In May of this year, Serbia’s average net salary surpassed 100,000 dinars for the first time, reaching 100,170 dinars, or approximately 856 euros. This milestone was announced by President Aleksandar Vučić just a day before the official data was released by the Republic Statistical Office (RZS).
Comparing this to three years ago, in May 2021, when the average net salary was 65,025 dinars (about 553 euros), the increase is significant—35,145 dinars, or around 303 euros—marking a rise of just over 35% in three years.
Finance Minister Siniša Mali has projected further increases, aiming for an average salary of 1,000 euros by December 2025 and 1,400 euros by the end of 2027. To achieve these targets, salaries would need to rise by 144 euros in the next year and seven months, and by 544 euros over the next three and a half years.
Despite this growth, Serbia remains in the middle of the regional salary rankings. However, the country ranks second in percentage growth over the last three years, trailing only Montenegro.
In neighboring Croatia, the average net salary in May was 1,324 euros, 468 euros more than in Serbia. Over three years, Croatia’s average salary increased by 397 euros, or about 30%.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s (BiH) average salary in May was 1,388 convertible marks (around 710 euros), up from 981 convertible marks (about 502 euros) in May 2021. This marks a 29% increase, or around 208 euros.
Montenegro’s average net salary in May was 832 euros, 24 euros less than in Serbia. However, since May 2021, the average salary in Montenegro increased by 302 euros, slightly more than Serbia’s growth in percentage terms (over 36%).
In North Macedonia, the average net salary in May was 41,252 denars (670 euros), 186 euros less than in Serbia. Since May 2021, the average salary in North Macedonia has risen by 203 euros, a 30% increase, which is lower than Serbia’s growth over the same period.
In Romania, the average net salary in May was 5,118 lei (about 1,024 euros), 168 euros higher than in Serbia. Compared to May 2021, Romania’s average salary increased by 311 euros, also reflecting a 30% rise.
These comparisons highlight Serbia’s strong salary growth relative to its regional neighbors, even as it continues to trail behind some countries in absolute terms.
