By ESENDOM
July 21, 2025
41.9% of public employees in the Dominican Republic earn below the cost of basic necessities
Key Points:
149,135 public employees earn between RD$10,000 and RD$19,000 monthly.
2,586 workers survive on salaries below RD$10,000 per month, equivalent to approximately US$170 at current exchange rates.
Only 1.9% of public employees earn more than RD$100,000 monthly.
39.4% receive between RD$50,000 and RD$90,000, while 10.5% earn between RD$30,000 and RD$39,000.
Santo Domingo – A study recently released by the Ministry of Public Administration (MAP) revealed a situation that should raise eyebrows within Dominican society: 41.9% of state employees in the country receive salaries below RD$30,000 per month, an amount significantly lower than the value of the basic necessities, which according to Central Bank projections reached RD$46,864.65 in June 2025.
This salary disparity reveals a deficit of RD$16,864.65 between the income of these state workers and the minimum cost necessary to cover basic family subsistence needs, creating an economic gap that compromises the quality of life for thousands of public employees and their dependents.
The MAP findings highlight a structural problem in government administration, where a considerable portion of the public sector workforce faces difficulties meeting their fundamental economic requirements, raising questions about the sustainability of the current salary system and its impact on public service efficiency.
Despite more than 58% of state officials receiving compensation above RD$30,000, the truly concerning figure is the considerable number of workers whose income is insufficient to cover essential aspects such as food, basic public services, transportation, and their children's education.
Is it possible to survive on RD$10,000 monthly?
In a nation where public transportation costs remain high, where renting a home can range between RD$5,000 and RD$8,000, and where prices of basic products like rice, chicken, and medications experience constant increases, the question arises: how does a family manage to survive with a monthly income of RD$12,000 or RD$18,000?
This situation becomes particularly critical when considering that numerous employees within this salary range serve as heads of household, single mothers, or constitute the sole source of income in their respective homes.
Necessary Questions that Need to be Asked:
Do these salaries reflect true labor dignity?
How does this reality affect the performance and motivation of public employees?
Can an impoverished public servant guarantee quality public services?
What type of salary reform does the State need to balance the scales?
