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Curious about how much people earn in Bulgaria these days? Whether you’re planning to work remotely (Bulgaria), relocate somewhere, or hire local Bulgarian talent, understanding the country’s average salary can help you make informed financial decisions.
The average salary in Bulgaria depends primarily on three factors — education level, industry, and location.
According to recent hiring statistics for Bulgaria, and based on official NSI data, average monthly gross wages in Bulgaria typically range from around 1,500–3,500 BGN, with regional and sectoral extremes occasionally pushing higher or lower.
It’s important to note that the actual maximum or minimum salary in Bulgaria may differ from these figures.
Bulgaria, situated in Southeast Europe, has a population of about 6.44 million as of December 2024. Wikipedia In 2023, Bulgaria’s GDP at current prices reached 185.233 billion BGN, with the service sector contributing about 71.3 % of the Gross Value Added, industry about 25.8 %, and agriculture shrinking to around 2.9 %
The National Statistical Institute of Bulgaria provides annual publications that present information regarding the demographic processes and economic, social, and cultural development of the country. These publications include data on the average monthly wages and salaries of the population in different statistical regions and districts of Bulgaria.
Average Salary in Bulgaria
The average salary in Bulgaria depends primarily on three factors — education level, industry, and location.
3 Key Factors Affecting Average Salary
The key factors affecting average salary in Bulgaria include:
Education level
Education level is a significant factor in determining the average salary in Bulgaria. Individuals with higher education levels tend to earn higher salaries than those without. Additionally, the industry in which an individual works can also impact their salary.
Industry
For example, individuals working in the IT industry tend to earn higher salaries than those working in the retail industry.
Location
Location is also a significant factor in determining the average salary in Bulgaria. Salaries tend to be higher in urban areas such as Sofia, the capital city, while salaries in rural areas tend to be lower.
Comparing Bulgaria with Other Countries
Compared to other countries in the European Union, Bulgaria has a lower average salary. According to data from Eurostat, the average monthly salary in Bulgaria in 2021 was €710, which is significantly lower than the EU average of €2,320.
However, it is important to note that the cost of living in Bulgaria is also significantly lower than in many other EU countries. It means that individuals earning the average salary in Bulgaria may have a higher standard of living than those earning a similar salary in other countries.
Overall, while the average salary in Bulgaria may be lower than in other countries, it is important to consider the cost of living and other factors when comparing salaries across different countries.
Recommended reading: 6 Advantages of hiring in Bulgaria
Why IT Salaries in Sofia Outpace EU Average Growth
If you’ve been following the job market lately, you’ve probably noticed — IT salaries in Sofia are rising faster than almost anywhere else in the EU. And it’s not just hype.
Here’s what’s really happening: Sofia has quietly become Eastern Europe’s tech hub. Global companies like SAP, VMware, and HP have major offices here, while hundreds of local startups are competing for the same limited pool of skilled developers. When demand outstrips supply — salaries climb.
But there’s more to it than that. Unlike many EU cities, Bulgaria’s tax system is flat — 10% for both individuals and businesses. That means companies can offer higher net pay without ballooning payroll costs. Add to that a younger, multilingual workforce and remote work flexibility, and Sofia becomes a magnet for both local and foreign tech professionals.
In summary: talent is scarce, taxes are low, and tech keeps booming — a perfect recipe for salary growth that’s beating EU averages year after year.
Industries with Highest Salaries
Professionals in Bulgaria earn varying salaries depending on their industry. Some industries have higher pay scales than others. The following sub-sections discuss the industries with the highest salaries in Bulgaria.
IT and Technology Industry
The IT and technology industry is one of the highest paying industries in Bulgaria. In this industry, professionals earn an average salary of 60,000 BGN per year. This is due to the high demand for skilled professionals in this industry. Employers are willing to offer higher salaries to attract and retain the best talent.
Some of the highest paying jobs in the IT and technology industry include software engineers, data scientists, and IT project managers. These professionals earn an average salary of 80,000 BGN, 70,000 BGN, and 65,000 BGN per year, respectively.
Moreover, the IT and technology industry offers excellent opportunities for career growth and development. Professionals in this industry have the opportunity to work on innovative projects and cutting-edge technologies.
Related:
Bulgarian IT Developer Salaries
Finance and Accounting Industry
The finance and accounting industry is another high paying industry in Bulgaria. Professionals in this industry earn an average salary of 50,000 BGN per year. This is due to the high demand for finance and accounting professionals in Bulgaria.
Some of the highest paying jobs in the finance and accounting industry include financial analysts, accountants, and auditors. These professionals earn an average salary of 60,000 BGN, 55,000 BGN, and 50,000 BGN per year, respectively.
Moreover, the finance and accounting industry offers excellent opportunities for career growth and development. Professionals in this industry have the opportunity to work in various sectors, including banking, insurance, and accounting firms.
Industries with Lowest Salaries
While some industries in Bulgaria offer competitive salaries, there are others that pay significantly less.
Here are two industries with some of the lowest salaries:
Hospitality Industry
The hospitality industry in Bulgaria typically offers lower salaries than other industries. According to Salary Explorer, the average monthly salary for a waiter or waitress is around 1,500 BGN per month. This is significantly lower than the country’s average monthly salary of 3,300 BGN. Hotel receptionists also earn lower salaries, with an average monthly salary of around 1,800 BGN.
It’s worth noting that salaries in the hospitality industry can vary depending on the location and type of establishment. For example, servers in high-end restaurants may earn more in tips than those working in smaller cafes.
Retail Industry
The retail industry in Bulgaria is another industry that typically offers lower salaries. According to Salary Expert, the average salary for a retail salesperson is around 1,100 BGN per month. This is lower than the country’s average monthly salary of 3,300 BGN.
However, there are some retail positions that offer higher salaries. For example, store managers and merchandisers can earn salaries closer to the national average. Additionally, some international retail chains may offer higher salaries to attract skilled workers.
Conclusion
As of early 2025, the average gross monthly salary in Bulgaria stands at approximately 3,650 BGN (€1,865) — a 9% increase from 2023. This upward trend reflects steady economic growth, ongoing foreign investment in the IT and finance sectors, and Bulgaria’s continued alignment with European labor standards.
However, this amount may differ depending on factors such as location, sector, employee benefits, and education and experience.
It is important to note that the minimum and maximum salary range in Bulgaria is quite wide, ranging from 840 BGN (USD 473) to 14,700 BGN (USD 8,292) per month. The highest paying industries and occupations in Bulgaria include “Education,” “Healthcare and social work,” and “Financial and insurance activities.”
The National Statistical Institute presents to users of statistical information the annual publication – Statistical Reference Book 2022 in Bulgarian. The Statistical Reference Book presents topical information on the demographic processes as well as the economic, social and cultural development of the Republic of Bulgaria for the 2020 – 2025 period.
Despite the wide salary range, Bulgaria offers a relatively low cost of living compared to other European countries. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Bulgaria is 49.38% lower than in the United States. This makes it an attractive destination for expats and digital nomads looking to live in Europe without breaking the bank.
Overall, Bulgaria’s salary landscape continues to evolve, supported by a growing tech ecosystem and competitive cost-of-living advantages — making it an increasingly attractive destination for both local talent and international professionals.
Data verified through official 2023–2024 publications from the National Statistical Institute (NSI) and Eurostat. Salary ranges are rounded averages and may vary by region, role, and company size.
Sources
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National Statistical Institute (NSI), Bulgaria — “Average Monthly Wages and Salaries by Economic Activity” (Statistical Reference Book, 2023–2024).
🔗 https://www.nsi.bg/en/content/3928/average-monthly-wages-and-salaries -
Eurostat — “Average Gross Monthly Earnings by Economic Activity (NACE Rev. 2)”, 2024 data update.
🔗 https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/earn_s_sect2 -
Salary Explorer Bulgaria 2024 Report — “Salary Averages and Growth Trends in Bulgaria.”
🔗 https://www.salaryexplorer.com
