What is the hourly wage in EU countries and how does it differ from Ukraine?

Want to work in the EU? Check out hourly rates in different EU countries, wage growth in 2024, and how salaries in Ukraine compare to those in Europe. Learn more about wage growth trends and practical tips

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The hourly wage in European Union countries varies significantly depending on the country's economic development, industry, and tax and social burdens.

For Ukrainians who have found themselves in Europe either by necessity or for employment, this information is crucial when choosing a country to work in.

According to the latest Eurostat data for 2024, the average hourly labor cost in the EU was €33.5, and in the eurozone — €37.3, which indicates an increase compared to the previous year. However, there is a large gap within the EU itself — in Luxembourg, the average hourly rate is more than five times higher than in Bulgaria.

We will tell you which EU countries pay the most, where the lowest salaries are, and how the situation in Ukraine compares to European indicators.

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Highest hourly rates (€50+)

Luxembourg — €55.2

Norway (not in the EU, but popular among workers) — €53.7

Denmark — €50.1

This group also includes Belgium (€48.2), the Netherlands (€45.2), Austria (€44.5), France (€43.7), Germany (€43.4), Ireland (€42.5), Sweden (€40.3), Finland (€37.7), and Italy (€30.9).

Average salary (€15–€30)

Slovenia — €27.1

Spain — €25.5

Estonia — €19.6

Slovakia — €18.5

Portugal, Czech Republic — €18.2

Poland — €17.3

Latvia — €15.1

Lowest rates (<€15)

Hungary — €14.1

Romania — €12.5

Bulgaria — €10.6

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Dynamics

In 2024, the average hourly labor cost in the EU will be €33.5, and in the eurozone — €37.3.

Compared to 2023, these figures increased by 5% in the EU and 4.5% in the eurozone.

In the eurozone, the highest growth was recorded in Croatia (+14.2%), Latvia (+12.1%) and Lithuania (+10.8%), while the lowest was in the Czech Republic (+1.3%) and Finland (+1.8%).

Outside the eurozone, the highest growth was recorded in Romania (+14.2%), Bulgaria (+13.9%), Hungary (+13.6%) and Poland (+12.8%).

What is the situation with salaries in Ukraine?

The average hourly wage in Ukraine is approximately 130₴ (≈€3.1). This corresponds to a monthly salary of around 21–24 thousand₴ (~€500–600) in 2024.

The minimum hourly rate is 34₴ (€0.8), i.e., the monthly minimum is 7,176₴ (~€180) and above from April 2024 — 8,000₴ (~€200).

Comparison and conclusions

Luxembourg €55.2

Denmark €50.1

Belgium €48.2

Bulgaria €10.6

Ukraine (average) ≈ €3.1

The difference between the highest and lowest rates in the EU is more than fivefold. Ukraine lags far behind, even compared to the lowest-paid EU countries. Even the minimum wage in Ukraine (~€0.8/hour) is several times lower than the minimum rates in the EU.

What is important for Ukrainians in Europe to know?

Choose countries with high hourly rates if you can. In Luxembourg, Denmark, Belgium, and the Netherlands, you can earn €40–55/hour, but prices are higher there.

In middle-income countries (€15–30) such as Poland, the Czech Republic, and Portugal, you can live much cheaper, but salaries are also lower.

Don't limit yourself to minimum rates — look for jobs that pay according to the country's economic level.

The lawyers at Visit Ukraine provide comprehensive support: from choosing a country with optimal working conditions to obtaining a visa, employment contract and resolving everyday issues. Our specialists will help you prepare documents, write a professional CV, check interview conditions and provide support at every stage.

Book a consultation and secure safe and legal employment!

Reminder! Planning to work in Europe? One of the first and mandatory steps is to obtain the right medical insurance for a work visa. This is a guarantee of your safety and unhindered border crossing. What are the requirements for medical insurance for a work visa in Europe - we explain here.

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