At the end of December 2023, Ecuadorians experienced a 0.88% increase in their expected wages compared to the previous month and a 0.68% increase compared to December 2022, as revealed by the latest Labor Market Index prepared by Multitrabajos. This adjustment puts the desired average salary at $816, which evidences an upward trend driven by a variety of economic and labor factors specific to the season, according to the study.

When it comes to the job hierarchy, the average salary for boss or supervisor roles is $1,225, reflecting a -2.38% decrease compared to November. For higher and semi-higher positions, it was set at $837, registering a slight increase of 1.99%. On the other hand, at the lower levels, the monthly salary is $529, which represents an increase of 0.31%.

Meanwhile, the commercial sector, with 45.12% of employment opportunities, is the one that accounts for the majority of notifications and applications in Ecuador. They are followed by the sector Production, supply and logistics, which represents 15.56%, and Administration and finance, with 14.63% of available ads.

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In terms of applications, a significant pattern is revealed in candidate preferences for specific areas. Commercial attracts attention with 35.27% of total applications, positioning itself as the most sought-after sector among job seekers. Next, manufacturing, warehousing and logistics receive 24.52% of applications, while administration and finance receive a solid 20.57%, showing significant interest in roles related to accounting and management.

In contrast, fewer applications were seen in areas such as human resources (2.86%), technology and systems (1.31%) and marketing (4.01%). These data suggest the dynamics of preference for certain job sectors, which could affect the supply and demand for employment in those specific fields.

For Jeff Morales, head of marketing at Multitrabajos, the study reveals a positive dynamic in the population’s desires for wages, highlighting the economic and labor factors that contributed to this growing trend at the end of last year.

However, looking ahead to 2024, Morales noted that a scenario is emerging where wage aspirations could face new challenges. “Adjustment to changing labor market conditions, economic development and the demand for specific skills could be key factors affecting the expected wages of Ecuadorians in this new year,” said the CEO.

The gender pay gap grew between 6% and 7%

Meanwhile, the gender pay gap has widened. Figures for December 2023 reveal that this factor reaches 12.13%, with an average required salary of $824 for men and $735 for women. This difference represents a significant increase compared to the 6% to 7% recorded during 2022.

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Additionally, it is pointed out that 61.56% of applications come from male candidates, in contrast to 38.44% of female responses to notifications. Delving into the analysis by level length of service, It was observed that 69.75% of men and 30.25% of women hold managerial or managerial positions; higher or semi-high positions, 60.57% correspond to men and 39.43% to women; and in junior positions, 58.89% men and 41.11% women. These data show a clear trend: as for the level length of service jobs, the participation of women decreases.