European salaries 2025: Do you get enough money?

Understanding current salary trends can help you make informed decisions about your career and finances. Should you ask for a raise, or is your salary way beyond average already? Read on to find out!

How to check the salary statistics

Before we check out the amounts of Europe’s salaries in 2025, here are some tips that will help you use the data in it.

It’s not all about the salary

The average salary in Germany would be higher than that in Croatia or Romania, which is no surprise for savvy European expats. Yet, the cost of living in Germany may be higher as well – from average food prices to rent and insurance. This is why a higher salary doesn’t always mean a better quality of life or an opportunity to save more.

Your income depends on what you do for a living.

A data scientist or a doctor earns more than a construction worker or a nurse. Your salary depends on a variety of factors, from your background to your company’s policies.

Minimum salaries: 2025 statistics

Let us have a look at the minimum wages in Europe in 2025 to find out where you can earn more and uncover the countries with the highest salaries. But first – bear in mind that six states are missing in the table below, as they have no EU-standardised minimum wages. We will discuss that later in the article.

Eurostat data

Here are the top-5 European countries with the highest salary in 2025, based on the minimum wages from the table above:

• Luxembourg (2,671 EUR),
• Ireland (2,282 EUR),
• the Netherlands (2,219 EUR),
• Germany (2,161 EUR),
• Belgium (2,091 EUR).

The country with the lowest minimum wage is Moldova – its amount is almost ten times less than that for Luxembourg at the top of the table!

You may have noticed that salaries in Europe are more likely to grow than to decline in 2025: the minimum wages increased in seven countries over the year. Unfortunately, that does not mean that the prices stay the same. Learn more about how much your fellow expats spend across Europe:

• Cost of living in Germany 2025.
• Cost of living in Portugal 2025.
• Cost of living in Ireland 2025.
• Cost of living in France 2025.
• Cost of living in Cyprus 2025.

Countries with no minimum wages

In certain countries in Europe, the minimum wage is not calculated:

• Austria,
• Denmark,
• Finland,
• Italy,
• Sweden.

To find more about the salaries in these European countries, explore local statistics.

For example, in Italy research suggests a minimum wage of 8.25 - 9.65 EUR per hour, making some 1,400-1,600 EUR monthly.

Smart money tips for expats

Understand the tax situation in your country

Different EU countries have vastly different tax structures. In Germany, for instance, you need to know which tax class is yours. Some countries offer expat tax benefits, such as the 30% ruling in the Netherlands. Research your local tax obligations and adjust your budget planning accordingly.

Plan for currency fluctuations

If you're sending money home or have financial commitments in another currency, exchange rate movements can significantly impact your finances. Be strategic about your transfers: choose favourable exchange rates, explore FX dynamics and do not overestimate remittance fees.

Build an emergency fund

Your expat experience may be an exciting adventure, but unexpected circumstances can turn it into a nightmare. Aim to save the amount covering 3-6 months of expenses – read our emergency fund guide for helpful hints.

Negotiate with confidence

If you're earning significantly below market rate for your role and location, it's time for a conversation with your employer. Check out our article on negotiating a higher salary for more.

Make your money work harder

Beyond earning more, making your existing salary stretch further is crucial. This includes:

• Transfer funds like a pro: If you're sending money home, compare services to get the best exchange rates and lowest fees
• Plan your expenses: Research the most affordable EU cities that still offer good career prospects. Find local financial tips that suit your needs.
• Investment planning: Benefit from the opportunities offered by European banks, but do not underestimate investing and saving in your home country. Check out specific advice for your nation, like investment recommendations for NRIs or Pag-IBIG MP2 tips for Filipinos.

Some final thoughts

Whether you're getting "enough" money depends on your expat experience, career stage, and financial goals. In short, your individual situation matters more than broad averages across Europe.

The most important step is understanding your market value and ensuring your salary supports both your current lifestyle and future aspirations. With the right planning and smart financial decisions, you can make your EU salary work harder for you – whether that's through better money management, strategic career moves, or simply getting more value from every euro you earn.

Looking to send money home efficiently? Profee offers competitive exchange rates and low fees for international transfers, helping you get more value from your hard-earned European salary.

Gift for our readers: a promo code READPROMO for a 0% fee transfer. Use it until September 30th, 2025.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions

What is the average minimum wage in Europe in 2025?

The average minimum wage in Europe is 1,160 EUR in 2025.

Which EU country has the highest salary in 2025?

As per the Eurostat data, Luxembourg boasts the highest salary in the EU in 2025, with a minimum wage of 2,671 EUR.

Will my salary change in 2025?

We hope that your salary will increase well beyond the minimum wage for your country! Nevertheless, do not underestimate taking new responsibilities, negotiating with your boss, or checking out the career opportunities to earn more.

What is considered a good salary in Europe?

The answer depends on your needs and expenses, as well as country of residence. You can easily find out if your salary is good when planning your budget: it’s perfect if you can spend no more than 30% of your salary on rent and save or invest some 15-20% of it.

What is the average salary in Germany 2025?

The average minimum wage in Germany in 2025 is 2,161 EUR. Other than that, the salary for an expat in Germany may differ depending on the industry and experience: an entry-level specialist would earn a little more than 2,000 EUR, while a top executive could get over 10,000 EUR monthly.