Romania sees surge in high earners as Cluj County job numbers fall

Data from the Romanian Ministry of Labor show that over the past six years the number of employees earning at least €1,000 per month grew by roughly 920,000, reaching about 1.5 million in May 2024. The increase is concentrated in Bucharest and surrounding counties (Ilfov, Cluj, Timiș, Brașov, Sibiu, Argeș). Nominal wages rose 71.5 % in the period, but real purchasing power improved only 13‑15 % as inflation eroded gains. Raluca Pârvu, director of BPI Romania, noted that “for every 100 lei of nominal raise, about 80 lei is offset by higher prices.”

In the same timeframe, Cluj County (Kolozs) experienced a decline of nearly 4,000 jobs, with total employment falling to 285,664 by May 2024, according to the county statistical office. Analysts attribute the drop to high inflation, economic uncertainty and rising operating costs. HR specialist Pálfi Szilárd described the situation as “particularly complex,” warning that prolonged contraction could affect multiple sectors despite the county remaining one of Romania’s strongest employment hubs.