Dominican Republic approves 20% minimum wage increase for construction workers
Santo Domingo.- The National Wage Committee (CNS) approved a 20% increase in the minimum wage for construction workers and related trades, Labor Minister Eddy Olivares Ortega announced.
The increase, established through Resolution CNS-04-2026, was agreed upon through tripartite negotiations involving workers, employers and the Government. The measure is part of the administration’s broader wage policy aimed at improving workers’ incomes while maintaining business competitiveness.
The new minimum rates will be implemented nationwide in phases:
| Category | Current rate | New rate |
|---|---|---|
| Unskilled worker | RD$980.59 | RD$1,176.70 |
| Skilled worker | RD$1,072.85 | RD$1,287.42 |
| Assistant | RD$1,260.34 | RD$1,512.40 |
| Third-category operator | RD$1,636.80 | RD$1,964.16 |
| Second-category operator | RD$1,867.44 | RD$2,240.93 |
| First-category operator | RD$2,334.67 | RD$2,801.60 |
| Master craftsman | RD$2,941.78 | RD$3,530.13 |
The increases for second-category operators, first-category operators and master craftsmen take effect June 1, 2027, according to the resolution.
Olivares said the agreement demonstrates the importance of social dialogue in balancing workers’ demands for higher wages with companies’ sustainability and competitiveness.
He also highlighted construction’s importance to the Dominican economy because of its role in job creation, investment, infrastructure and housing development.
The resolution followed meetings of the National Wage Committee held between May and June, with participation from representatives of the construction industry’s employer and worker sectors.
