site.btaAverage Gross Annual Wage Reaches BGN 27,898 in 2024, Up 13.9% Y/Y

The average gross annual wage in 2024 amounted to BGN 27,898, up 13.9% compared to 2023, according to final data released on Friday by the National Statistical Institute (NSI).

The highest increases were recorded in Construction (22.6%), Arts, entertainment and recreation (17.1%), and Transport and storage (16.9%).

The economic activities with the highest annual salaries in 2024 were Information and communication (BGN 64,537), Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply (BGN 41,631), and Financial and insurance activities (BGN 41,620).

The lowest-paid sectors were Accommodation and food service activities (BGN 17,044), Other service activities (BGN 17,872), and Agriculture, forestry and fishing (BGN 19,401).

In 2024, Sofia city area remained the region with the highest average annual wage at BGN 38,728, followed by Varna (BGN 26,007) and Sofia Region (BGN 25,190). The lowest levels were reported in Smolyan (BGN 18,909), Kyustendil (BGN 18,976), and Blagoevgrad (BGN 19,037).

The number of employees under labour contract in Bulgaria increased by 21,000, or 0.9%, in 2024 compared to 2023, reaching 2.32 million. The largest increases were recorded in Human health and social work (6.6%) and Accommodation and food service (6.4%), while the biggest decline was in Agriculture, forestry and fishing (4.4%).