivian workers are subject to an income tax rate of 25%. If taxes are paid by a withholding agent, it must be paid on a monthly basis, but if it is paid directly by the taxpayer, it shall be paid quarterly.