Ecuador is a developing country located in northwestern South America, with its capital known as Quito. Ecuador has a relatively developing economy, and the unemployment rate is not too high as compared to other developing countries in the world. The country is said to be highly dependent on its commodities, which include petroleum and agricultural products, for its economy.
Working in Ecuador is not always a big feat since the economy of the country is still gradually growing, but notwithstanding, the country has tried to decrease its unemployment rate to a very minimal level by making available more jobs for its citizens and also foreigners.
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The weather in Ecuador is very hot, and there are also some things you need to know before you consider moving to the country for work. The purpose of this article is to bring to light some of the necessary information that you would require to start your journey in your desired host country.
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The highest-paying careers in Ecuador
Ecuador has a growing economy, and jobs are not always readily available for foreigners. Although there are certain degrees that are in high demand in the country and can also be very rewarding, Below is a list of 10 career fields that you can use to get a good job in Ecuador.
1. Surgeons or doctors
Salary Range: from 2,330 USD to 8,050 USD
Surgeons top the list of the highest-paying careers due to the critical nature of their job. A surgeon’s profession involves high risk and requires extensive knowledge and a long learning path—the necessary ingredients for a high-paying career.
2. Judges
Salary Range: from 1,960 USD to 6,760 USD
Judges earn quite high salaries because of the huge responsibilities associated with their job. Deciding people’s fates is not an easy task, and the high wage is perfectly justified.
3. Lawyers
Salary Range: from 1,580 USD to 5,480 USD
The main reason that lawyers earn high wages is because of their high perceived value in the eyes of their clients. A successful lawyer can save you tons of money or possibly spare you a death sentence.
4. Bank Managers
Salary Range: from 1,490 USD to 5,150 USD
Being in charge of hundreds of millions of dollars in funds and investments with all the associated risks that come along makes managing a bank an extremely critical task worthy of a large salary.
5. Chief Executive Officers
Salary Range: from 1,400 USD to 4,830 USD
CEOs are primarily responsible for the success or failure of complete organizations. Their huge remuneration is due to the vast scope of the impact as well as the risks involved.
6. Chief Financial Officers
Salary Range: from 1,300 USD to 4,510 USD
Any job that is about managing money automatically qualifies for high pay. CFOs manage budgets, spending, costs, and revenue, which directly impact the operations of the organization.
7. Orthodontists
Salary Range: from 1,260 USD to 4,350 USD
Orthodontists operate in an industry where people are willing to pay high costs for a service, which directly makes them among the best-paying jobs.
8. College Professors
Salary Range: from 1,120 USD to 3,870 USD
College professors are among the top-earning and most prestigious careers. Becoming a professor is not easy and requires persistence, which is partly why they earn so much.
9. Pilots
Salary Range: from 930 USD to 3,220 USD
Probably the only career on the list that involves some kind of excitement, pilots undergo rigorous training programs and are responsible for the safety of thousands of people every day.
10. Marketing Directors
Salary Range: from 840 USD to 2,900 USD
Marketing directors are in charge of increasing the revenue of their organizations. They are directly responsible for generating business, and they are well paid for that reason.
Things You Need to Know Before You Move to Ecuador
In moving to a new country, it is of utmost importance to learn a few things about the host country and try to make plans for living there. Ecuador, just like every other country in the world, has some peculiar things known to it alone, and below are some of the important things to know about Ecuador.
Dressing pattern:
It is worthy of note that Ecuadorians do not wear shorts at all, and you are likely to stand out as a foreigner when you wear them. So, if you are the type that wants to blend into the environment very quickly, you need to adjust your dress style to the country’s own. You can also go with a hat or two, as the sun is quite intense in the summer.
Language:
The official language of Ecuador is Spanish, and that is what is used throughout the country as a general means of communication. It is also used to teach their students and at the workplace too. You can pick a Spanish language class to brush yourself up on the language before moving into the country.
Ecuadorians are friendly.
The locals are quite friendly and courteous. The people in Ecuador are well mannered and also polite; greeting people is very common among them, and it always comes with a smile.
Ecuador is very hot.
The amount of sunlight in the country cannot be overlooked, as they experience 12 hours of daylight and the sun hits very hard on the country. As a visitor, you should go with a lot of sunscreen and hats and avoid too much exposure to the sun to avoid sunburn.
Proof of funds:
Before entering Ecuador, a foreigner is expected to show proof of financial status and a return ticket if they are not residents. Many people are turned back by immigration, but sometimes you could be lucky to go free without immigration asking for your return ticket, but proof of your financial status is mandatory.
Types of Working Visas You Can Get in Ecuador:
Ecuador offers different types of visas for foreigners who want to move to the country. Also, depending on the type of job you would be doing in Ecuador, the visa and its requirements would differ too.
Ecuadorian visas are divided into two categories: resident and non-resident visas. The non-resident visa would need to obtain a work visa, and it is issued for a limited duration, while the resident visa is for an unlimited duration.
The resident visa comprises a professional visa and a technician visa. The professional visa allows workers with degrees from a higher institution of learning to work in Ecuador, and the technician visa is usually issued to technical experts.
An overview of work in Ecuador
At first glance, for most foreigners, salaries appear rather low in Ecuador. Don’t let this low wage shock deter you. ‘Keep in mind that the cost of living is similarly low and that a family can live adequately on a few hundred dollars a month. The minimum wage per month is set at $386 in 2018, which is what an unskilled, uneducated laborer will earn working full time. In addition, employers are required to pay 17.8% of a worker’s salary into the Ecuadorian social security scheme, known as the IESS.
This payment offers the worker full health insurance coverage (with no copays), access to low-interest loans, and also pays into a retirement fund for the worker. Contracts are initially signed for a trial period of three months, following which they can be renewed each year. Recent government laws protect the worker, requiring the employer to legally contract the employee, pay into IESS, and not be able to fire the worker without paying severance.
Even if the worker steals, neglects to show up for work, or even quits, the employer is still required to pay a severance payment. The severance amount depends on how long the employee has been working for the employer and if the employee was fired or actually quit working. As to work hours in Ecuador, the norm is 40 hours a week, with 8 hours daily.
The working day can start anywhere from 6 to 10 a.m. and finish 8 to 10 hours later, depending on the type of work and if the employer allows a short or longer lunch time. Employees in the medical field and in public and private schools tend to start and leave work earlier; retail and office workers most often start and leave later.
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Tips to Secure the Highest-Paying Jobs in Ecuador
Aim for international companies.
Logically, employment oriented towards international business is where you may want to start your search. It is in this area of commerce between the local and foreign that an expat is most likely to find work in Ecuador, and if you are bilingual in Spanish/English or Spanish/Mandarin, you may be luckier than most.
If you’re already working for an international company, begin your search by checking to see whether your company has a branch or any activities based in Ecuador. Entering the Ecuadorian work market from this angle entails a whole host of advantages for expatriates, provided they can negotiate their contracts carefully. For one thing, the low cost of living in Ecuador clearly works in one’s favor when earning a salary aligned with international rates. Conversely, if your company offers you a position but the pay is based on local salaries, you may need to research living expenses in the city of choice in Ecuador and possibly renegotiate salary details. Retirement plan details with your employer are an additional consideration to take into account if you plan to work in Ecuador for a number of years.
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Teaching English
Foreign languages constitute the most prolific source of employment for expats in Ecuador. Demand is mostly for English, but more recently also for Mandarin, and the basic certification required to teach is the TEFL (Teachers of English as a Foreign Language) certificate. One can make a living earning between $400 and $1500 monthly by teaching English, either in person, at a school, or online. Brick-and-mortar language schools are mostly located in Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca, and schools specializing in business English tend to pay relatively well. With only a bachelor’s degree or TEFL certificate, aim straight for private schools and, with a master’s degree, for universities. Not only can these establishments help with the visa process, but they will also offer the best possible pay. Check out what previous teachers have to say about the various schools and locations. Many former teachers have documented their time teaching in Ecuador online, on websites, and on personal blogs. The experiences they relate, both positive and negative, can help you make an informed decision.
The tourism industry
The tourism industry also yields its fair share of job opportunities for expats. Still very much at that junction between the local and foreign, these jobs revolve largely around language skills. A solid knowledge of Spanish as well as your own native language is a must rather than a plus. Pay is comparatively lower than that of the best English teaching jobs, but accommodation and food can often be included in the job package, potentially balancing out one’s budget. Hotels and bars advertise for new staff during the high season, June–August, as well as the winter holidays, with late September and October being the low season.
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