Lithuanian social workers see salary increases amid regional wage gaps

Social workers in Lithuania have seen an average annual salary increase of 100 euros, according to data from the Ministry of Social Security and Labour. In the first quarter of 2026, social workers in municipal budgetary institutions earned an average of 1,520 euros net, which is 47 euros less than the national average wage of 1,557 euros.

Despite the overall positive trend, significant wage disparities persist between different municipalities. The highest average salary was recorded in Palanga at 1,822 euros, followed by Kretinga (1,756 euros), Klaipėda (1,733 euros), Kaunas (1,718 euros), and Šiauliai (1,702 euros). Conversely, the lowest average salary was found in Rietavas at 1,044 euros, with other low-earning regions including Mažeikiai (1,228 euros), Molėtai (1,302 euros), Širvintos (1,311 euros), and Šalčininkai (1,354 euros). The gap between the highest and lowest average salaries reached 778 euros.

In Šiauliai, the municipality held a celebratory event to honor social workers in observance of Lithuanian Social Workers' Day, with over 400 professionals in attendance.