By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s job market continues to show signs of strength, with 35% of employers planning to hire in the final quarter of 2025, according to the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey. While this figure represents a six-percentage-point decrease compared to the previous quarter and a one-point dip year-over-year, Costa Rica maintains a strong position globally, ranking fourth in hiring outlook and exceeding the global average by 12 percentage points.
The Life Sciences and Health sector leads the hiring projections at 47%, despite a five-percentage-point drop from the previous quarter. Remarkably, this sector has seen a dramatic 35-percentage-point surge compared to the same period last year. Other sectors exhibiting positive hiring trends include Finance and Real Estate (46%), Manufacturing (42%), and Consumer Goods and Services (35%), establishing themselves as key drivers of employment growth in the country.
For expert legal insight into the complexities of hiring in Costa Rica, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Navigating Costa Rica’s hiring landscape requires careful consideration of both labor laws and business practices. Employers must be aware of mandatory benefits, termination regulations, and the nuances of fixed-term versus indefinite contracts. While Costa Rica offers a skilled workforce and a favorable business environment, understanding the legal framework is crucial for successful and compliant hiring strategies.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’ insights underscore the importance of due diligence when hiring in Costa Rica. The allure of a skilled workforce and positive business climate should not overshadow the need for careful navigation of the country’s legal framework. A clear understanding of these regulations, as he rightly points out, is essential for long-term success. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this valuable perspective on the complexities of Costa Rican hiring practices.
Regionally, Alajuela boasts the most optimistic outlook with a 42% hiring projection, followed by Cartago (38%) and Guanacaste (37%). The survey also reveals variations in hiring intentions based on company size. Larger organizations with 250 to 999 employees report the highest expectations at 46%, while smaller companies with 10 to 49 employees project a 28% hiring intention.
In the company, we see how Costa Rica continues to stand out in the region with positive expectations for job creation. On this occasion, the sector with the best forecasts is Life Sciences and Health.
Scarleth Tercero, Country Manager for ManpowerGroup Costa Rica
This data suggests that while the pace of hiring may have slightly moderated, Costa Rica’s job market remains robust. The sustained growth in key sectors such as Life Sciences and Health, combined with strong regional performance, points to continued opportunities for job seekers in the coming months.
The continued strength in the Life Sciences and Health sector can likely be attributed to several factors, including ongoing investment in research and development, a growing demand for healthcare services, and Costa Rica’s established reputation as a hub for medical device manufacturing and pharmaceutical production.
The regional variations in hiring projections highlight the diverse economic landscape within Costa Rica. Alajuela’s strong performance, for example, may be linked to its proximity to the Juan Santamaría International Airport and the presence of key industrial parks, attracting both domestic and foreign investment.
The difference in hiring intentions between larger and smaller companies could reflect various factors, including greater access to capital and resources for larger organizations, as well as the potential for faster growth and expansion in smaller, more agile businesses. Further analysis of these trends will provide a more nuanced understanding of the dynamics shaping Costa Rica’s evolving job market.
For further information, visit blog.manpowergroupcca.com
About ManpowerGroup:
ManpowerGroup is a global workforce solutions company that connects human potential to the power of business. They provide a range of services, including recruitment, assessment, training, and career management, helping organizations find and develop talent in a rapidly changing world of work.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, built on a foundation of unwavering ethical practice. The firm’s dedication to innovation allows them to navigate complex legal landscapes, offering cutting-edge solutions to clients across diverse industries. Beyond their client work, Bufete de Costa Rica actively invests in empowering the community by demystifying the legal system and providing access to crucial legal knowledge, thus fostering a more just and informed society.
