The private sector is falling further behind the public sector in terms of wages

The average gross salary in Bulgaria increased to BGN 2,678 (EUR 1,369) in the fourth quarter. Compared to the third quarter, the increase is 5.1%. Data from the National Statistical Institute show that public sector pay is higher and continues to grow faster than in the private sector.

Apart from the state administration, where last year the Zhelyazkov cabinet sharply raised salaries and placed an incredible burden on the budget, it can be seen that salaries are growing fastest in activities related to the state, such as "Education" – by 13%, "Production and distribution of electricity, heat, and gaseous fuels" – by 8.5%, and "Culture, sports, and entertainment" – by 7.9%.

Overall, in the fourth quarter compared to the third, the average salary in the private sector was €1,340 (excluding annual bonuses) and grew by 4.34%, while in the public sector it was €1,454 and grew by 6.83%.

Compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, the average monthly wage increased by 11%, with the largest increase in economic activities: "Real estate activities" – by 18.1%, "Administrative and support activities" – by 15.6%, and "Construction" – by 15.2%.

The economic activities with the highest average monthly wages for employees under labor and civil service contracts for the period are:

• "Creation and distribution of information and creative products; telecommunications" – BGN 5,739 (EUR 2,934);
• "Financial and insurance activities" – BGN 3,969 (EUR 2,029);
• "Production and distribution of electricity, heat, and gaseous fuels" – BGN 3,840 (EUR 1,963).

The lowest paid employees were those in the following economic activities:

• "Hotels and restaurants" – BGN 1,617 (EUR 827);
• "Agriculture, forestry, and fishing" – BGN 1,770 (EUR 905);
• "Other activities" – 1,859 leva (950 euros).

The average monthly wage in the public sector increased by 10.6% on an annual basis, and in the private sector – by 11.2%.

Translated with DeepL.