The Serbian labor market in 2024 remained stable, with a slight increase in job advertisements, totaling 73,732 – just a 0.7% rise compared to 2023. This small growth signifies the absence of major fluctuations, indicating steady demand for workers.
Several sectors dominated the job market, with the most significant demand found in Trade/Sales, Manufacturing, Services, Hospitality, and IT. Among the most frequently advertised positions were administrative workers, hygienists, salespeople, waiters, storekeepers, cooks, production workers, telephone operators, and drivers. These roles are essential for the smooth operation of daily business activities.
Salaries varied widely depending on the position and industry. Tin workers topped the salary chart, earning an average of 176,000 dinars, while drivers earned 120,000 dinars on average. Commercial workers could expect 110,000 dinars, and cooks averaged 105,000 dinars. Positions such as telephone operators, production workers, and warehouse workers earned lower wages, with averages ranging from 74,000 to 100,000 dinars. At the bottom of the list were administrative workers, with an average salary of 77,000 dinars, followed by salespeople (70,000 dinars) and hygienists (66,000 dinars).
The craft sector faced a significant workforce deficit, with high demand for positions such as hairdressers, masons, auto body workers, bakers, and plumbers. Many of these positions offered salaries at or above the national average, with some offering up to 3,000 euros, reflecting the high demand for these specialized skills.
For young people entering the job market, 2024 brought a considerable number of opportunities. A total of 17,329 advertisements were aimed at young workers, making up 23.5% of the total number of job offers. These ads provided a pathway for gaining work experience.
However, inclusivity remains an ongoing challenge. People with disabilities had access to only 4,918 job listings, representing just 5% of the total job market. These figures highlight the need for greater efforts to improve inclusivity and ensure equal opportunities for all individuals.