Greece remains near the bottom of the European pay scale, with an average annual salary of €18,000 ($20,870) in 2024, according to Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. This figure is less than half the EU average of €39,800 ($46,147) and highlights the persistent wage gap between Greece and its northern European counterparts, even as overall earnings across the bloc continue to rise.
Driven by post-pandemic recovery and inflation adjustments, the EU’s average salary increased by 5.2% compared to €37,800 ($43.828) in 2023. However, the gap between high- and low-income member states remains stark:
Luxembourg (€83,000 – $96.237), Denmark (€71,600 – $83019), and Ireland (€61,100 – $70.844) lead the rankings, while Bulgaria (€15,400 – $17.856), Greece (€18,000 – $20.870), and Hungary (€18,500 – $21.450) sit at the bottom, reflecting the ongoing economic divide across Europe.
Greece still struggling to catch up
Despite modest economic improvements, Greece remains one of the EU’s lowest earners. The country’s average salary of €18,000 ($20.870) per year is less than half the EU average, and roughly four times lower than in Luxembourg. This gap reflects long-standing structural challenges, including a high cost of living, limited productivity growth, and slow wage convergence since the financial crisis.
While unemployment has declined and foreign investment is gradually increasing, the benefits are not yet translating into higher wages for most Greek workers. Many sectors — particularly tourism, retail, and hospitality — continue to rely on low-paid positions, keeping national averages subdued.
In 2024, the average annual full-time adjusted salary for employees in the EU was €39 800, reflecting a 5.2% increase from 2023.
Highest in:
🇱🇺 Luxembourg (€83 000)
🇩🇰 Denmark (€71 600)Lowest in:
🇧🇬 Bulgaria (€15 400)
🇬🇷 Greece (€18 000)More ➡️ https://t.co/PQwqC4YzWE pic.twitter.com/YAzdlCy4ha
— EU_Eurostat (@EU_Eurostat) November 12, 2025
Greece and Salary Outlook for 2025
Looking ahead, Greece’s wage prospects remain cautiously optimistic. Economic growth and rising employment in sectors like energy, technology, and tourism could gradually lift average earnings beyond the current €18,000 annual level. However, inflationary pressures and structural weaknesses — including low productivity and limited high-value job creation — continue to weigh on wage progress.
Government initiatives tied to EU recovery funds aim to boost digital skills, attract foreign investment, and modernize industry, which could translate into more competitive salaries over time. For Greek workers, the challenge remains achieving real income growth that keeps pace with living costs and brings the country closer to the European average.
