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Average Salary in Bulgaria 2024

How much money does a person working in Bulgaria make?


Average Monthly Salary
3,320 BGN
( 39,800 BGN yearly)

LOW
840
BGN
AVERAGE
3,320
BGN
HIGH
14,700
BGN
All salary figures displayed here are per month except when noted otherwise.
All salary and compensation figures displayed here are gross salary figures, that is the salary before tax deductions. Because taxes may differ across sectors and locations, it is difficult to accurately calculate the net salary after tax for every career.

A person working in Bulgaria typically earns around 3,320 BGN. Salaries range from 840 BGN (lowest average) to 14,700 BGN (highest average, actual maximum salary is higher).


Salary Variance

This is the average salary including housing, transport, and other benefits. Salaries in Bulgaria vary drastically between different careers. If you are interested in the salary of a particular job, see below for salaries for specific job titles.



Pay Scale and Salaries in Bulgaria

Median and salary distribution Bulgaria monthly
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Salary Structure and Pay Scale Comparison

5% of people earn
6,460 BGN or more
10% of people earn
5,060 to 6,460 BGN
20% of people earn
1,970 BGN or less
65% of people earn
1,970 to 5,060 BGN
Minimum Salary
840 BGN
Median
2,970 BGN
Maximum
14,700 BGN




Median Salary, maximum and minimum salary, minimum wage, starting salary, and the salary range

All salary figures displayed here are per month except when noted otherwise.
  • Salary Range, Minimum Wage, and Starting Salary

    Salaries in Bulgaria range from 840 BGN (starting salary) to 14,700 BGN (maximum average salary, actual maximum is higher). This is not the minimum wage as per the law, only the lowest reported number in the salary survey that had thousands of participants and professionals from all over the country.

  • Median Salary

    The median salary is 2,970 BGN, which means that 50% of the population in Bulgaria earns less than that while the other half earns more. The median represents the middle salary value. Generally speaking, you would want to be on the right side of the graph with the group earning more than the median salary.

  • Percentiles and Salary Scale

    Closely related to the median are two values: the 25th and the 75th percentiles. Reading from the salary distribution diagram, 25% of the population in Bulgaria earn less than 2,150 BGN while 75% of them earn more. Also from the diagram, 75% of the population earn less than 4,500 BGN while 25% earn more than that.

  • Pay Scale Structure

    We grouped the most common and recurring salaries into brackets to give more insight into what salary to expect. This method is more accurate than just the average salary and gives more insights into how salaries are actually distributed in Bulgaria. Around 65% of all reported figures are in the range 1,970 BGN to 5,060 BGN. Approximately 20% fall under the 1,970 BGN cap. Ten percent of wages are from 5,060 BGN to 6,460 BGN. Only 5% of people grossed 6,460 BGN or more.

Salary Comparison by Years of Experience

How does a person's salary progress over time?

Salary Comparison By Experience Level
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Salary is primarily determined by the level of experience one possesses, with higher levels of experience resulting in higher wages.

In Bulgaria, employees with two to five years of experience typically earn an average of 32% more than entry-level and junior workers in all industries and fields.

Individuals with more than five years of experience tend to earn an average of 36% more than those with less than five years of experience.

After ten years of work, salaries increase by 21%, with an additional 14% increase for those who have worked for over 15 years.

These figures should be used as rough estimates, as considering individual job titles can lead to more accurate assessments.


Change in salary based on experience varies drastically from one location to another and depends hugely on the career field as well. The data displayed here is the combined average of many different jobs. To view accurate figures, choose a specific job title.
On average, a person's salary doubles their starting salary by the time they cross the 10 years* experience mark.
* Based on the average change in salary over time. Salary variations differ from person to person.

Salary Comparison By Education

How does the education level affect your salary?

Salary Comparison By Education
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Change in salary based on education varies drastically from one location to another and depends hugely on the career field as well. The data displayed here is the combined average of multiple jobs. To view accurate figures, choose a specific job title.

The correlation between higher education and higher salary is widely acknowledged, but how much of an income increase can one expect from obtaining a degree?

We conducted a study in Bulgaria comparing the salaries of professionals with different levels of college degrees who held similar positions in various industries.

Our results showed that individuals with a certificate or diploma earned an average of 17% more than those who only completed high school.

Those who obtained a Bachelor's Degree earned 24% more than their counterparts with a certificate or diploma.

Professionals with a Master's Degree earned 29% more than those with a Bachelor's Degree.

Finally, those who held a PhD earned an average of 23% more than those with a Master's Degree while performing the same job.


Is investing in a Master's degree or an MBA worth it? Is pursuing higher education worth the investment?

Earning a Master's degree or any post-graduate qualification in Bulgaria is a substantial financial commitment, with tuition fees ranging from 16,600 BGN to 49,700 BGN and a duration of around two years. It's important to note that during this period, any salary increases are unlikely, assuming ongoing employment. Salary reviews are typically conducted after completing the program and obtaining the degree.

Many individuals pursue advanced education as a means of transitioning to higher-paying positions, and the statistics indicate that this is an effective strategy. On average, individuals who change jobs after earning a higher degree receive a salary increase of about 10% more than the typical annual raise.

Ultimately, deciding whether or not to pursue advanced education depends on a variety of factors, including the personal situation and experience. However, if one can afford the financial costs of obtaining a higher degree, the return on investment is likely to be worthwhile, with the ability to recoup the costs in approximately a year.



Salary and Compensation Comparison By Gender / Bulgaria

Salary comparison by gender Bulgaria monthly
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Though gender should not have an effect on pay, in reality, it does. So who gets paid more: men or women? In Bulgaria, the average difference between the salary of male and female employees is 6% across all career fields.

Male
3,410 BGN
Female-6%
3,200 BGN
Percentage increase and decrease are relative to the previous value


Average Annual Salary Increment Percentage in Bulgaria

How much are annual salary increments in Bulgaria? How often do employees get salary raises?

Bulgaria

Employees in Bulgaria are likely to observe a salary increase of approximately 7% every 20 months.

Annual Salary Increment Rate Bulgaria
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The figures provided here are averages of numbers. Those figures should be taken as general guidelines. Salary increments will vary from person to person and depend on many factors, but your performance and contribution to the success of the organization remain the most important factors in determining how much and how often you will be granted a raise.

The term Annual Salary Increase usually refers to the increase in 12 calendar month period, but because it is rare that people get their salaries reviewed exactly on the one-year mark, it is more meaningful to know the frequency and the rate at the time of the increase.

How to calculate the salary increment percentage?

The annual salary Increase in a calendar year (12 months) can be easily calculated as follows: Annual Salary Increase = Increase Rate x 12 / Increase Frequency

The average salary increase in one year (12 months) in Bulgaria is 4%.

Worldwide Salary Raises: All Countries and All Jobs

World Average Annual Salary Increment
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Salary Packages and Schemes

Not all compensation increases are reflected directly in the salary. Some companies offer upgraded packages to their staff instead of cash money. The figures displayed here account only for direct increments to the base salary.



Bonus and Incentive Rates in Bulgaria

How much and how often are bonuses being awarded?Annual Salary Bonus Rate Bulgaria
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49% of surveyed staff in Bulgaria reported that they haven't received any bonuses or incentives in the previous year while 51% said that they received at least one form of monetary bonus.

Those who got bonuses reported rates ranging from 3% to 6% of their annual salary.

Received Bonus
51%
No Bonus
49%

Types of Bonuses Considered

Individual Performance-Based Bonuses

The most standard form of bonus, where the employee is awarded based on their exceptional performance.

Company Performance Bonuses

Occasionally, some companies like to celebrate excess earnings and profits with their staff collectively in the form of bonuses that are granted to everyone. The amount of the bonus will probably be different from person to person depending on their role within the organization.

Goal-Based Bonuses

Granted upon achieving an important goal or milestone.

Holiday / End of Year Bonuses

These types of bonuses are given without a reason and usually resemble an appreciation token.

Bonuses Are Not Commissions!

People tend to confuse bonuses with commissions. A commission is a prefixed rate at which someone gets paid for items sold or deals completed while a bonus is in most cases arbitrary and unplanned.


Bonus Rates Comparison by Career Field

Finance
High
Architecture
High
Sales
High
Business Development
High
Marketing / Advertising
High
Information Technology
Moderate
Healthcare
Moderate
Insurance
Moderate
Customer Service
Moderate
Human Resources
Moderate
Construction
Low
Transport
Low
Hospitality
Low

What makes a position worthy of good bonuses and a high salary?

The main two types of jobs

Revenue GeneratorsSupporting Cast

Employees that are directly involved in generating revenue or profit for the organization. Their field of expertise usually matches the type of business.

Employees that support and facilitate the work of revenue generators. Their expertise is usually different from that of the core business operations.

Example:
A graphics designer working for a graphics designing company.

Example:
A graphic designer in the marketing department of a hospital.


Revenue generators usually get more and higher bonuses, higher salaries, and more frequent salary increments. The reason is quite simple: it is easier to quantify your value to the company in monetary terms when you participate in revenue generation.

Try to work for companies where your skills can generate revenue. We can't all generate revenue and that's perfectly fine.

Bonus Comparison by Seniority Level

Top management personnel and senior employees naturally exhibit higher bonus rates and frequencies than juniors. This is very predictable due to the inherent responsibilities of being higher in the hierarchy. People in top positions can easily get double or triple bonus rates than employees down the pyramid.

Salaries for popular jobs. Salaries by occupations.

Job TitleAverage Salary
Accounting and Finance
Accountant2,260 BGN
Accounting Assistant1,830 BGN
Accounting Manager4,920 BGN
Bookkeeper1,620 BGN
Chartered Accountant3,130 BGN
Corporate Treasurer4,530 BGN
Financial Analyst4,160 BGN
Financial Manager6,480 BGN
Internal Auditor3,080 BGN

Administration / Reception / Secretarial
Administrative Assistant1,710 BGN
Office Manager2,920 BGN
Receptionist1,610 BGN
Secretary1,560 BGN

Advertising / Graphic Design / Events
Art Director3,420 BGN
Creative Director3,190 BGN
Graphic Designer2,170 BGN
Photographer1,850 BGN

Airlines / Aviation / Aerospace / Defense
Aerospace Engineer4,230 BGN
Air Traffic Controller3,760 BGN
Flight Attendant2,360 BGN
Pilot5,690 BGN

Architecture
Architect3,950 BGN
CAD Drafter1,730 BGN

Automotive
Mechanic1,310 BGN
Service Advisor2,330 BGN

Banking
Bank Branch Manager5,710 BGN
Teller1,260 BGN

Bilingual
Teacher2,560 BGN
Translator3,130 BGN

Business Planning
Business Analyst4,040 BGN
Business Development Manager5,080 BGN
Project Manager4,120 BGN

Care Giving and Child Care
Nanny1,400 BGN
Nursery Teacher1,210 BGN

Construction / Building / Installation
Civil Engineer2,980 BGN
Construction Project Manager5,430 BGN
Health and Safety Officer1,460 BGN

Customer Service and Call Center
Call Center Representative1,310 BGN
Customer Service Manager4,690 BGN
Customer Service Representative1,220 BGN

Engineering
Civil Engineer3,040 BGN
Electrical Engineer3,240 BGN
Engineer3,010 BGN
Mechanical Engineer3,020 BGN

Executive and Management
Chief Executive Officer7,850 BGN
Chief Financial Officer6,890 BGN
General Manager6,080 BGN
Project Manager3,780 BGN

Food / Hospitality / Tourism / Catering
Chef2,120 BGN
Executive Chef2,370 BGN
Hotel Manager6,090 BGN
Receptionist1,200 BGN
Travel Agent2,050 BGN
Waiter / Waitress1,060 BGN

Health and Medical
Dentist8,250 BGN
Dietitian6,790 BGN
Laboratory Technician2,400 BGN
Nurse2,590 BGN

Human Resources
Human Resources Manager5,170 BGN
Human Resources Officer1,930 BGN

Information Technology
Computer Technician2,460 BGN
Database Administrator3,220 BGN
Developer / Programmer3,210 BGN
Information Technology Manager5,300 BGN
Network Engineer2,830 BGN

Law Enforcement / Security / Fire
Police Officer1,960 BGN

Legal
Attorney6,360 BGN
Legal Assistant1,770 BGN

Media / Broadcasting / Arts / Entertainment
Journalist3,810 BGN

Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology
Biomedical Engineer2,710 BGN
Pharmacist4,330 BGN

Sales Retail and Wholesale
Cashier1,280 BGN
Sales Manager5,700 BGN
Sales Representative2,220 BGN

Teaching / Education
Elementary School Teacher2,400 BGN
Secondary School Teacher2,630 BGN

Average Hourly Wage in Bulgaria


19 BGN per hour

The average hourly wage (pay per hour) for all employees in Bulgaria is 19 BGN.This is the rate that the average individual gets paid for every worked hour.


Hourly Wage = Annual Salary / ( 52 x 5 x 8 )

About The Hourly Pay Rate

The hourly wage is the salary paid in one worked hour. Usually, jobs are classified into two categories: salaried jobs and hourly jobs. Salaried jobs pay a fixed amount regardless of the hours worked. Hourly jobs pay per worked hour. To convert salary into hourly wage the above formula is used (assuming 5 working days in a week and 8 working hours per day which is the standard for most jobs). The hourly wage calculation may differ slightly depending on the worked hours per week and the annual vacation allowance. The figures mentioned above are good approximations and are considered to be the standard. One major difference between salaried employees and hourly paid employees is overtime eligibility. Salaried employees are usually exempt from overtime as opposed to hourly paid staff.

What is the minimum hourly rate of pay?

The minimum pay rate per hour for a person in Bulgaria is 5 BGN. This is the minimum as per the gathered data in the salary survey not the minimum hourly rate mandated by law.

Salary Comparison By City

CityAverage Salary
Burgas3,460 BGN
Plovdiv3,730 BGN
Rousse3,390 BGN
Sofia3,870 BGN
Stara Zagora3,250 BGN
Varna3,600 BGN

Government vs Private Sector Salary Comparison

Where can you get paid more, working in a private company or the government? The difference between the public or government sector salaries and the private sector salaries in Bulgaria is 9% on average across all career fields.

Private Sector
3,140 BGN
Public Sector+9%
3,440 BGN
Percentage increase and decrease are relative to the previous value

Salary Statistics and Calculation Guide

What is considered to be a good and competitive salary in Bulgaria?

It is extremely difficult to give an exact figure of a good salary when no specific job is selected, however; an estimate can be provided based purely on the cost of living. A good compensation in Bulgaria would range anywhere between 2,970 BGN and 4,500 BGN.

Gross Salary (before tax) and Net Salary (after tax)

All salary and compensation figures displayed here are gross salary figures, that is the salary before tax deductions. Because taxes may differ across sectors and locations, it is difficult to accurately calculate the net salary after tax for every career.

Base / Basic Salary

The base salary in Bulgaria ranges from 840 BGN to 2,150 BGN. The base salary depends on many factors including profession, experience, and education. It is not easy to provide a figure with very little information, so take this range with a grain of salt.


What is the difference between the median and the average salary?

Both are indicators. If your salary is higher than both the average and the median then you are doing very well. If your salary is lower than both, then many people earn more than you and there is plenty of room for improvement. If your wage is between the average and the median, then things can be a bit complicated. We wrote a guide to explain all about the different scenarios. How to compare your salary


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