El Salvador hosts a variety of call center companies that employ thousands of local people, offering opportunities particularly for English-speaking individuals. These centers primarily serve international clients, providing a range of roles that demand varying levels of English proficiency.
This article offers insights into the call center environment in El Salvador, shedding light on job types, salary expectations, and working conditions.
The information here is intended to guide those investigating whether working in El Salvador’s call centers could be a feasible option, bearing in mind that this piece does not assure employment possibilities due to the complexities of immigration and work authorization processes.
For English-speaking expatriates exploring options abroad, it’s important to understand that while salaries in El Salvador’s call centers are generally higher than many local wages, they are considerably lower when compared to those in countries like the USA, UK, Germany, etc.
This exploration will help set realistic expectations for anyone considering a move or looking to understand more about the professional landscape in this Central American country. This introduction aims to offer a straightforward overview of what you might expect if you are looking into call center jobs in El Salvador.
Call Center Jobs Overview
El Salvador offers a variety of call center jobs primarily catering to English-speaking clients worldwide. These centers employ thousands of locals and are increasingly interesting for expatriates exploring job opportunities. Positions range from customer service and technical support to sales and back-office roles, most requiring a strong command of English.
The majority of these jobs involve handling calls and communications for businesses based in English-speaking countries, thus providing a unique bridge between Salvadoran workers and global markets.
The primary language of operation in these centers is English, which allows natives who are proficient in the language an opportunity to engage in roles that might require more specialized language skills.
Companies like Concentrix, Telus, and Teleperformance are some of the prominent call centers located especially in the Metropolitan Area of San Salvador, including surrounding “distritos” like Antiguo Cuscatlán and Santa Tecla.
The following video discusses the call center industry in El Salvador. The video is in Spanish, but English subtitles are available.
List Call Centers in El Salvador
- Telus
- Teleperformance El Salvador
- Manpower Group
- The Office Gurus
- Concentrix
- Transactel
- Helio Centric
- PerformaTEL (also offers Spanish services)
- Stream Global Services El Salvador
- Skycom El Salvador
- Ubiquity El Salvador
- Atento El Salvador
- Indigo El Salvador
- Digitex El Salvador (ComdataGroup El Salvador)
- Fusión Telecommunications El Salvador
- Outsourcing Services International S.A. de C.V.
- Contacto Tu Call Center
- OneLink BPO El Salvador
- Dynamic Answering Services S.A. de C.V.
- Benson Communications S.A. de C.V.
- Compania Salvadorena de Teleservices S.A. De C.V
- Nebo BPO
- Cognizant El Salvador
- Intermark El Salvador S.A. de C.V.
- Blackhawk Network El Salvador
- Professional Telesales S.A. de C.V.
- Jct Inte Data Prosystem S.A. de C.V.
- Ria de Centroamérica, S.A. de C.V.
- Exacto Communications, S.A. de C.V.
- My Team S.A. De C.V.
- Americatel Call Center S.a. De C.V.
- Business Communications Center El Salvador
- Focus Services
- Centercom Global BPO
- Glass Mountain BPO
- New People El Salvador
- Telecel Contact Center
- Webhelp El Salvador
- Sykes El Salvador (now SITEL)
Working Conditions
Working in a call center in El Salvador presents a unique set of challenges and conditions that are important for potential employees to understand. Typically, call center jobs involve long hours spent in front of computer screens, handling a high volume of calls each day.
This can lead to a fast-paced, often stressful environment, especially when dealing with dissatisfied customers or meeting stringent performance targets.
The atmosphere in most Salvadoran call centers is structured to support continuous communication with clients, necessitating shifts that cover 24/7 operations.
This means employees may be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays, which can impact personal life and overall work-life balance. Additionally, the predominantly seated nature of the job can have implications for physical health, making regular breaks and proper workstation ergonomics crucial for employee well-being.
Despite these challenges, call centers in El Salvador strive to create supportive environments for their staff. Many centers provide training and development opportunities to help employees enhance their skills and advance in their careers.
Moreover, measures are often in place to support mental health, including access to counseling services and stress management programs, acknowledging the demanding nature of call center work.
Salary and Benefits
How much is the salary in a call center in El Salvador? Salaries in call centers in El Salvador are relatively competitive compared to the national average but remain quite low when compared to earnings in wealthier, developed countries such as the USA, UK, or Germany.
Typically, employees can expect to earn between $500 and $800 per month, depending on the company and specific role. In addition to the base salary, many call centers offer performance bonuses, health insurance, and other benefits like subsidized transportation or meals.
For someone from a developed country, the primary attraction to work in a Salvadoran call center may not be financial. If the main goal is to experience life in a new culture or country, working in a call center could provide a stable entry point into the job market. However, it is advisable to visit El Salvador first to understand the living conditions and culture better.
Interested individuals can refer to the list we provided earlier and reach out directly through the official social media pages (particularly Facebook) and websites of these companies to inquire about any concerns or request further information regarding job opportunities.
Legal Considerations for Foreign Workers
Foreign nationals considering employment in El Salvador’s call centers should thoroughly understand the legal requirements for working in the country. First and foremost, securing a work visa is mandatory.
The process involves obtaining a job offer from a Salvadoran company and then applying for a work permit through the Salvadoran Ministry of Labor (Ministerio de Trabajo de El Salvador). The company employing the foreign worker often assists with this process.
It’s also important to note that work permits are typically tied to the employer, meaning that if you wish to change jobs, a new permit will be required.
Compliance with local labor laws and regulations, such as those regarding working hours, national holidays, and minimum wage, is also mandatory.
As these laws can change, staying informed and consulting with legal professionals or the local labor office is advisable to ensure full compliance and understanding of your rights as a foreign worker in El Salvador.