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.

Bulgaria has a population of about 6.9 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 2021.

Minimum salary in Bulgaria

According to the official information of the local government, the minimum wage in Bulgaria in 2021 is 650 Bulgarian lev per month, which is equivalent to 400 dollars. Compared to last year, the rate has increased by 40 lev (6.6%). Inflation in 2020 was 0.1%, so the purchasing power of local workers increased.

Note. The hourly minimum wage rate in Bulgaria is 3.92 lev (2 dollars).

Over the last 5 years, the monthly minimum wage in Bulgaria has increased by 230 lev – from 420 lev in 2016 to 650 lev in 2021. Nevertheless, today Bulgarian workers still earn the least in the European Union. For example, in neighboring Romania, the minimum wage is 2,300 Romanian leu per month (560 dollars). And in Luxembourg, they earn at least 2,201.93 euros ($2,640).

Average salary in Bulgaria

According to official data from the Bulgarian National Statistical Institute, the average salary in Bulgaria in 2021 is 1,437 lev per month, which corresponds to 880 dollars. In the public sector, Bulgarian specialists earn about 1,551 lev, while in the private sector they earn about 1,399 lev.

The highest average salaries in Bulgaria are in the field of information technology and communication (3,346 lev), and the lowest in the field of living and catering (787 lev). Moreover, higher salaries can be expected in the South-Western region of Bulgaria (1,785 lev), while the lowest salaries are in the North-Western region (1,133 lev).

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 6-7% and the income tax rate in 2021 is 10%, which is the lowest in the European Union.

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