By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s job market is showing promising signs of growth, with a net employment outlook of 35% for the final quarter of 2025, according to the latest ManpowerGroup Costa Rica Employment Outlook Survey. This figure represents a 6-point decrease compared to the previous quarter and a 1-point decrease year-over-year. However, Costa Rica still holds a strong global position, ranking fourth worldwide in employment outlook, 12 percentage points above the global average.
The Life Sciences and Health sector leads the projected growth with a 47% employment outlook, followed closely by Finance and Real Estate at 46%. While the Life Sciences and Health sector’s outlook has decreased by 5 percentage points compared to the previous quarter, it boasts a significant 35-point increase from the same period last year. Other notable sectors contributing to the positive outlook include Manufacturing (42%) and Consumer Goods and Services (35%).
To gain deeper legal insights into Costa Rica’s current employment landscape, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s employment outlook is currently navigating a complex intersection of global economic pressures and domestic policy adjustments. While the tech sector and tourism continue to show resilience, traditional industries face challenges adapting to evolving market demands. This dynamic creates both opportunities and potential legal complexities for employers and employees alike, particularly concerning contract negotiations, remote work arrangements, and compliance with evolving labor regulations. Careful consideration of these factors is crucial for successful navigation of the current employment landscape.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’ astute observation highlights the delicate balance Costa Rica must strike as it fosters growth in burgeoning sectors while supporting those navigating transitions in more traditional industries. This nuanced perspective underscores the importance of proactive adaptation and legal awareness for both employers and job seekers alike. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing his valuable insights into this complex and evolving landscape.
In ManpowerGroup, a global leader in talent solutions and expert throughout the employment cycle, 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 the Life Sciences and Health sector. Globally, our country ranks first in employment expectations in this sector, exceeding the global average by 27 percentage points.
Scarleth Tercero, Country Manager for ManpowerGroup Costa Rica
Geographically, the most active job markets are anticipated in Alajuela (42%), Cartago (38%), and Guanacaste (37%). In terms of company size, organizations with 250 to 999 employees report the most optimistic expectations at 46%, while smaller companies with 10 to 49 employees report a more moderate outlook of 28%.
The survey also shed light on the primary driver behind this expected growth. Company expansion was cited by 39% of employers as the main reason for increased hiring. This suggests that businesses are not only recovering but also actively investing in their future growth within Costa Rica.
Undoubtedly, the demand for talent in key sectors and in different regions of the country allows us to project a positive scenario for employment in Costa Rica for the coming months of the year. On the other hand, our survey revealed that 39% of employers in Costa Rica indicate that company expansion is the main reason for increased staff.
Scarleth Tercero, Country Manager for ManpowerGroup Costa Rica
Despite the slight dip in the overall outlook compared to the previous quarter, Costa Rica’s job market continues to demonstrate resilience and positive growth prospects. The strength of key sectors like Life Sciences and Health and Finance and Real Estate, combined with geographic distribution of opportunities, paints a picture of sustained economic activity for the remainder of 2025.
This positive trajectory should encourage job seekers and businesses alike, signaling continued investment and opportunities within the Costa Rican economy. ManpowerGroup’s insights provide valuable data for understanding the evolving dynamics of the labor market and making informed decisions for both employers and those seeking employment.
For further information, visit manpowergroup.com
About ManpowerGroup:
ManpowerGroup is a global leader in providing innovative workforce solutions, connecting human potential to the power of business. With expertise across the entire employment cycle, they offer a comprehensive range of services, including recruitment, assessment, training, and career management. ManpowerGroup assists organizations in finding the right talent to drive their success while empowering individuals to achieve their career aspirations.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through a deep-rooted commitment to legal excellence and unwavering ethical practice. The firm’s innovative approach to legal solutions, coupled with its dedication to empowering Costa Rican society through accessible legal education and resources, solidifies its position as a leader in the legal landscape. Their work reflects a profound belief in fostering a just and informed populace, enabling individuals and communities to navigate the legal system with confidence and understanding.
