The choice of a country for employment is often related not only to living conditions, the availability of vacancies or social protection, but also to specific figures: what will be the salary, how much you can actually earn per hour and whether this amount will cover the costs of housing, transport, food and basic needs. For Ukrainians who work or plan to work in the countries of the European Union, these indicators are of particular importance, because they allow you to soberly assess the expediency of moving, choose a region and determine your own prospects.
Average hourly labor cost in the EU
Currently, the average hourly cost of labor in the EU is €33.5, and in the eurozone countries – €37.3. This is the official Eurostat data, which takes into account all the costs of the employer to the employee – including taxes, contributions to social funds and actual wages. Compared to 2023, the cost of labor has increased by an average of 5% across the EU, which is a consequence of both inflationary processes and the revision of minimum wage standards in a number of countries.
At the same time, the gap between the highest and lowest indicators within the EU remains significant: in Luxembourg, the average hourly rate exceeds €55, while in Bulgaria it does not even reach €11. Ukraine, which is not part of the EU, but actively interacts with the European labor market through millions of migrant workers, has an average rate of about €3.1 – more than ten times less than in Western European countries.
Poland: growth rates of more than 12%, but the rate does not yet reach the average European level
The average hourly labor cost in Poland is €17.3. This allows the country to occupy an average position among EU members, where the rate varies between €15–30. Compared to the previous year, Poland recorded a significant increase of 12.8%, which is one of the highest growth rates in the European Union among countries outside the eurozone.
This growth reflects a general trend of higher minimum wages and increasing labor shortages in certain sectors, including construction, agriculture, logistics and care. At the same time, despite the relative affordability of life in Poland, the general level of expenses has also increased, and a wage of €17 per hour is far from guaranteeing financial comfort.
Germany: stable salary level with a clear structure
In Germany, the average hourly rate is €43.4. This is one of the highest indicators in the EU, which shows a moderate growth in the conditions of restrained budget policy and gradual indexation of payment. Wages in Germany are traditionally balanced by industry, and the system of collective agreements ensures minimum standards for different types of workers.
Against the background of this high level, many migrant workers from Ukraine who work in Germany in seasonal sectors or temporarily earn less than the average. However, we are talking, as a rule, about the minimum rates, which have also been increased. At the same time, the tax burden in the country is high, so nominal incomes often do not correspond to the net amounts that the employee receives “in his hands”.
Bulgaria: the lowest wage in the EU
The hourly wage in Bulgaria is €10.6, the lowest in the entire European Union. Despite growth of 13.9% for the year, Bulgaria remains in last place in the ranking. The reasons are the general weakness of the economy, low labor productivity and a high level of informal employment.
For Ukrainians who consider Bulgaria as a country of potential employment, it is important to consider the relationship between low rates and the level of costs. Housing and food are cheaper in Bulgaria than in Western countries, but the opportunities to save or send money to family are much smaller.
France: stable high, almost €44 per hour
In France, the average hourly rate is €43.7. It has practically not changed compared to last year and demonstrates the stability of the system of social dialogue and state regulation of the minimum wage. France is among the countries with the highest pan-European rates, along with Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and Austria.
At the same time, employment for Ukrainians is often associated with restrictions due to the language barrier, especially in the official sectors. Therefore, the majority is employed in the field of cleaning, care, logistics, where the actual hourly wage is much lower than the statistical average.
Hungary: one of the highest wage growth
The average hourly wage in Hungary is €14.1. This is one of the lowest indicators in the EU, despite the growth of 13.6% for the year. The income level remains below the real needs of the population, and therefore the country is in the group with limited attractiveness for highly skilled migrant workers.
For Ukrainian citizens who are in Hungary under temporary protection, it is important to know that the level of wages in industrial regions is significantly lower than in the capital Budapest. At the same time, the demand for labor in the agricultural sector remains stable.
Italy: the hourly rate is not too high
The average hourly labor cost in Italy is €30.9. This is lower than in Germany or France, but Italy remains one of the main economies in Europe. The service sector, construction, and care are the main areas of employment for foreign workers, where rates can be both lower and higher than average, depending on the region and type of contract.
For Ukrainians working in Italy or considering such an opportunity, it is important to take into account the regional difference: in the northern provinces, the level of payment is higher, but the costs are also higher. The South remains economically weaker, with lower rates but more affordable housing.
Spain: average level and moderate growth dynamics
The average hourly rate in Spain is €25.50. This corresponds to the average European level and is the result of a gradual increase in wages in connection with labor market reforms. In 2023–2024, the country shows stable dynamics without sharp fluctuations.
In Spain, the unemployment rate is relatively high, which affects the working conditions of foreigners. For Ukrainians who do not have high qualifications or language skills, competition for vacancies remains significant, and the level of pay is below average.
Ukraine: a significant lag behind even the lowest indicators in the EU
The average hourly rate in Ukraine is about 130 hryvnias, which is equivalent to approximately €3.1. The minimum hourly rate is 34 hryvnias (about €0.8). The monthly salary varies between 21-24 thousand hryvnias (approximately €500-600), and the minimum – from April 2024 – is 8000 hryvnias (≈ €200).
This is significantly below not only the EU average, but also the lowest rates in Bulgaria or Romania. Even the minimum rate in Ukraine is almost twice as low as the lowest rate in the European Union.
In 2024, hourly wages in the EU continue to rise, while maintaining deep internal differentiation. The difference between the highest and lowest rates reaches a five-fold gap. For Ukrainians who already work in Europe or are considering moving, these numbers are critical for making informed decisions.
Despite rapid income growth in some CEE countries, such as Poland or Romania, the overall disparity in living standards, taxes and costs requires a balanced approach to assessing real earnings. Ukraine, on the other hand, remains in a completely different economic dimension. And this is precisely what stimulates more and more people to look for income abroad – where the hourly labor is valued many times higher.
