Jobs in Pereira: Fastest Growing Sectors, Remote Work and Part-Time (2026)

If you're looking for a job in the "Pearl of Otún", I have good news for you. Pereira is going through an excellent economic moment. For the rolling quarter from February to April 2026, DANE confirmed that the city and its metropolitan area (including Dosquebradas and La Virginia) reached an unemployment rate of just 7.6%. This positions it as the second city with the lowest unemployment in all of Colombia.

Whether you're looking for something in-person, part-time to fit around university, or a 100% remote role, the Pereira job market is moving fast. Plus, if you're a foreigner living in the region, you can check out our guide on living in Pereira to better understand the cost of living before accepting an offer.

Quick answer: Where are jobs today?

• Commerce and services: It's the undisputed king, employing around 67,000 people.
• BPO (Call Centers): The best route for remote work, bilingual and part-time.
• Base salary: Remember that the minimum wage (SMMLV) in 2026 is COP 1,750,905, plus transportation allowance if applicable.

The sectors that are really driving employment in Pereira

Local administration, led by the Secretary of Economic Development with Cristian Toro, recently reported the recovery of about 30,000 jobs, bringing unemployment down from the historical 14.6% to the current 7.6%. But where is everyone hiring?

Commerce and vehicle repair lead the list. If you walk through downtown Pereira or visit shopping centers like Parque Arboleda or Victoria, you'll see a constant flow of openings for sales advisors, managers and logistics staff. Following are public administration, education and health with about 48,000 workers, and manufacturing (very strong in Dosquebradas) with about 44,000 jobs.

However, the sector of professional, scientific and technical activities (which groups about 30,000 workers) is the one driving remote work the most.

BPO and Call Centers: The big bilingual opportunity (and part-time)

If you need flexibility, call centers are the answer. Multinationals like Teleperformance, Sutherland and Nexa BPO have a huge presence in the Coffee Triangle. Just like with job offers in Medellín, these companies offer in-person, hybrid and fully remote modalities.

To enter a bilingual campaign (where salaries easily exceed 2 million pesos), the requirements are clear:

• Have intermediate or advanced English level (B2 and above).
• Be over 16 years old and have a valid citizenship or foreign ID card.
• Have completed high school.

The best part of this sector is that it's one of the few that offers real part-time hours of 20 to 30 hours per week, ideal for UTP or Libre students.

Remote work from home: What you need to get started

Getting the job is only half the challenge; the other half is having the tools. For most remote roles in customer service or technology, they'll require a decent computer (at least a Core i5 or Ryzen 5 processor, with 8GB of RAM), noise-canceling headphones and stable internet of at least 30 to 50 Mbps.

Here's a key fact: according to market data at Colombia Move (July 2026), there is active demand with at least 1 buyer on the waiting list looking for second-hand computers, which represents an excellent opportunity if you need to sell your old equipment to finance a better one. The tech accessories category also has high turnover.

Watch out for scams: How to search for jobs safely

Unfortunately, the boom in remote work has brought with it a wave of scammers. Watch out for this: serious companies like Teleperformance have issued official alerts clarifying that they never use Telegram for selection processes. All legitimate communication comes from corporate emails.

If an "agency" asks you for money for medical exams, to send you the computer equipment, or sends you a fake check so you can buy the headphones from their "authorized provider", block them immediately. It's a scam.

To search safely, go to the Comfamiliar Risaralda Employment Agency in downtown Pereira, or check verified options on recognized portals. To explore more options at no cost, check out our free job board in Colombia.

Frequently asked questions

❓ What is the current unemployment rate in Pereira in 2026?

The unemployment rate in Pereira was 7.6% in the rolling quarter February-April 2026, according to DANE. This makes the city and its metropolitan area, which includes Dosquebradas and La Virginia, the second with the lowest unemployment in Colombia.

❓ What BPO or call center companies hire in Pereira?

Multinationals like Teleperformance, Sutherland and Nexa BPO operate actively in Pereira, with in-person, hybrid and 100% remote openings. Most hire year-round for bilingual customer service, with part-time and full-time shifts available.

❓ What are the requirements to work in a bilingual call center in Pereira?

You need to be over 16 years old, have a valid citizenship or foreign ID card and completed high school. They also ask for an intermediate or advanced English level (B2 and above), according to profiles published by Teleperformance.

❓ How can I identify and avoid employment scams in Pereira?

Be suspicious of any offer that contacts you only through Telegram or asks you for money for medical exams, training or work equipment. Serious companies like Teleperformance never charge to apply, and all real communication comes from official corporate emails.

❓ What technological tools do I need to work remotely in Pereira?

For most remote roles you'll need a computer with at least a Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM. Noise-canceling headphones and a stable internet connection of at least 30 to 50 Mbps are also key.

❓ How much can you earn working part-time or remote in Pereira?

Salaries in bilingual BPO usually range from 1.8 to 2.8 million pesos per month, depending on your English level and hours worked. Part-time roles pay proportionally less, but several call centers offer performance and shift bonuses.

❓ Where can I post my resume or sell a computer to work remotely?

On Colombia Move you can publish your work profile for free and also search for or sell used computers in the technology category without paying commission. It's useful if you need to update your equipment before starting a remote role.