Jobs in Pasto: commerce, health, education, and remote options

Quick answer: In Pasto, it's advisable to search by sector and verify each opening through the employer's official channel. As of July 15, 2026, the maximum legal workweek is 42 hours; the 2026 SMMLV remains at COP 1,750,905 while the Council of State makes a final decision on its legality.

The commerce around the city and its connection with Ipiales, healthcare institutions, and universities create distinct opportunities. I wouldn't send the same resume to all: a sales profile should highlight goals and customer service; a healthcare profile, certifications and records; and a remote profile, tools, results, and language skills.

According to active listings on Colombia Move (July 2026), the jobs section shows 0 active listings. This indicates an empty supply, not proof that no jobs exist in the city: for a local employer, it means less visible competition when posting a clear vacancy.

Commerce and services: where hiring usually happens

Retail, wholesale trade, and associated services remain active in Pasto, also influenced by binational trade through Ipiales. On the job boards consulted on July 18, 2026, opportunities for sales advisors and administrative assistants appeared; this shows active hiring, but doesn't guarantee a vacancy is still open when you read this.

For sales, highlight cash handling, inventory, customer service, and goal achievement only if you can prove it. Watch out for empty phrases like “excellent attitude”: a verifiable number, a concrete task, or a work reference carry more weight. The frustrating part is turnover and variable schedules, so confirm shifts, days off, contract type, and work location before accepting.

Health and education: apply with complete supporting documents

In healthcare, there are opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and IPS for caregiving and administrative roles. The Hospital Universitario Departamental de Nariño, local clinics, and specialized centers appear as relevant employers in the reviewed sources. Each institution sets its own requirements: check their official announcement and avoid assuming a list of documents applies to all.

In education, the Universidad de Nariño and Universidad Mariana periodically post calls for faculty or administrative positions. Check dates, hours, degrees, and experience required on their institutional portal. If you're organizing your application, this guide on how to create a CV that gets interviews in Colombia will help you remove filler information and prioritize evidence.

Labor rules that changed in July 2026

As of July 15, 2026, the maximum legal workweek in Colombia is 42 hours, without a salary reduction, according to Law 2101 of 2021 and current Ministry of Labor information. The specific distribution depends on the contract and applicable rules; an offer still advertising 44 hours as the maximum workweek warrants verification.

The 2026 monthly minimum wage is COP 1,750,905 and the transportation allowance is COP 249,095 when applicable, for a total of COP 2,000,000. The Council of State revoked the provisional suspension of the decree setting the increase on July 17, 2026; the figure remains valid while a final decision on its legality is made. Always compare the offered salary with the work hours, benefits, contract type, and duties.

Remote and part-time work from Pasto

Customer service, bilingual support, virtual assistance, marketing, and technology can be done from Pasto when the opening allows for remote work. I would first check three things: if the contract allows residency in Colombia, who provides the equipment, and how the schedule is measured. "Remote" doesn't always mean flexible or working from anywhere.

For a part-time job, request that hours, shifts, pay, and benefits be put in writing. For remote work, test your connection and prepare a quiet space, but don't buy expensive equipment on the order of a supposed recruiter. A serious company will explain the process and not use a prior transfer as a condition for an interview.

Reliable channels and scam signals

Start with the Public Employment Service, the SENA Public Employment Agency, university job boards, and the official pages of each institution. You can also check this free job board in Colombia. Cross-reference the company name, email domain, and the vacancy; a WhatsApp screenshot is not enough.

Be suspicious if you are charged for exams, training, badges, uniforms, or spots to advance. Also, do not share passwords, bank codes, or complete documents before identifying the data controller. If the offer promises extraordinary income without explaining the duties, I would skip it.

Frequently asked questions

❓ What is the legal minimum wage in Pasto for 2026?

It is COP 1,750,905 per month, plus COP 249,095 for transportation allowance when applicable. The total is COP 2,000,000. The figure remains valid after the Council of State revoked the provisional suspension on July 17, 2026, while it makes a final decision.

❓ How many hours per week should one legally work in Pasto?

The maximum legal workweek is 42 hours as of July 15, 2026. The reduction, provided for by Law 2101 of 2021, does not imply a salary cut; the specific distribution should be reviewed in the contract and according to the case.

❓ What sectors have frequent opportunities in Pasto?

Commerce, health, and education show frequent opportunities in the sources reviewed in July 2026. Administrative and service roles also appear. Availability changes daily, so it's advisable to confirm each offer directly with the employer.

❓ Where can I look for reliable job offers in Pasto?

Start with the Public Employment Service, the SENA Public Employment Agency, university job boards, and employers' official portals. Verify the email domain and that the opening exists before sending documents.

❓ How can I avoid scams when looking for a job in Pasto?

Do not pay to participate in a selection process. Be wary of charges for exams, training, uniforms, or badges, and never share bank details. Confirm the company's identity through an official channel independent of the message received.