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Depending on the sector and the company, basic work standards are generally not that different from European standards. Buildings may be a bit older and WIFI a bit slower, but in most cases the differences are minor. Working hours are in most offices quite strict and many employees must clock in.

Working Hours

In Ecuador, most companies have a 40-hour workweek with days starting between 8:00 and 9:00 and ending between 17:00 and 18:00. Since lunch is the most important meal of the day in Ecuador, the lunch break usually takes one hour.

Part-time jobs are not very common, but do exist, especially at universities and other educational institutions.

Wages

Ecuador's minimum wage is $385 USD per month. In most cases, people earning minimum wage have jobs requiring no or little education. With a university degree, depending on the sector, salaries go up from $800 USD to $2,000 USD per month. For example, a university professor will earn between $1200 USD and $1800 USD (depending on the university) and a sales manager in tourism between $1000 USD $1400 USD.

Contract

The Ecuadorian law says that a newly contracted employee has a trial period of 3 months, after which the contract becomes indefinite.

The contract cannot be ended by the employer unless the company has proof of serious dysfunction, built up carefully in a report. If you do not understand Spanish, hire somebody to translate the contract.

Termination

The employee can end the contract through a written notice, generally at least two weeks in advance. However, the notice depends on the contract you signed, which you should check carefully.

Time Off

The minimum number of holidays is 15 working days. Some companies offer a bit more time off, but normally no more than three weeks a year. However, it is also possible to take unpaid leave once a year.

Holidays

Ecuador has 11 national holidays a year, during which public institutions and banks are closed. In many cases, the day off is changed to a Monday or a Friday to extend the weekend.

Official Holidays in Ecuador:
New Year's Day: January 1
Carnival: Usually 2 days in March  
Holy Friday
Labour Day: May 1
Battle of Pichincha: May
First Scream for Independence: August 9
Independence of Guayaquil: October 11
Day of the Deceased: November 1
Independence of Cuenca: November 4
Christmas: December 25
New Year's Eve: December 30 & 31