Brazil’s Average Salary in 2026 by Industry and Region

Many global companies are pursuing Brazilian talent right now, and it’s not hard to see why. Sure, the time zones align well with the Americas, but it’s more about the skilled talent and cost-to-quality ratio that makes hiring in Brazil hard to beat in Latin America.

Brazil’s recent employment figures reflect growing interest in its talent pool. The labor market reached historic unemployment lows of 5.6% in 2025, the best figure since data collection began in 2012. The average salary in Brazil creates an even more compelling opportunity for expanding companies, putting the country near the top of global hiring outlook rankings.

What is the average salary in Brazil?

As of 2026, the average salary in Brazil hovers just above 3,500 Brazilian reais (BRL) per month, according to data sourced by the Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE). For U.S. companies, that figure converts to about US$668 per month.

Bear in mind, wages for remote tech talent are substantially higher, and Brazilian professionals working for foreign companies can triple their salaries compared to their domestic counterparts. When evaluating offers, Brazilian talent weighs their worth against global salary benchmarks over local averages.

While Brazil’s average salary figures shed light on cost-efficient hiring opportunities, the sheer depth of the country’s talent pool makes it even more enticing.

Brazil is the primary engine of Latin America’s talent economy. The country is home to over 1.5 million tech professionals, and 68% of Brazilian companies are planning to hire in the first quarter of 2026. In fact, Brazil is leading the global hiring outlook right now. This is not a sleepy market waiting to be discovered.

Average salary in Brazil by job type

Compensation varies widely depending on the job and area of expertise. This is how much global employers can expect to pay for important jobs that are often filled by remote workers or teams from other countries.

• Software Engineers/Developers. BRL 6,870/month (US$1,310)
• IT Professionals. BRL 6,900/month (US$1,316)
• Customer Support/BPO Agents. BRL 2,630/month (US$502)
• Marketing/Digital Roles. BRL 1,780/month (US$340)
• Finance & Accounting. BRL 3,090/month (US$590)
• Administrative Staff. BRL 2,490/month (US$475)
• Civil Engineers. BRL 6,500/month (US$1,240)
• Mechanical Engineers. BRL 10,170/month (US$1,942)
• Product/UX Designers. BRL 7,290/month (US$1,392)

Some of these roles (such as IT) represent broad categories of professionals, including network administrators, systems analysts, and technical support roles. In turn, salaries can range from BRL 2,250/month for entry-level positions on up to BRL 11,500/month for senior roles.

Average salary by city or region

Location influences compensation in Brazil, as major urban areas command premium salaries ranging from 30% to 50% more than the country’s baseline average. The cost of living in these areas plays a pivotal role, yet the talent pools in these local markets are the deepest.

São Paulo

Brazil’s largest city is by far the nation’s leading financial center and its growing tech center. Professionals working in this area can expect their salaries to be approximately 40–50% percent higher than the national average, or BRL 4,900-5,250/month (approximately US$935-1,000 per month).

As the central hub for Brazil’s top banks, start-ups, and multinational corporations, housing costs are substantial and often account for 40% of a professional’s monthly income. As such, employers may need to offer competitive compensation packages in order to attract qualified candidates to the area.

Rio de Janeiro

Professionals in Rio, on average, earn approximately 30–40% more than the national average, with salaries ranging from BRL 4,550–4,900/month (approximately US$870–935 per month). The economic base of Rio includes tourism, media, oil and gas, and a growing tech sector. The cost of living in Rio is 9% lower than in São Paulo, allowing employees to see a slight increase in purchasing power.

Belo Horizonte

Belo Horizonte is becoming increasingly popular for startup and engineering talent due to the presence of the “San Pedro Valley” tech ecosystem. In terms of salaries, they are generally at or just above the national average, and the overall cost of living is substantially less expensive than in either Rio or São Paulo. Due to its large number of universities specializing in technology, engineering, and mining, Belo Horizonte will remain a trusted source of tech talent.

Porto Alegre

Porto Alegre is one of the best places to find high-quality software developers, thanks to the large number of tech companies in the area. This includes both start-ups and larger companies, such as Globant and TOTVS. With salaries comparable to the national average, Porto Alegre’s high quality of life and lower living costs make it a great option for remote workers. Additionally, the region supports a strong manufacturing and education technology industry.

What’s Brazil’s minimum wage in 2026?

As of January 1, 2026, the minimum wage in Brazil was set at BRL 1,621 per month (about US$309), which is a 6.79% increase from the year before. This comes out to BRL 54.04 a day and BRL 7.37 an hour.

It is also important to note that most workers earn wages well above the minimum wage, especially in high-paying jobs in tech and finance, or in urban areas such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The minimum wage is the lowest amount that someone can make, but skilled workers and people who work for international companies usually make much more than this.

Factors that influence salaries in Brazil

The job title alone isn’t the only thing that matters when it comes to salary. Many factors affect what Brazilian professionals can earn in the market. Employers can make better offers if they anticipate the following:

• Level of education and professional certifications. Having a college degree can increase earning potential by 40% to 60% compared to only having a high school diploma. Certifications in areas like cloud computing, project management, or financial analysis can also raise the pay.
• Language skills and work experience. Mid-level professionals with 5–7 years of experience usually make 50% to 70% more than entry-level hires. Being fluent in English can raise wages by 30% to 50%, especially for jobs that involve working with international clients or teams.
• Industry demand and regional economic performance. The tech, finance, and oil and gas sectors are essential to the economy and pay much more than average due to the lack of skilled workers. Cities with a higher GDP per capita and greater industry concentration pay higher salaries than those with fewer industries.
• Global companies pay more than local market rates for remote talent. Brazilian professionals who work from home for foreign companies can make 2–3 times what they would make in Brazil. This has changed what top talent, especially in software development and digital roles, can expect.
• The size of the company and the stage of funding. Multinational companies and well-funded startups usually pay 20% to 40% more than small or medium-sized local businesses. Stock options and equity packages, which are still not very common in Brazil, can make total pay even more competitive.
• Specialized technical skills. A professional who’s proficient in AI/machine learning, data science, cybersecurity, or a specific programming language (such as Python, React, or Go) can earn more for their talents. These specialized skills often enable people to earn upwards of 50% more than the average salary in Brazil.

FAQs

Payroll and compensation in Brazil are among the most complex for global employers. Clarity around common questions is essential for making budgets, ensuring compliance, and making competitive offers.

What is considered a good salary in Brazil?

A good salary depends a lot on the role and location, but if a professional makes more than BRL 6,000 a month (US$1,145), they are in the top tier of Brazilian workers. In tech, engineering, or finance, skilled workers can expect to make BRL 8,000–10,000 a month (US$1,525–1,905). For experienced workers, remote jobs with international companies often pay more than BRL 15,000 per month (US$2,80).

Are salaries in São Paulo higher than in other regions?

Yes, São Paulo is 40% to 50% more expensive than the national average because it’s home to financial services, tech companies, and multinational headquarters. But the cost of living is also much higher, especially when it comes to housing. Rio de Janeiro’s cost of living is about 30% to 40% higher than average, but cities like Belo Horizonte and Porto Alegre have more balanced cost-to-salary ratios.

Can foreign companies pay in USD when hiring in Brazil?

Even if the employer is from another country, they must pay their workers in Brazilian reais (BRL). Brazilian labor law says that this must be done. Most of the time, foreign companies use an Employer of Record (EOR) or set up local businesses with Brazilian bank accounts to make sure their payroll is processed correctly.

Is a 13th-month salary mandatory in Brazil?

Yes, all formal workers in Brazil must get a 13th-month salary (décimo terceiro). It is equal to one month’s pay and must be paid in two parts: the first part is due between February and November 30, and the second part is due by December 20. Employees who work less than a full year get a prorated amount based on how many months they worked.

Do Brazilians get paid monthly?

Most Brazilian workers get paid once a month, usually by the fifth business day of the following month. Some companies pay their employees twice a month, typically on the 5th and 20th of each month. Many companies also give their employees a mid-month advance (adiantamento salarial) around the 15th to help with cash flow, but this isn’t required by law.

Hire in Brazil quickly and compliantly with Pebl

Brazil offers incredible talent, but navigating payroll compliance, currency conversions, and mandatory benefits can derail even the best hiring plans. That’s where Pebl comes in.

As a global EOR service operating in Brazil and 185+ countries, Pebl manages compliant payroll in local currency, handles tax withholdings, ensures 13th month salary payments, and keeps you on the right side of Brazilian labor law. You get the talent, without the administrative burden. Interested in learning more? Get in touch.

This information does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or tax advice and is for general informational purposes only. The intent of this document is solely to provide general and preliminary information for private use. Do not rely on it as an alternative to legal, financial, taxation, or accountancy advice from an appropriately qualified professional. The content in this guide is provided “as is,” and no representations are made that the content is error-free.

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