The average gross monthly salary in Bulgaria reached 1,407 euros in the first quarter of 2026, according to preliminary data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI). The figures indicate continued wage growth across the economy, with an increase of 2.8% compared to the previous quarter and a year-on-year rise of 12.7%.
On a monthly basis, average gross earnings stood at 1,381 euros in January, 1,365 euros in February, and rose to 1,475 euros in March, showing fluctuations within an overall upward trend for the quarter.
NSI data point to the strongest quarterly wage increases in financial and insurance activities, which grew by 9.7%, followed by agriculture, forestry and fishing at 8.4%, and information technology, media, and telecommunications at 8.2% compared to the previous quarter.
Over a longer horizon, the most significant annual wage growth was recorded in agriculture, forestry, and fishing, where salaries rose by 21.1%. This was followed by production and distribution of electricity, heat, and gas at 19.1%, and other activities at 18.9%.
The highest-paid sector remains information creation and dissemination, including creative industries and telecommunications, where the average monthly salary reached 3,176 euros. Financial and insurance activities follow with 2,226 euros, while energy production and distribution stands at 2,060 euros.
At the lower end of the wage scale, employees in hotels and restaurants continue to receive the lowest average pay at 870 euros per month. They are followed by agriculture, forestry, and fishing at 981 euros, and other activities at 1,014 euros.
Public sector salaries increased by 15.3% YoY in the first quarter of 2026, compared to 11.8% growth in the private sector, indicating faster wage expansion in state employment.
Employment levels also showed slight growth. As of the end of March, the number of people working under employment and service contracts reached 2.35 million, an increase of 9,800 people or 0.4% compared with the end of 2025.
Sectoral data show the strongest quarterly employment growth in professional activities and scientific research, as well as other activities, both rising by 2.7%. Hotels and restaurants increased by 2.3%, while construction grew by 2%.
At the same time, financial and insurance activities recorded a decline of 1.4% in employment over the quarter.
On an annual basis, total employment remained broadly stable, down by just 400 people compared to March 2025. However, sectoral differences were more pronounced. The processing industry recorded a decline of 14,600 jobs, agriculture, forestry and fishing fell by 4,600, and administrative and support services decreased by 1,600 positions.
In contrast, healthcare and social work saw the strongest annual employment growth, adding 12,600 jobs. Construction also expanded by 2,900 positions.
In percentage terms, the sharpest annual declines were observed in agriculture, forestry, and fishing at 7.1%, followed by manufacturing and real estate activities, both down by 3.3%. The strongest percentage growth was recorded in healthcare and social activities, which increased by 6.2%. (Novinite)