MINIMUM AND AVERAGE SALARY IN BULGARIA

Accession to the European Union in 2007 allowed Bulgaria to accelerate economic growth, implement some infrastructure projects, reduce the shadow trade sector and intensify investment in Bulgarian businesses. Certain areas, including information technology, agriculture and tourism are now successfully developing and generating new jobs. Therefore, many foreigners are interested in employment in Bulgaria and expect a decent income.

Unfortunately, despite certain positive shifts in the economy, today the level of salaries and welfare of Bulgarian citizens is significantly lower than in developed European countries. The situation on the labour market is still unstable and many Bulgarian university graduates are forced to ‘seek happiness’ abroad. Unemployment in the country fluctuates within 5-6%, and employment is about 75%. Next, let's find out what salary in Bulgaria in 2024.

Minimum wage in Bulgaria

At the national level, the minimum monthly wage in Bulgaria is set by the Council of Ministers of Bulgaria on the basis of Article 244 of the Labour Code. The figure is reviewed annually and is calculated on the basis of a standard 8-hour working day and a 40-hour working week.

According to official Bulgarian government data, the minimum wage in Bulgaria in 2024 is 933 Bulgarian lev, equivalent to 475 euros. The hourly rate is BGN 5.58 (€2.9) and the annual income is BGN 11,196 (€5,730). Compared to 2023, the monthly amount has increased by 153 lev or 19.6%, and over the last 5 years an increase of 40% has been recorded (560 lev as of 01.01.2019).

Although the minimum wage in Bulgaria has increased markedly in recent years, in reality it is the lowest in the European Union. For example, it is €190 less than in neighbouring Romania (€665) and €225 below the minimum wage in Latvia (€700). From countries such as France and Germany, the lag is 5 times.

Average salary in Bulgaria

The situation with average wages in Bulgaria is slightly better than with minimum wages. That is, the lag from other EU members is quite noticeable. To some extent, the gap is compensated by lower prices for food and rent. Therefore, quite often foreigners seek to obtain a Bulgarian residence permit on conditions not related to official work, but on another basis, for example, when buying a property.

According to the Bulgarian National Statistical Institute, before taxes, the average salary in Bulgaria in 2024 is 2,123 lev per month or 1,085 euros. After all compulsory deductions, about 1,647 lev (840 euros) remains at the disposal of the employee. The income tax rate in Bulgaria is only 10%.

The level of remuneration in Bulgarian companies depends on qualifications, experience, profession, industry and region. For example, the average salary in Sofia is 3,037 lev (1,555 euros), in Varna 2,003 lev (1,025 euros), and in the smaller towns of Kyustendil and Vidin in the region of 1,535-1,509 lev (785-770 euros).

AVERAGE SALARY IN BULGARIA BY REGION/CITY*

Region (city)	Lev per month	Euros per month
South-West region:	2,760	1,410
Blagoevgrad	1,435	735
Kyustendil	1,535	785
Pernik	1,724	880
Sofia	1,972	1,010
Sofia (capital)	3,037	1,555
North-East region:	1,868	955
Varna	2,003	1,025
Dobrich	1,686	860
Targovishte	1,620	830
Shumen	1,704	870
South-Eastern region:	1,773	905
Burgas	1,707	875
Sliven	1,607	820
Stara Zagora	1,929	985
Yambol	1,681	830
South-Central region:	1,746	895
Kardzhali	1,655	845
Pazardjik	1,692	865
Plovdiv	1,859	950
Smolyan	1,466	750
Haskovo	1,516	775
North-Central region:	1,719	880
Veliko Tarnovo	1,712	875
Gabrovo	1,739	890
Razgrad	1,712	875
Ruse	1,787	915
Silistra	1,490	760
North-West region:	1,714	875
Vidin	1,509	770
Vratsa	1,947	995
Lovech	1,641	840
Montana	1,619	825
Pleven	1,700	870

In the public sector average incomes are 2,173 lev and in the private sector 2,207. The highest salaries in Bulgaria are recorded in the South West region at 2,760 lev (1,410 euros) and the lowest in the North West region at 1,714 lev (875 euros).

AVERAGE SALARY IN BULGARIA BY SECTOR OF ECONOMY

Sector of economy	Lev per month	Euros per month
Information and communication	5,252	2,685
Financial and insurance activity	3,395	1,735
Supply of electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning	3,035	1,550
Professional, scientific and technical activity	3,008	1,540
Mining and quarrying	2,679	1,370
Public administration and defence	2,438	1,245
Health care and social work	2,219	1,135
Education	2,216	1,135
Real estate operations	1,972	1,010
Wholesale and retail trade	1,946	995
Administrative and support services	1,876	960
Transportation and storage	1,859	950
Manufacturing	1,843	940
Art, entertainment and leisure	1,821	930
Construction	1,682	860
Water supply, sewerage and waste management	1,625	830
Fishing, agriculture and forestry	1,543	790
Accommodation and food	1,366	700
Other services	1,528	780

Note. *Information on average salaries by economic sectors and regions is based on official data of the National Statistical Institute of Bulgaria.

HIGHEST PAID OCCUPATIONS IN BULGARIA

• Programmers

• Doctors

• Engineers in managerial positions

• Bankers, financiers, insurers

• Chief Executive Officers (CEOs)

• Lawyers

• Sales and business development managers

• Marketing and telecoms specialists

• Supply chain and logistics managers

• Pilots

Cost of living in Bulgaria

Compared to most European countries, living in Bulgaria is quite cheap. The most expensive cities are Varna, Burgas and Plovdiv. More affordable prices are in settlements such as Gabrovo, Dobrich and Stara Zagora.

Basic costs in Bulgaria:

• Rent: 350-400 euros per month for a one-bedroom flat in the centre.

• Utility bills: 100-120 euros per month.

• Food: 100-150 euros per month per person.

• Transport: 20-30 euros per month by public transport or 100-150 euros per month by car.

• Internet/mobile phone: 25-30 euros per month.

• Clothing and leisure activities: 300-400 euros per month.

Frequently asked questions about salaries in Bulgaria:

1. What is the average salary in Bulgaria?

• Before taxes, the average salary in Bulgaria in 2024 is 2,123 lev per month (about 1,085 euros).

2. What is the minimum wage in Bulgaria?

• The minimum wage in Bulgaria in 2024 is 933 lev per month (about 475 euros).

3. What is the highest earning job in Bulgaria?

• The highest paid professions in Bulgaria are programmers, doctors and engineers.

4. Which job brings the lowest income in Bulgaria?

• Representatives of unskilled labour – cleaners, waiters, cooks' assistants, loaders, shop assistants, maids and so on – earn the least in Bulgaria.

5. What is the average salary of programmers in Bulgaria?

• The average income of programmers in Bulgaria is estimated at 25,000-30,000 euros per year.

6. What is the payroll tax in Bulgaria?

• The income tax rate in Bulgaria in 2024 is 10%.

7. What is the average salary in Sofia?

• The average salary in Sofia in 2024 is 3,037 lev per month (about €1,555).

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