EU salaries surge by 5.2% in 2024: Where did they climb the most?

In 2024, the average annual full-time adjusted salary across the Eurostat-measured EU rose to €39,800, marking a robust increase of 5.2 % from the €37,800 recorded in 2023. This is according to Eurostat.

This upward movement reflects general wage growth across many member states, however, the data also highlights wide differences between countries.

The highest average annual salaries were recorded in Luxembourg with €82,969, followed by Denmark with €71,565 and Ireland with €61,051.

At the bottom of the ranking is Bulgaria with €15,387 per year, Greece with €17,954 and Hungary with €18,461.

Germany and France both sit above the European average, with annual earnings of €53,791 and €43,790, respectively.

Spain and Italy rank 12th and 13th, recording almost identical average annual salaries of €33,700 and €33,523. Cyprus follows in 16th place with €27,611, while Portugal ranks 18th with €24,818 per year. Poland has climbed one position compared with 2023, reaching 22nd place with an average of €21,246.

Methodology

The annual index of adjusted full-time wages is compiled using a combination of national accounts and Labour Force Survey (LFS) data. Figures are adjusted to reflect part-time earnings on a full-time equivalent basis.

Average annual wage data are reported by each country under the European System of Accounts 2010 Transmission Programme (ESA 2010 TP).