MINIMUM AND AVERAGE SALARY IN DENMARK

The Kingdom of Denmark is a small country in the North of Europe with a developed high-tech economy, a reliable social security system and a flexible labor market that allows qualified applicants from different countries to find jobs in Danish companies and effectively integrate into the local professional environment. Denmark has the highest living standards and average salaries in the European Union.

Many reputable publications, including the Doing Business agency, note that it is easier and more profitable to open and run a business in Denmark than in most countries of the world. Unemployment in the country is only 2-3%. Danish universities provide quality education based on modern teaching methods, so the local labor force is highly qualified, motivated and productive. Next, let's find out what is the minimum and average salary in Denmark in 2024.

Minimum wage in Denmark

The structure of the Danish labor market differs from many developed countries. In particular, there is little regulation and government intervention in various aspects of labor relations. There is no official minimum wage in Denmark. The rates are set in collective agreements between employers and trade unions, which cover about 80-90% of local workers.

The level of minimum wage in Denmark depends on the complexity of the work, age, experience and qualification of the specialist. Collective agreements provide for both hourly and monthly remuneration. The standard working week lasts 37 hours (7.5 hours per day). Upon reaching the age of 18, the salaries of Danes increase by 40% on average.

On a national average, taking into account the different industries in the public and private sector, the minimum wage in Denmark in 2024 is 110 Danish kroner per hour (about 15 euros), which is more than 2,000 euros monthly. Compared to other EU countries, this is a very good figure. But you need to take into account the high cost of living and income tax rates in Denmark, which reach 52.07%.

Average salary in Denmark

According to official data from the Danish Statistical Office, the average salary in Denmark in 2024 is 38,854 kroner per month before taxes, which at the current exchange rate is equivalent to 5,215 euros. After all mandatory deductions, local workers are left with about 3,100 euros. In other Scandinavian countries, incomes (gross) are slightly lower. For example, the average salary in Norway is NOK 53,150 (about EUR 4,705), in Sweden NOK 43,200 (about EUR 3,870), and in Finland EUR 3,548.

WAGES IN DENMARK BY REGION

Region	Kroner per month	Euros per month
Central Jutland	331.80	44
Hovedstaden	315.27	42
Southern Denmark	269.96	36
Zealand	266.24	35
North Jutland	261.79	35

Over the past year, the highest wage growth in Denmark was recorded for employees of social institutions at the municipal and regional level – 3.4%, while in the business sector the increase amounted to only 1%. Among the Danish regions the highest earners are residents of Hovedstaden (metropolitan area) – 43,366.22 kroner, and the lowest income in Northern Jutland – 36,534.51. Men in Denmark earn an average of 42,328.81 kroner per month and women about 36,578.71.

SALARY IN DENMARK BY OCCUPATION

Occupation	Kroner per month	Euros per month
Company managers	101,332.53	13,595
Doctors	69,238.74	9,290
Pharmacists	63,617.55	8,535
Financial analysts	62,331.81	8,365
Lawyers	60,341.41	8,095
Dentists	58,467.41	7,845
Engineers	55,296.45	7,420
Scientists	53,678.63	7,200
Programmers	53,669.35	7,200
Accountants	53,046.71	7,120
Journalists	48,232.13	6,470
Teachers in secondary schools	46,467.04	6,235
Teachers in higher education	44,891.20	6,020
Nurses	38,676.90	5,185
Janitors (garbage collectors)	34,452.13	4,615
Builders (masons, joiners, carpenters)	33,759.94	4,530
Security guards	31,601.05	4,240
Specialists in agriculture	29,383.80	3,940
Drivers	27,977.16	3,750
Sellers (retail trade)	24,834.64	3,330

SALARY IN DENMARK BY ECONOMIC SECTOR

Sector of economy	Kroner per month	Euros per month
Financial and insurance activities	55,385.01	7,430
Supply of electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning	53,156.70	7,130
Information and communication	50,853.30	6,815
Professional, scientific and technical activities	48,523.30	6,510
Mining and quarrying	47,559.72	6,380
Business services	41,214.25	5,530
Manufacturing	41,131.27	5,520
Public administration	40,959.20	5,495
Education	40,674.61	5,460
Real estate operations	39,217.94	5,265
Transportation and storage	37,967.83	5,095
Water supply, sewerage and waste management	37,806.24	5,075
Wholesale and retail trade	37,307.62	5,005
Construction	37,186.24	4,990
Fishing, agriculture and forestry	35,939.77	4,820
Arts, entertainment and recreation	35,289.01	4,735
Health care and social work	34,829.23	4,675
Tourism and cleaning services	33,411.72	4,485
Accommodation and food services	27,788.60	3,725
Other services	41,079.34	5,515

Payroll taxes in Denmark

The Danish tax system is one of the most transparent and efficient in the world. Mandatory deductions from salaries are provided at the state and municipal level for both residents and non-residents who perform labor activity on the Danish territory. The marginal amount may vary slightly (within 1-2%) depending on the municipality in which the taxpayer resides.

Income tax in Denmark in 2024 – progressive rate reaches 52.07%

Structure of payroll taxes in Denmark

• State taxes – 12.1% (prime rate) and 15% if annual income is above 588,900 kroner

• Municipal taxes – 24.982% (average)

• Labor market tax – 8%

In some cases, temporary employees from abroad are charged a reduced income tax rate of 30%. In aggregate, total deductions on income in Denmark should not exceed 52.07%. However, church contribution, labor market tax, shares and property are not taken into account here.

HIGHEST PAID OCCUPATIONS IN DENMARK

• Chief executive officers (CEOs)

• Doctors – surgeons and anaesthetists

• Programmers

• Lawyers

• Bankers, financiers

• Engineers in executive positions

• Pharmacists

• Naval officers

• Energy engineers

• Sales, marketing and communications managers

Cost of living in Denmark

Compared to most countries in Europe, living in Denmark is not cheap. This applies to both food prices and property prices. Overall, Denmark is considered one of the most expensive countries in the world.

Basic costs in Denmark:

• Rent: 1,000-1,100 euros per month for a one-bedroom flat in the centre.

• Utility bills: 200-250 euros per month.

• Food: 250-300 euros per month per person.

• Transport: 80-90 euros per month by public transport or 150-200 euros per month by car.

• Internet/mobile phone: 50-60 euros per month.

• Clothing and leisure activities: 600-800 euros per month.

Frequently asked questions about salaries in Denmark:

1. What is the average salary in Denmark?

• Before taxes, the average salary in Denmark in 2024 is 38,854 kroner per month.

2. What is the minimum wage in Denmark?

• There is no official minimum wage in Denmark.

3. What is the highest earning job in Denmark?

• The highest paid occupations in Denmark are CEOs of large companies, doctors and computer programmers.

4. What is the lowest paying job in Denmark?

• The lowest income in Denmark is received by representatives of unskilled labour – cleaners, waiters, cooks' assistants, loaders, shop assistants, maids and so on.

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

• The average income of programmers in Denmark is estimated at 60,000-70,000 euros per year.

6. What is the payroll tax in Denmark?

• The progressive income tax rate in Denmark reaches 52.07%.

7. What is the average salary in Copenhagen?

• The average salary in Copenhagen in 2024 is 5,800 euros per month.

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