Ecuador is a small country, about the size of Colorado, but it has a bit of everything: beaches, mountains, volcanos, metropolitan cities, the Amazon rainforest, and, of course, the extraordinarily diverse Galápagos Islands
Furthermore, 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 of the world. The country is said to be highly dependent on its commodities which include; petroleum and agricultural products for its economy.
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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.
10 exciting careers to pursue 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 the list of 10 career fields that you can use to get a good job in Ecuador.
1. Surgeons/Doctors
This set of professionals are at the highest rank of most paid degrees in Ecuador. Doctors have a very high-risk jobs and their studies require so much time and money and getting a well-paid job is the reward that is needed.
2. Law
This is another degree that pays so much because of the responsibilities attached to the job. A lawyer can work in a private or government-owned establishment and any other place where the law needs to be upheld. If you want to work as a lawyer or judge in Ecuador, you need to obtain a license of practice.
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3. Accounting
Accounting is a good degree that is also in high demand in Ecuador. This career field is in charge of finance in any organization or company where funds need to be spent. Due to the high responsibility of this degree, it allows for the workers to be well paid.
4. Teaching
Tutoring jobs are also in demand in Ecuador, college professors and English language teachers are well sought after. If you are a professional in the teaching field and have what it takes to tutor, you can work in Ecuador and earn big rewards for doing what you want.
5. Pilot
This career entails so much rigorous training and has a high level of responsibility in handling the safety of people’s lives when on board. In Ecuador, there is a demand for pilots and they are surely well paid for their services.
6. Marketing
Marketers are needed in any business endeavour which needs to make a profit. Marketing managers are well-schooled on how to make use of their talents and skills to carry out their services.
7. Computer science
These professionals are quite important everywhere in the world due to the improvement in science in technology. Computer scientists are in charge of programming and keeping data and translating them in plain language for people to understand. A computer scientist can work in any field.
8. Engineering
It is one degree that cannot go into extinction and its value not overpriced. Engineering degrees are well sought after in Ecuador and its varying fields and career are well accepted. As an engineer in this country, you stand a very big chance of getting huge salaries and rewards for your job.
9. Nursing
This degree has become quite important in these recent days with the coming of the covid-19 disease. Many healthcare workers in which nurses are a part are well compensated for their contribution in helping to curb the spread of the disease and also caring for those already infected. A nursing degree is very much appreciated right now in Ecuador.
10. Business management
Every business needs a good hand to help manage its resources. Businesses are set up to make a profit and so employing a business management degree holder would help to boost your business by making use of the right tools.
While you want an exciting career, you would also want a job that pays a good some of money – here are the highest paying careers in Ecuador
Things to know about careers in Ecuador
Your first step to legal employment in Ecuador is contacting the Ecuadorian mission in your country and applying for a work permit. You can also find more information on visas in our article on Relocating to the Tropical Paradise Ecuador
Visa requirements include:
- a passport, valid for at least 6 months after departure
- an Aplicación de Visa and Certificado de Visación to be completed at the embassy
- two recent passport-sized photographs (in color)
- a written request from your company to the Ecuadorian Foreign Service Officer in the place of residence
- a CV
The fee for the work visa is 230 USD. For a full list of requirements, see the homepage of the Ecuadorian embassy in your country. The mission in the Netherlands, for example, has a very helpful overview page.
Taxes
If you are an expat in Ecuador but spend more than half of any given calendar year outside the country, you will be taxed at a flat rate of 22% of your income generated within Ecuador (2017). Those who live in Ecuador for more than 183 days a year are taxed based on income.
Income is divided into different brackets with a base level of taxation. Anything you earn that’s over the lower threshold of the bracket is then taxed at a fixed percentage. For example, if your income is 50,000 USD, your tax category ranges from 39,830 USD to 59,730 USD. The basic tax rate for this level is 3,861 USD; the tax rate on the sum exceeding the lower limit is 20%, so the total tax due is 5,895 USD.
Social Security
Social security payments in Ecuador are split between employers and employees, with the government partly subsidizing programs. National social security services are fairly comprehensive, offering programs for old age, disability, sickness, maternity, and unemployment. All things considered, you can expect around 9% of your earnings to go towards the social security fund.
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Local Customs and Etiquette
Ecuadorians often focus on people and relationships rather than strictly adhering to schedules. While arriving late to work probably won’t be tolerated, you can expect meetings, both at work and in your leisure time, to take a flexible approach to start times.
Indications of status, such as academic titles, are valued. If you meet or work with someone who has such a distinction, you should address them by it, for example, doctor. In contrast to many English-speaking countries, people usually do not start using first names to address each other all that quickly.
The expression of emotions, both positive and negative, is very normal in Ecuador. Ecuadorians are, in general, warm and welcoming, and physical proximity is not unusual. For example, to greet one another, men may pat each other on the shoulder and women tend to kiss once on the right cheek. However, don’t worry about this too much — take the lead from local residents and remember that it’s just one of the cultural differences that makes expat life interesting!
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Other things to know about working in Ecuador include:
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 fast you need to adjust your dress style to the country’s own also, you can 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 comes with a smile always.
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, hats and avoid too much exposure to the sun to avoid sunburn.
Accommodation
Housing is very important since you would need to live somewhere when you get to Ecuador. It is always advised to sort your accommodation issues before you move to the country to avoid going in on dates when there is a festival going on and you have to stay in overpriced accommodation.
Cost of living
The general cost of housing, food, and transportation is quite low in Ecuador. Food is very cheap in the country whether, you are eating out or at home, you can get very affordable groceries to buy. Transportation in Ecuador is also pocket-friendly and you can make use of the buses and taxis all at affordable rates in comparison to buying your own car.
The Ecuadorian lifestyle is very affordable depending if you don’t have a high taste for things. There are many places to visit and hang out during the weekends. Places such as; museums, Latin music shows, and other outdoor activities to enjoy. Moving to Ecuador is so much fun when planned right.
Ecuador is a great country to pursue a career in because there are lots of opportunities for all graduates. Feel free to use the information we have shared in this post to make the right choice.
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