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 6.8 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.
| 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).
| 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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