According to the latest data published by the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia, the average net salary in Serbia for May 2025 amounted to RSD 107,705, while the gross salary reached RSD 148,930. Concurrently, the median net salary, which more accurately reflects the earnings of the majority of employees, was RSD 84,408.
Key trends for the period January–May 2025:
- Growth of net and gross wages: +10.8% in nominal terms / +6.2% in real terms compared to the same period in 2024;
- Monthly year-over-year growth (compared to May 2024): +7.5% (net), +7.7% (gross) nominally, which translates to +3.6% (net) and +3.8% (gross) in real terms after inflation adjustment.
Broader Economic Context?
- Although the nominal wage growth appears encouraging at first glance, real wage growth remains moderate, primarily due to the continued effects of inflationary pressures;
- The median salary, representing the midpoint of the wage distribution, clearly indicates that 50% of employees earn less than RSD 84,408, raising further concerns about productivity, job quality, and regional income disparities;
- This wage growth trend is consistent with modest improvements in economic activity, increased exports in certain industries, and the rise in the minimum wage;
- For employers, the obligation to align salaries with the increasing cost of living remains essential in order to retain qualified personnel;
- For employees, although real wage growth is present, the gap between average and median earnings persists, underscoring an uneven wage distribution.
For additional information or consultations, the Tasić & Partners team is at your disposal.