TURKEY: EMPLOYMENT, SALARIES, COST OF LIVING, AND RELOCATION IN 2026
Turkey is one of the largest economies in the Middle East and serves as a bridge between Europe and Asia. The country attracts expatriates with its strategic location, relatively affordable cost of living, developed infrastructure and diverse employment opportunities.
Turkey's economy is driven by manufacturing, tourism, construction, logistics, agriculture, finance, information technology and international trade. Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Bursa and Antalya are the country's main employment centres.
This guide provides information about salaries, taxes, employment opportunities, living costs, major cities, immigration pathways and useful resources for people considering moving to Turkey.
| TURKEY AT GLANCE (2026) | |
| Population | 86.1 million |
| Average life expectancy | 78 years |
| Unemployment rate | 8.2% |
| Inflation | 32% |
| Area | 783,562 km² |
| Form of government | Presidential republic |
| Income tax | 15–40% |
| Capital | Ankara |
| Currency | Turkish lira |
| Official Language | Turkish |
| Doing Business rank | 33 |
| Average salary | 53,395 Turkish liras per month |
| Minimum wage | 33,030 Turkish liras per month |
Jobs, Salaries, and Business in Turkey
Turkey has a large and diversified labour market supported by manufacturing, tourism, construction, logistics, finance, agriculture and information technology. Employment opportunities are concentrated in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Bursa and Antalya.
Advantages of Working in Turkey
- Large and diversified economy
- Growing technology sector
- Strategic location between Europe and Asia
- Relatively affordable living costs
- Strong tourism and service industries
- Modern transport infrastructure
- Expanding opportunities for foreign professionals
Information about working in Turkey
- Work in Turkey
- Shortage Occupations in Turkey
- Business in Turkey
- Work visa to Turkey
- Work in Istanbul
Salary in Turkey
Popular Jobs in Turkey
- Software Developers
- Civil Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Healthcare Professionals
- Construction Workers
- Tourism and Hospitality Staff
- Logistics Specialists
- Teachers
- Sales Managers
- Skilled Trades Workers
Turkey Compared with Other Countries
Useful Salary Tools
Living in Turkey
- Work in Turkey
- Shortage Occupations in Turkey
- Business in Turkey
- Work visa to Turkey
- Work in Istanbul
Salary in Turkey
Popular Jobs in Turkey
- Software Developers
- Civil Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Healthcare Professionals
- Construction Workers
- Tourism and Hospitality Staff
- Logistics Specialists
- Teachers
- Sales Managers
- Skilled Trades Workers
Turkey Compared with Other Countries
Useful Salary Tools
Living in Turkey
Turkey offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared with many European countries. Istanbul is the country's most expensive city, while Ankara, Izmir, Bursa, Antalya and Mersin provide lower housing costs and a comfortable quality of life.
Pros and Cons of Living in Turkey
Advantages
- Affordable cost of living
- Warm Mediterranean climate
- Strategic location between Europe and Asia
- Modern healthcare system
- Rich history and cultural heritage
- Large property market
- Growing economy
Disadvantages
- High inflation
- Currency volatility
- Traffic congestion in major cities
- Turkish language is required for many jobs
- Regional income disparities
- Hot summers in many areas
- Lower average salaries than Western Europe
Information about living in Turkey
Useful Cost of Living Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary in Turkey?
The average salary in Turkey is approximately 54,000 Turkish lira per month before taxes, although earnings vary significantly by occupation, city and experience.
Is Turkey expensive to live in?
Turkey remains more affordable than most Western European countries, although inflation has increased living costs in recent years. Istanbul is considerably more expensive than most other Turkish cities.
Are taxes high in Turkey?
Turkey applies progressive personal income tax rates ranging from 15% to 40%, depending on annual taxable income.
Can foreigners find jobs in Turkey?
Yes. Foreign professionals can find employment opportunities in tourism, education, engineering, manufacturing, IT, healthcare and international business, particularly in major cities.
Which cities offer the best employment opportunities?
Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Bursa, Antalya, Mersin and Gaziantep offer some of Turkey's strongest labour markets, particularly in manufacturing, technology, finance, healthcare, logistics and tourism.
How much money can a person save in Turkey?
Savings depend on salary, housing costs and lifestyle. Professionals working for international companies or earning foreign-currency income generally have greater opportunities to save than those earning the local average wage.
Is Turkey better than Greece or Portugal for work?
Turkey offers a larger labour market and generally lower living costs, while Greece and Portugal provide the advantages of European Union membership. The best destination depends on your profession, income expectations and long-term relocation plans.
Explore Other Countries
Considering Turkey? Compare salaries, jobs, living costs and relocation opportunities with popular destinations across Europe and beyond.
Sources
What is the average salary in Turkey?
Is Turkey expensive to live in?
Are taxes high in Turkey?
Can foreigners find jobs in Turkey?
Which cities offer the best employment opportunities?
How much money can a person save in Turkey?
Is Turkey better than Greece or Portugal for work?
Explore Other Countries
Considering Turkey? Compare salaries, jobs, living costs and relocation opportunities with popular destinations across Europe and beyond.
The information presented on this page is compiled from publicly available government publications, labor market reports and international statistical organizations.
- Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat)
- Ministry of Labour and Social Security of Turkey
- Ministry of Treasury and Finance of Turkey
- Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey
- Investment Office of the Presidency of Turkey
- Government of Turkey
- OECD
- World Bank
- International Monetary Fund (IMF)
- International Labour Organization (ILO)
About the Author
WageCentre is an independent project focused on immigration, employment, wages, taxes, the cost of living, and international comparisons.
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Learn how salary, tax, cost of living and savings estimates are calculated: Methodology
