Europe has one of the largest and most varied economies in the world, with significant differences in average salaries across countries. According to Eurostat, the average annual full-time adjusted salary per employee in Europe differs widely across countries. It ranged from the lowest €13,503 in Bulgaria to the highest €81,064 in Luxembourg. While nine member states reported average salaries above the EU average of €37,863, 17 countries fell below this benchmark.
Average Full-time Adjusted Salary Per Employee
The following table shows the average full-time adjusted salary per employee in Europe in 2023, according to the latest data available from Eurostat.
Data Source: The salary data referenced in this analysis is sourced from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.
| Country | average annual full-time adjusted salary per employee (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Luxembourg | 81,064 |
| Denmark | 67,604 |
| Ireland | 58,679 |
| Belgium | 57,989 |
| Austria | 54,508 |
| Germany | 50,998 |
| Finland | 48,391 |
| Sweden | 44,619 |
| France | 42,662 |
| EU Average | 37,863 |
| Slovenia | 33,081 |
| Italy | 32,749 |
| Spain | 32,587 |
| Malta | 29,989 |
| Lithuania | 27,178 |
| Cyprus | 26,430 |
| Estonia | 24,899 |
| Czechia | 23,454 |
| Portugal | 22,933 |
| Latvia | 22,293 |
| Croatia | 21,523 |
| Slovakia | 19,001 |
| Poland | 18,054 |
| Romania | 17,739 |
| Greece | 17,013 |
| Hungary | 16,895 |
| Bulgaria | 13,503 |
Source: Eurostat
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European Countries That Offer The Highest Salaries
Luxembourg is widely recognized as one of the wealthiest countries in Europe and the world. According to Eurostat, it boasts the highest average salary in Europe at €81,064. Luxembourg also has the highest GDP per capita in the world, reaching $141,080 in 2025. Banking, finance, and high-tech industries play a key role in Luxembourg’s robust economy. Moreover, its strategic location in Europe, political stability, and favorable tax policies contribute to its economic success. However, the high salaries in Luxembourg come with a high cost of living, as housing, food, and services are among the most expensive in Europe.
Denmark offers the second highest average annual full-time adjusted salary per employee in Europe at €67,604. With a GDP per capita of approximately $71,970, the country also ranks among the top 10 wealthiest countries globally.
Ireland comes in third with a €58,679 average annual, full-time, adjusted salary per employee in Europe. The country also has the third highest GDP per capita of $107,240 after Luxembourg and Switzerland. Over the years, Ireland has transformed into a tech and finance hub with a significant presence of global tech giants like Google and Facebook. Unlike other European countries, the cost of living in Ireland is high, especially in Dublin.
Belgium, Austria, and Germany are the other high average salary-paying countries in Europe.
European Countries That Offer the Lowest Salaries
Bulgaria ranks at the bottom in Europe for average salaries, with the average annual full-time adjusted salary per employee at €13,503. The country also ranks lowest in Europe in terms of GDP per capita. Historically, Bulgaria was under Ottoman rule for centuries, which delayed its industrialization. During the communist era, Bulgaria’s economy was heavily centralized and dependent on the Soviet Union. This system left the country with outdated industries. After transitioning to a market economy in the 1990s, Bulgaria faced issues like unemployment, corruption, and slow reforms, which hindered its growth.
Despite significant economic progress in recent years, Bulgaria remains considerably behind more developed European states in terms of economic development.
Unlike Bulgaria, Hungary has one of the lower average salaries in Europe, at €16,895. The country ranks as a lower-middle country globally and is considered less developed in Europe compared to many other nations. Hungary faces challenges such as lower levels of industrialization and a dependence on foreign investments; therefore, it still lags behind many wealthier European nations.
Similarly, Greece, Romania, Poland, and Slovakia are among the bottom European countries, with all having annual salaries below €20,000. Factors such as slower economic growth, high unemployment, debt, and limited industrial development contribute to their lower income levels.
Italy and Spain fall below the EU average in salaries despite their large economies. While France and Sweden rank above the EU average salary, reflecting their strong economies.
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