MINIMUM AND AVERAGE SALARY IN BULGARIA

Bulgaria is located in Southeast Europe. It is washed by the waters of the Black Sea. It borders with Greece and Turkey in the south, with Serbia and Northern Macedonia in the west, and with Romania in the north. It has been a member of the European Union since January 1, 2007, but still lags noticeably behind other members of this association in terms of salaries and quality of life in general.

Salary in Bulgaria

Bulgaria has a population of about 6.8 million people. Despite some problems in the economy, living in this country is quite comfortable. Bulgaria has reasonable prices for real estate, food and basic services, as well as a favorable climate, well-groomed Black Sea beaches and friendly residents. Let's find out what salaries in Bulgaria in 2023.

Minimum salary in Bulgaria

According to the official information of the local government, the minimum wage in Bulgaria in 2023 is 780 Bulgarian lev per month, which is equivalent to 435 dollars. Compared to last year, the rate has increased by 70 lev (9%). Inflation in 2022 was 13%, hence the purchasing power of local workers decreased slightly.

Note. The hourly minimum wage rate in Bulgaria is 4.72 lev (3 dollars).

Over the last 5 years, the monthly minimum wage in Bulgaria has increased by 250 lev – from 510 lev in 2018 to 780 lev in 2023. Nevertheless, today Bulgarian workers still earn the least in the European Union. For example, in neighboring Romania, the minimum wage is 3,000 Romanian leu per month (665 dollars). And in Luxembourg, they earn at least 2,387.40 euros ($2,640).

Average salary in Bulgaria

According to official data from the Bulgarian National Statistical Institute, the average salary in Bulgaria in 2023 is 1,879 lev per month, which corresponds to 1,060 dollars. In the public sector, Bulgarian specialists earn about 2,015 lev, while in the private sector they earn about 1,833 lev.

AVERAGE SALARY IN BULGARIA BY SECTOR OF ECONOMY

Sector of economy Lev per month Dollars per month
Information and communication 4,417 2,495
Supply of electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning 2,934 1,655
Financial and insurance activity 2,853 1,610
Professional, scientific and technical activity 2,511 1,420
Mining and quarrying 2,467 1,395
Public administration and defence 2,240 1,265
Education 2,165 1,225
Health care and social work 1,981 1,120
Real estate operations 1,633 920
Wholesale and retail trade 1,621 915
Art, entertainment and leisure 1,601 905
Manufacturing 1,575 890
Administrative and support services 1,526 860
Transportation and storage 1,486 840
Fishing, agriculture and forestry 1,384 780
Construction 1,360 770
Water supply, sewerage and waste management 1,356 765
Accommodation and food 1 088 615
Other services 1,275 720

The highest average salaries in Bulgaria are recorded in information technology and communication (4,417 lev), and the lowest in accommodation and food (1,088 lev). In addition, higher salaries can be expected in the Southwestern region of Bulgaria (2,343 lev), and the lowest are paid in the Northwestern region (1,462 lev).

AVERAGE SALARY IN BULGARIA BY REGION

Region (city) Lev per month Dollars per month
South-West region: 2,343 1,325
Blagoevgrad 1,237 700
Kyustendil 1,251 705
Pernik 1,483 840
Sofia 1,733 980
Sofia (capital) 2,571 1,450
North-East region: 1,611 910
Varna 1,747 985
Dobrich 1,375 775
Targovishte 1,419 800
Shumen 1,485 840
South-Eastern region: 1,551 875
Burgas 1,506 850
Sliven 1,366 770
Stara Zagora 1,697 960
Yambol 1,454 820
South-Central region: 1,507 850
Kardzhali 1,380 780
Pazardjik 1,477 835
Plovdiv 1,620 915
Smolyan 1,265 715
Haskovo 1,266 715
North-Central region: 1,462 825
Veliko Tarnovo 1,390 785
Gabrovo 1,539 870
Razgrad 1,479 835
Ruse 1,519 860
Silistra 1,343 760
North-West region: 1,484 840
Vidin 1,256 710
Vratsa 1,822 1,030
Lovech 1,406 795
Montana 1,379 780
Pleven 1,423 805

Note. Information on average salaries by region and sector is based on official (actual) data from the National Statistical Institute of Bulgaria.

In conclusion, the unemployment rate in Bulgaria is about 4-5% and the income tax rate in 2023 is 10%, which is the lowest in the European Union.

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