Average salary in Puerto Rico
The small size of Puerto Rico makes it easier to define what a 'good' salary is. The island is known for its relatively low cost of living compared to mainland US, yet earnings can still vary depending on the location and type of job. Whether you already live in Puerto Rico or are considering a move, it can be helpful to understand the financial landscape of the island.
Numerous sources rank Puerto Rico as one of the more affordable places to live in the US. According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, it ranks as the 5th lowest for the cost of living among US states and territories. Accordingly, the average salaries in Puerto Rico tend to be lower than in the mainland. However, the island offers other incentives, such as a tropical climate, rich culture, and a relaxed lifestyle, that attract people from all over the world.
Average earnings by region or any other geographical metric is just one way of calculating wealth and should not be the only factor to consider when evaluating earning potential in a given place. It is also important to take into account the cost of living, the type of job, and other personal factors when making financial decisions.
Highest paying jobs in Puerto Rico
There’s another weighty factor that will influence how much you earn if you live in Puerto Rico: your job type. Average salaries for various sectors and job roles can vary massively across the state, so it’s absolutely something to consider when looking at salaries by location.
USA Wage has calculated a comprehensive list of annual salaries by job title. You can also find the top 10 highest-paying titles in Puerto Rico below.
| Occupation | Average salary |
|---|---|
| All Other Physicians | $135,810 |
| Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates | $104,310 |
| Pharmacists | $100,730 |
| General Pediatricians | $99,570 |
| Industrial Production Managers | $98,630 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $98,480 |
| Family Medicine Physicians | $95,940 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $95,200 |
| Other Education Administrators | $90,330 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $88,880 |
Frequently asked questions about salaries in Puerto Rico
What is the average salary in Puerto Rico by age?
Alongside location and occupation, salaries in Puerto Rico are also dependent on age, since more senior workers will be paid more. Then, when they retire, their income will dip again as they will rely on pensions and other forms of set income.
The Census Bureau data finds that householders under 25 have a median household income of $18,124; householders aged 24 to 44 years old have a median income of $28,509; those aged 45 to 64 years old have a median income of $31,860; and those 65 and older have a median income of $21,634.
What is a ‘good’ salary in Puerto Rico?
Defining what constitutes a 'good' salary in Puerto Rico depends on several factors such as cost of living, job market, and individual needs. The median income in Puerto Rico is $20,296, which is much lower than the median income in California. Therefore, a salary above the median income could be considered a good salary.
What is the average salary in Puerto Rico by hour?
If Americans work an average of 1,801 hours per year—at 37.5 hours a week—then the average hourly salary in Puerto Rico is $12.58.
Getting expert advice before you make significant financial decisions can really benefit you in the long term. Protect your financial future and speak to one of our financial advisors today.
Content writer
Kate has written for leading publications and blue chip companies over the last 20 years.