Average salaries in the European Union increased significantly in 2024, reflecting continued wage growth across Member States.
According to Eurostat, the average annual full-time adjusted salary reached €39,800 in 2024, up by 5.2% compared to €37,800 in 2023.
However, large differences remain between countries. The highest average salaries were recorded in Luxembourg (€83,000), followed by Denmark (€71,600) and Ireland (€61,100).
At the other end of the scale, the lowest salaries were observed in Bulgaria (€15,400), Greece (€18,000) and Hungary (€18,500), highlighting persistent disparities across the EU.
These figures are adjusted to reflect full-time work, meaning part-time salaries are converted into full-time equivalents to allow better comparison across countries.
The increase in salaries reflects both economic growth and adjustments to inflation pressures, although differences in living costs mean that real purchasing power varies significantly across Member States.
For young people and entrepreneurs, wage developments play a key role in shaping both labour costs and consumer demand. Higher salaries can support purchasing power, but also increase pressure on businesses, particularly SMEs.
JEUNE considers that rising wages are essential for improving living standards, but balancing labour costs and business competitiveness remains crucial for sustainable economic growth.
Overall, the data highlights a positive trend in wage growth, while underlining the continued challenge of reducing disparities across the European Union.
Useful link:
https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/en/web/products-eurostat-news/w/ddn-20251112-1
