13.07.2021

WAGE DECLINE IN ROMANIA

The average net salary in Romania is falling for the second time this year, BTA reports. In May, employees received an average of about 70 lei (the euro was exchanged for 4.92 lei) less than the previous month, according to Digi TV24, citing data from the National Statistical Institute in Romania.

The most significant decline was reported in the banking sector, the data show.

In May 2021, the average net salary in the country was 3,492 lei, nearly 2 percent lower than in April. This means a decrease of 69 lei.

The television notes that the main reason for the lower pay in May compared to the previous month are the bonuses and bonuses for Easter, which were included in the salaries for April.

The salaries of those working in the banking sector have fallen the most, with the reduction reaching about 21 percent. Next are those working in the insurance and telecommunications sectors.

At the other pole with the most significant increase in the average net salary are those working in the coal industry and in the extraction of oil and natural gas.

The opening of hotels and restaurants, as well as the resumption of travel, have had a positive impact on the labor market, with employees in these areas receiving up to 7 percent higher pay.

The highest salaries remain in the IT sector, where employees receive an average of 8,192 lei per month. The hotel and restaurant industry, despite a slight increase in May, remains at the bottom of the ranking with 1850 lei per month.

Romania's previous decline in the average net salary was reported in January, when employees received about 225 lei less than the previous month. The decline was then explained by Christmas bonuses and bonuses included in December salaries.