Highest and Lowest Salaries in European Union Countries in 2025

A study conducted at the beginning of 2025 analyzes the levels of minimum wages in European Union countries. Considering the diversity of social guarantees and economic conditions, the ranking includes 22 countries where legislative minimum wage levels have been established.

This is reported by AgroReview

Countries with the Highest Minimum Wages in Europe

According to data from Euronews, Latvia leads with the highest minimum wage, where citizens earn 2,638 euros. Ireland comes in second with a figure of 2,282 euros, while the Netherlands completes the top three with 2,193 euros. Germany ranks fourth with a minimum wage of 2,161 euros, and Belgium, which previously could have claimed the fourth position, now occupies the fifth spot with 2,070 euros. France holds the last position on this list with 1,802 euros.

Countries with the Lowest Minimum Wage Levels

The lowest minimum wage figures are recorded in Eastern European countries. In the Czech Republic, it stands at 826 euros, in Slovakia at 816 euros, and in Romania at 814 euros. The trio with the lowest earnings includes Latvia (740 euros), Hungary (707 euros), and Bulgaria (551 euros). Interestingly, Poland’s minimum wage is 1,091 euros, which is higher than in countries such as Spain, Slovenia, Lithuania, Portugal, and Cyprus.

When analyzing wage levels, it is also important to consider the PPS (Purchasing Power Standard), which helps determine the real purchasing power of money in different countries. According to this indicator, in Germany, the minimum wage adjusted for purchasing power parity is 1,992 PPS, while in Estonia, it is only 878 PPS with a minimum wage of 886 euros.

Thus, although Latvia ranks first in absolute minimum wage levels, the real purchasing power in this country is lower compared to countries with higher PPS figures, which is an important aspect for assessing the standard of living and economic opportunities for citizens.