In Panama, about half the population is employed at minimum wage, but unlike in other countries, minimum wage is set both by your profession and by where you work. This wage has increased dramatically in recent years, with a 15-18% increase in minimum wage from last year alone.
What is odd, as we learned by employing people to help build our inn, the wage for those working in construction, even unskilled workers with no experience or schooling is higher than: Veterinarians, Pharmacists, Accountants and Lawyers. Those in the latter careers need a college degree.
If you’re a young person in Panama, construction seems the way to go.