Average take-home pay in Romania: trends in 2024 and comparison with 2023
The average net salary in Romania rose significantly in 2024, reaching RON 5,228.00 in July (around EUR 1,000.00), according to the latest data published by the National Statistics Institute (INS). This marks a considerable advance on 2023, when the average net salary was around RON 4,000 (around EUR 800.00) at the end of the year. The increase in salaries has been influenced by several economic factors.
Average net salary in 2023
In 2023, the average net salary showed a positive trend, albeit more moderate than in 2024. At the end of 2023, the average net salary was around RON 4,000.00. Compared with 2022, this represented an increase of around 12%.
Salary trends in 2024
In the first half of 2024, the average net salary in Romania continued to rise, reaching a record level of RON 5,228.00 in July. Compared with the same period in 2023, the average net salary rose by around 30%, a much faster pace than in the previous year.
Factors contributing to wage increases
- Inflation and wage adjustments: Although inflation was a significant issue in Romania in 2024, it was a key factor in determining new wage values, particularly in the context of rising food, utility and housing prices.
- Public sector pay rises: The government has introduced significant pay rises in the public sector, particularly for professions such as doctors, teachers and civil servants.
- IT, telecommunications and construction: Some sectors, such as IT, telecommunications, energy and construction, have seen significant pay rises due to the high demand for skilled labour and the competitiveness of the market. Occupations in the technology and construction sectors have seen higher increases than the national average.
- Regional disparities: Salaries vary considerably between the different regions of Romania. In large cities such as Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca and Timișoara, the average net salary can exceed RON 6,000.00, while in rural areas and small towns this salary is significantly lower.
- Teleworking and flexible working hours: teleworking and hybrid models remained an important factor in 2024, particularly in the IT sector. Many companies in the technology sector have adopted flexible working policies, which has contributed to an increased demand for professionals in this sector, directly impacting salary levels.
Challenges and prospects for 2025
- Cost of living: Wage increases have not been sufficient to fully offset the rise in the cost of living. Housing, food and utility prices remain high.
- Migration of young talent: Despite the rise in wages, Romania continues to face the phenomenon of economic migration, with many young professionals choosing to work for international companies in order to benefit from higher wages and better working conditions.
- Wage increases in key sectors: For 2025, the IT and healthcare sectors are expected to continue to benefit from wage increases, while the public sector and certain industries will see more modest adjustments.
