How Have Salaries in Europe Changed Over the Last 10 Years?

One of the most frequently asked questions by professionals planning to work abroad is: "What is the average monthly salary in Europe, and how does it change from year to year?". The international labor market is in constant motion, and due to inflation, economic growth, and a strong need for skilled personnel, salaries in the European Union (EU) have increased significantly over the last 10 years.

The private employment agency Getwork presents an analysis of historical salary growth and current real incomes in this article, based on data from the European Statistical Office (Eurostat).

Overall growth dynamics of average salaries

According to official Eurostat data, the average annual salary of full-time employees in the European Union has been growing steadily. While this figure was much lower a decade ago, by the end of 2023, the average annual salary in the EU reached €37,900, and in 2024, it approached €39,800.

This means that the average monthly salary in Europe before taxes (Gross) is around €3,100 – €3,300 per month. The main reason for the continuous increase in salaries in the European region is labor shortages and policies aimed at strengthening the social protection of workers.

Which countries have the fastest-growing salaries?

It is noteworthy that in recent years, the highest salary growth rates have been observed not in Western Europe, but precisely in Eastern European countries. According to Eurostat analysis, in the period from 2005 to 2024:

• Bulgaria became the absolute leader in Europe in terms of salary growth, with wage levels increasing by almost +474%.
• Romania ranks second, with a salary growth of +399%.

It is because of this economic growth that Bulgaria, Romania, and the Baltic countries have today become the most attractive and profitable regions for labor migrants. For example, today in a printing house in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, ordinary machine operators and mechanics earn a net (take-home) salary of €1,020 to €1,354.

Highest-paying countries in 2024

Today, the polarization of salaries across countries remains in Europe:

• Highest-paying countries: Luxembourg (over €82,000 annually), Denmark, Ireland, and Germany. For instance, nurses invited to work in Germany have the opportunity to earn a stable salary of €3,000 per month.
• Stable middle tier: In rapidly developing countries like Croatia, Slovenia, and Latvia, salaries have also reached high levels. For example, carpenters in the construction sector in Slovenia earn between €1,200 and €1,350 per month, while international CE category truck drivers in Croatia earn up to €1,800 – €3,000 per month.

Additional economic benefits for foreign workers

As salaries rise in Europe, employers are also covering the daily living expenses of skilled foreign workers to attract them. In addition to the statistical salary, the following benefits are widespread, allowing workers to save their own money:

• Free accommodation and meals: In many vacancies across European countries (for example, in Slovenia or Croatia), free hostel accommodation is provided by the employer.
• Additional vouchers: Stone masons, facade installers, and insulation workers working in Croatia receive special food vouchers worth €70-100 every month in addition to their salary.
• Flight tickets and insurance: For specialists working in the printing industry in Bulgaria and TIR drivers working on Sweden/Denmark routes, the cost of the flight ticket to get to work and medical insurance are fully covered by the employer.

Statistical numbers confirm that working in Europe is economically more profitable than ever. The continuous growth of salaries over the last 10 years, combined with the additional social packages provided by employers, allows specialists from Uzbekistan to build a stable future in Europe.

Do you want to find your place in Europe's growing economy and earn a high income? Then contact Getwork to find legal and guaranteed vacancies in your field!