The average gross salary in Albania rose to nearly 84,000 lek (approximately €840) in the second quarter of this year, according to the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). The figure represents an increase of 1,696 lek compared to the first quarter and 8,792 lek compared to the same period last year.
Public administration was the main driver of this growth, with the most significant salary increases recorded in the Armed Forces (up 23.2%) and among highly educated specialists (up 13.6%).
However, some analysts argue that the wage rise is more symbolic than substantial. “What is happening is this: on one hand, the government is making a lot of noise about salary increases, while most of society feels little effect. I would sum it up as ‘a lot of noise for nothing,’” said economist Klajdi Bregu.
Workers on the ground echo this sentiment. Alberta, a recently employed professional, noted that while salaries are rising on paper, she still hopes to reach at least €900 in monthly earnings.
Data from INSTAT show that nearly half of Albanian employees earn between 40,000 and 95,000 lek gross. After deductions for social and health insurance, take-home pay generally does not exceed 76,000 lek.
“The increase is mainly the result of government policies aimed at curbing emigration by raising salaries. At the same time, the labor market is struggling with shortages, which pushes wages up. But the widening gap between public and private sector pay is not healthy for the market,” commented analyst Emian Muçaj.
Professions with average salaries above the national level include managers, lawmakers, executive directors, bankers, IT specialists, and other highly educated professionals.