Bulgaria average wages reach 1,444 euros in Q2 2026

Bulgaria's average monthly gross wage reached 1,444 euros in the second quarter of 2026, according to data from the National Statistical Institute. This represents a 2.6% increase compared to the first quarter of 2026 and a 9.8% increase compared to the same period in 2025.

Sectoral growth varied significantly. The mining industry saw the highest annual wage increase at 24%, followed by agriculture, forestry, and fishing at 19.5%. The private sector experienced a much faster wage growth rate of 11.5% compared to 4.8% in the public sector.

The highest-paying industries include information and communication (3,079 euros), financial and insurance activities (2,140 euros), and electricity, gas, and heat production (2,036 euros). Conversely, the lowest wages were recorded in hospitality and restaurants (918 euros), agriculture (1,031 euros), and other services (1,053 euros).

As of the end of June 2026, the number of employees in Bulgaria reached 2.37 million, an increase of 14,800 people since the end of March.