Slovakia's average wages jump 6.1% in Q1 2026 as growth is set to slow

The Slovak Statistical Office reported that the average nominal monthly wage in the first quarter of 2026 reached €1,611, a 6.1% year‑on‑year increase. After accounting for inflation, real wages rose 2.3%, marking the tenth consecutive quarter of combined nominal and real growth. Twenty‑four of the twenty‑five tracked sectors saw nominal wage gains; the sole exception was mining, where wages fell 0.1%. The education sector posted the strongest rise, with nominal wages up 14.5% and real wages climbing 10.4%.

Analysts expect the pace of wage growth to moderate during 2026. Forecasts project nominal wage increases of just under 5.5% for the year, while real wage growth is likely to hover around 1%, driven by fiscal consolidation, a freeze on public‑sector salaries, and a tightening labour market. The previous quarter’s rapid rise was also helped by a larger minimum‑wage hike and inflation indexation.

Overall, eight sectors outperformed the economy‑wide average, whereas six sectors failed to keep pace with inflation, resulting in a decline in real earnings for workers in those areas.