2026 Salary Barometer: Large gaps between Romania and the rest of the European Union
A new report on the Romanian labor market shows that, in 2026, the hourly labor cost reached 13.6 euros. This figure represents an increase compared to previous years, but remains significantly below the European Union average, which is 35 euros per hour. The data highlights the economic gap that still persists between our country and the developed states of Western Europe.
Salary analysis by sector of activity indicates major discrepancies within the Romanian economy. The IT sector continues to offer the highest incomes to employees, being the fastest-growing field. At the opposite end, retail employees face the lowest wages, with this sector being the most affected by current economic pressures.
Geographically, Bucharest remains the country's economic engine. The capital records incomes 46% higher than the national average, constantly attracting labor from the rest of the regions. This concentration of financial resources in the Bucharest metropolitan area accentuates development inequalities between the country's counties.
These figures provide a clear picture of the challenges facing the Romanian labor market. While wages are gradually increasing, adapting to European standards remains a long-term process, influenced by both labor productivity and investments in high value-added sectors.