Brazil is one of the largest economies in Latin America and an attractive destination for global businesses, remote workers, and expats. But before diving in, it’s crucial to understand the average salary in Brazil—what people actually earn across different industries and regions.
Quick Snapshot: Average Monthly Salary in Brazil
- Category: Monthly BRL, Monthly USD (Approx.)
- National Average: R$3,200, ~$650 USD
- São Paulo (Higher End): R$4,500, ~$910 USD
- Recife (Lower End): R$2,500, ~$500 USD
- Minimum Wage (2025): R$1,640, ~$330 USD
Exchange rate used: 1 USD ≈ 4.9 BRL (as of mid-2025)
Sources:
- IBGE - Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics
- Numbeo - Cost of Living and Salaries in Brazil
- Salary Explorer - Salaries by Profession in Brazil
What Affects Salaries in Brazil?
- Location – Cities like São Paulo and Brasília have higher average wages.
- Profession – Tech, law, and finance pay more than hospitality or retail.
- Company Type – Multinational corporations tend to pay above national averages.
- Skillset – English fluency and digital skills can boost earning potential.
Average Monthly Salary by Profession
- Profession: Salary in BRL, Salary in USD
- Software Developer: R$6,500, ~$1,300
- Accountant: R$4,200, ~$840
- Mechanical Engineer: R$5,000, ~$1,000
- Nurse: R$3,500, ~$700
- Retail Store Worker: R$2,000, ~$400
- Teacher (Public School): R$3,000, ~$600
- Lawyer (Mid-level): R$7,000, ~$1,400
- Call Center Agent: R$2,200, ~$440
- Housekeeper: R$1,800, ~$360
Data Sources:
Salary by Region and Major Cities
Just like in many countries, location heavily influences salaries in Brazil.
São Paulo
- Brazil’s economic hub with many multinational HQs
- Avg salary: R$4,500 – R$7,000
- São Paulo labor data – IBGE
Rio de Janeiro
- Strong in tourism, media, and energy sectors
- Avg salary: R$3,500 – R$5,500
Brasília
- Focus on public sector and government contracts
- Avg salary: R$4,000 – R$6,000
Recife / Salvador
- Lower wages but lower cost of living
- Avg salary: R$2,400 – R$3,500
Brazil’s Minimum Wage in 2025
As of January 2025, the national minimum wage (salário mínimo) is:
- R$1,640/month (about $330 USD)
- Set by the federal government and reviewed annually
Official Source: Ministério da Economia
This is for full-time workers (typically 44 hours/week). However, informal labor remains significant in Brazil, and many earn less than the legal minimum without benefits.
Can the Average Salary Support a Comfortable Lifestyle?
Let’s compare an average salary to the monthly cost of living in Brazil (2025 figures from Numbeo):
- Category: Cost (BRL/month)
- Rent (1BR, mid-range): R$1,500 – R$2,500
- Groceries: R$700 – R$1,000
- Transportation: R$250 – R$400
- Utilities + Internet: R$400 – R$600
- Total (solo living): R$3,000 – R$4,500
A worker earning the national average of R$3,200 can live modestly, especially by avoiding high-rent areas. Couples or shared housing arrangements often help reduce individual burdens.
Full breakdown: Numbeo – Cost of Living in Brazil
Remote Work and Dollar-Based Salaries
A growing number of Brazilians are working remotely for companies abroad, earning in USD, EUR, or CAD—often much higher than local salaries.
Benefits of Remote Work in Brazil:
- U.S.-based job at $3,000/month = ~R$14,700/month
- Enables high standard of living even in major cities
- Tech roles (developers, designers, marketers) are in demand
Popular platforms:
FAQ
Q: What is the average salary in Brazil in 2025?
A: About R$3,200/month, or ~$650 USD, depending on location and industry.
Q: Which careers pay the most in Brazil?
A: IT professionals, engineers, lawyers, and financial analysts earn among the highest local wages.
Q: Is it possible to live on minimum wage in Brazil?
A: Technically yes, but it's very difficult without shared housing or financial support. Most minimum wage earners live in modest or rural conditions.
Q: Can foreigners work in Brazil?
A: Yes, but you’ll need a valid work visa or be hired by a Brazilian-registered employer. Many foreigners also work remotely for companies abroad while living in Brazil.
Q: Are salaries in Brazil growing?
A: Wages have been increasing gradually, especially in the private tech and finance sectors, but inflation and currency fluctuations offset some gains. See IBGE salary trends.
Conclusion
Brazil’s average salary in 2025 paints a picture of a diverse and regionally varied job market. With an average wage of around R$3
