El Salvador Christmas Bonus Calculator (Aguinaldo)
The El Salvador aguinaldo is the benefit every employer pays between December 12 and 20, equal to a number of salary-days based on seniority: 15 days for 1–3 years, 19 days for 3–10 years, and 21 days for more than 10 years. This calculator estimates your bonus in dollars from your average monthly salary (reference: last 6 months), years of service, and months worked in the year — including the prorated amount if you have not completed the period.
With an average salary of $600, 2 years of seniority, and 12 months worked:
- Days you qualify for: 15 (1–3 year tier)
- Daily salary: $20.00
- Full aguinaldo: $300
- Prorated aguinaldo: $300 (full year)
With 5 years of seniority, the tier rises to 19 days → $380 at the same salary.
Formula
Aguinaldo = daily salary × days by seniority
Daily salary = average monthly salary ÷ 30 Days: 15 (1–3 years) · 19 (3–10 years) · 21 (more than 10 years) Prorated = full aguinaldo × (months worked ÷ 12)
The calculation base is the average salary of the last 6 months, including ordinary salary and, depending on payroll, regular commissions. If your salary changed during the year, the average smooths those changes.
Step-by-step example (default values)
- Average salary = $600; daily salary = 600 ÷ 30 = $20.00
- Seniority = 2 years → 15 days of aguinaldo
- Full aguinaldo = 20 × 15 = $300
- Full year (12 months) → prorated = 300 × 12/12 = $300
- With only 9 months worked: 300 × 9/12 = $225
Scenario table (same engine logic)
| Avg. salary | Seniority | Days | Full aguinaldo | Months worked | Prorated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $600 | 2 years | 15 | $300 | 12 | $300 |
| $600 | 5 years | 19 | $380 | 12 | $380 |
| $800 | 12 years | 21 | $560 | 12 | $560 |
| $600 | 2 years | 15 | $300 | 9 | $225 |
Reading the result
Seniority defines your tier, but the average salary defines the amount: when you negotiate a raise, remember that next December's aguinaldo will be computed on the average of the previous 6 months, not only the latest salary. If your salary is variable (commissions), keep your pay stubs for the last 6 months to verify the base is correct.
If you are dismissed without just cause before December, you are entitled to the prorated aguinaldo for the time worked in the year; the employer includes it in the settlement. Domestic and dependent-relationship workers also have the right to this benefit.
This tool estimates the gross amount using the general Labor Code rule. It does not include withholdings or special collective-agreement rules; the exact base (which items enter the average) can vary by payroll. Verify your case with the Ministry of Labor or your employer. Income-tax exemption rules for aguinaldo can also change; check an official source.
FAQ
It depends on seniority: 15 days (1–3 years), 19 days (3–10 years), and 21 days (10+ years). At $600 and 2 years: $300.
The average salary of the last 6 months. If your salary is variable, the payments are averaged to get a fair base.
With dismissal without just cause you are entitled to the prorated aguinaldo for the time worked: at $600 and 9 months that is $225.
Yes. All dependent-relationship workers have the right, including domestic workers; seniority applies the same way.
The base is the ordinary salary averaged over the last 6 months; regular commissions may enter depending on payroll, sporadic overtime usually does not. Check how your employer treats them.
Related calculators
- El Salvador net salary: what you receive monthly after AFP, ISSS, and ISR
- El Salvador social security: ISSS and AFP details
- El Salvador income tax: income tax on your salary
- El Salvador employment settlement: benefits if the job ends