Costa Rica Overtime & Holiday Pay Calculator
Determine statutory overtime compensation (Horas Extras) in Costa Rica under Articles 135–152 of the Labor Code. Accurately factors shift divisors (Diurna 240h, Mixta 210h, Nocturna 180h), 1.5x ordinary overtime, 2.0x mandatory public holiday work, and 3.0x holiday overtime.
Shift & Overtime Parameters
Under Article 140 of the Labor Code, the cumulative sum of ordinary work and overtime hours cannot exceed 12 hours per calendar day. Overtime cannot be permanent or compulsory; it must be temporary and extraordinary in nature.
Comparative Matrix: Costa Rican Work Shifts (Jornadas Laborales)
| Shift Category | Time Window | Max Daily / Weekly | Monthly Divisor | Statutory Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jornada Diurna (Day Shift) | 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM | 8 hrs/day (48 hrs/wk) | 240 Hours | Art. 136 Codigo Trabajo |
| Jornada Mixta (Mixed Shift) | Spans day & night (≤3.5h night) | 7 hrs/day (42 hrs/wk) | 210 Hours | Art. 136 Codigo Trabajo |
| Jornada Nocturna (Night Shift) | 7:00 PM – 5:00 AM | 6 hrs/day (36 hrs/wk) | 180 Hours | Art. 136 Codigo Trabajo |
| Feriado de Pago Obligatorio | Gazetted holiday date | Standard shift | 2.0x Double Pay | Art. 148 Codigo Trabajo |
| Overtime on Holiday / Rest Day | Holiday overtime window | Extraordinary hours | 3.0x Triple Pay | MTSS DAJ-AER-116-12 |
Frequently Asked Questions (Costa Rica Overtime)
What is the statutory overtime pay rate in Costa Rica? ▾
Under Article 139 of the Costa Rican Labor Code (Codigo de Trabajo), ordinary overtime (horas extras) worked in excess of the ordinary daily shift must be remunerated with a mandatory 50% surcharge—meaning 1.5 times (time-and-a-half) the standard hourly wage.
How does shift type affect the hourly wage calculation divisor? ▾
Costa Rican law recognizes three ordinary shifts: Jornada Diurna (8 hrs/day, 48 hrs/wk, monthly divisor of 240 hours); Jornada Mixta (7 hrs/day, 42 hrs/wk, monthly divisor of 210 hours); and Jornada Nocturna (6 hrs/day, 36 hrs/wk, monthly divisor of 180 hours). Because the divisor is smaller, the hourly rate for night shifts is proportionally higher.
How are mandatory public holidays (Feriados de Pago Obligatorio) compensated? ▾
Under Article 148, workers paid monthly are already paid for 30 calendar days. If an employee is required to work on a mandatory public holiday (e.g. Jan 1, May 1, Sep 15, Dec 25), the employer must pay an additional full regular day of salary, resulting in double pay (2.0x).
What happens if an employee works overtime on a public holiday? ▾
Under consolidated MTSS jurisprudence, overtime hours worked on a mandatory public holiday or mandatory weekly rest day must be paid at time-and-a-half over the double rate—effectively triple time (3.0x the standard hourly base).
What is the legal maximum limit on overtime hours per day in Costa Rica? ▾
Under Article 140, total working hours (ordinary shift plus extraordinary overtime) cannot exceed 12 hours per calendar day, except in extraordinary emergency situations threatening public or personal safety.
Engr. Muhammad Shahzad
Verified Compliance AuthorLead Compliance Engineer & Latin American Labor Systems Specialist
Statutory shift and overtime formulas structured in compliance with Articles 135–152 of the Costa Rican Labor Code and Ministry of Labor (MTSS) legal rulings. Inquiries and feedback at appsforpc.net/about#author.
📊 Matriz Oficial de Deducciones de Ley CCSS y Hacienda de Costa Rica
| Statutory Component / Legal Deduction Item | Calculated Amount (CRC) |
|---|---|
| Primary Net / Statutory Payable Amount | ₡0 CRC |