Central America is quietly transforming its economy. In this article, learn how Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama are creating high-skill jobs in tech, finance, and renewable energy to complement the traditional tourism and agricultural sectors.
Tourism and agriculture have long defined Central America’s economic story. Coffee, bananas, sugar, and eco‑tourism still employ large numbers of people, but the region is steadily diversifying.
Across the region, new industries are emerging. These sectors are often less visible to tourists and expats but are becoming significant employers to local people. They are linked to technology, specialized manufacturing, finance, and renewable energy, creating roles that are more stable, skill-based, and globally connected.
Here’s a country-by-country look at where the jobs have traditionally been and the surprising sectors that are now driving growth.
Belize
Traditional Sectors
Belize’s employment base has long been concentrated in tourism, especially diving, fishing, and cruise ship services, alongside small‑scale agriculture and fisheries.
Surprising Growth Sector
In recent years, Belize has grown into a niche hub for offshore financial services and marine technology. The country’s offshore business framework, overseen by the International Financial Services Commission, attracts international firms seeking company registration, trust management, and insurance services. This has brought steady demand for skilled workers in compliance, corporate administration, and legal advisory roles.
At the same time, Belize’s marine ecosystem is drawing investment into scientific and conservation-focused technology. International bodies and research stations, including the Smithsonian’s Carrie Bow Cay Research Station, are using tools like AI-driven reef mapping, remote sensor networks, and satellite monitoring to protect biodiversity.
Jobs in Demand:
- Financial compliance officers
- Corporate services administrators
- Marine biologists
- GIS and data mapping technicians
- Environmental software developers
Costa Rica
Traditional Sectors
Costa Rica is historically known for coffee and banana exports, along with eco‑tourism, which still employs many in rural and coastal areas.
Surprising Growth Sector
Costa Rica has become a major regional hub for life sciences and medical device manufacturing. It is now the second largest exporter of medical devices in Latin America, producing surgical tools, diagnostics equipment, and precision implants for global markets.
This growth is supported by favorable trade agreements, political stability, and a strong education system. Multinationals such as Boston Scientific, Abbott, and Medtronic operate in specialized free trade zones, hiring engineers, technicians, and regulatory specialists. Biotech research and development is also expanding through collaborations between universities, private labs, and global health companies.
Jobs in Demand
- Biomedical engineers
- Clean‑room production technicians
- Quality assurance specialists
- Regulatory affairs officers
El Salvador
Traditional Sectors
Historically, El Salvador’s economy has centered on textiles, coffee production, and manufacturing, alongside income from remittances.
Surprising Growth Sector
Since adopting Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021, El Salvador has seen increased fintech and blockchain activity. New startups and established firms are building payment platforms, digital wallets, and blockchain-based remittance services.
With remittances accounting for nearly 24 percent of GDP, these digital solutions have significant growth potential. They are also creating roles in software engineering, security, compliance, and customer support. These positions are year-round and adaptable to remote work.
Jobs in Demand
- Blockchain developers
- Compliance officers in financial services
- Fraud prevention analysts
- Payment solutions support specialists
Guatemala
Traditional Sectors
Guatemala has traditionally been an exporter of coffee, sugar, bananas, and textiles, with much of its employment in agriculture and related logistics.
Surprising Growth Sector
Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and IT‑enabled services have grown quickly over the past decade. Guatemala has a large bilingual workforce and competitive wage levels, attracting contracts for customer service, technical support, and back‑office functions from North American and European firms, where tools such as call monitoring solutions help maintain service quality and performance across international clients. The country’s progress reflects a broader regional surge in IT services, a market worth more than USD 66 billion in 2023 and forecast to grow steadily in the years ahead, fueled by demand for cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, and other digital transformation services.
The BPO sector now includes specialized services such as IT help desk operations, content moderation, and data annotation for artificial intelligence applications. These roles often come with opportunities for skills development and career progression, making them attractive to younger workers entering the formal economy.
Remote work trends have also made it easier for Guatemalan professionals to work directly for foreign companies without relocating. This is creating a more flexible and diversified service export portfolio, reducing the country’s reliance on agricultural earnings.
Jobs in Demand
- Customer service representatives
- IT support specialists
- Data entry staff
- Digital content moderators
Honduras
Traditional Sectors
Honduras is recognized for banana exports and garment manufacturing, both long‑standing sources of employment.
Surprising Growth Sector
The textile industry is evolving beyond low‑cost assembly. As Latin America’s largest apparel exporter to the US under CAFTA‑DR, Honduras is investing in AI‑powered quality control, RFID‑based inventory systems, and automated material handling.
This is creating demand for technicians, logistics planners, designers, and sustainability specialists. These roles require higher technical skills and offer more competitive pay than basic manufacturing jobs.
Jobs in Demand
- Automation and machinery technicians
- Supply chain coordinators
- Apparel product designers
- Quality control engineers
Nicaragua
Traditional Sectors
Nicaragua’s workforce has been centered on coffee, beef, sugar, and other agricultural products, alongside basic manufacturing.
Surprising Growth Sector
Renewable energy now produces more than 60% of Nicaragua’s electricity, with geothermal power as a particular strength. Investments in wind and solar have been made by both private developers and multilateral banks.
These projects are generating technical jobs in engineering, operations, and maintenance, while also improving access to electricity in rural areas. This expansion has the potential to spark further business activity and create multiplier effects in local economies.
Jobs in Demand
- Energy systems engineers
- Turbine maintenance teams
- Environmental compliance officers
- Rural electrification project managers
Panama
Traditional Sectors
Panama’s economy has long been anchored by the Panama Canal, shipping, and tourism, with retail trade another source of jobs.
Surprising Growth Sector
Logistics tech and financial back‑office services are now major growth areas. Ports and shipping operators are implementing real‑time freight tracking, shipment analytics, and digital documentation.
Meanwhile, Panama City’s role as a regional financial hub now includes outsourced compliance, risk analysis, and support services for banks and fintech firms. These developments are creating high‑skill service jobs that are less tied to the seasonal patterns of trade and tourism.
Jobs in Demand
- Freight data analysts
- Maritime IT specialists
- Compliance managers in financial services
- Risk management officers
Opportunities on the Horizon
Central America is not moving away from tourism and agriculture entirely. Both still very much matter, but new sectors are bringing diversity, stability, and global integration to the job market.
From offshore finance in Belize to medical devices in Costa Rica and renewable energy in Nicaragua, these industries are helping the region adapt to changing global demands. For professionals seeking relocation to the region, keeping an eye on these lesser‑known sectors offers a more complete picture of how Central America works and where opportunities are emerging next.
