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Average Salary in Denmark 2024

How much money does a person working in Denmark make?


Average Monthly Salary
40,800 DKK
( 490,000 DKK yearly)

LOW
10,300
DKK
AVERAGE
40,800
DKK
HIGH
181,000
DKK
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 Denmark typically earns around 40,800 DKK. Salaries range from 10,300 DKK (lowest average) to 181,000 DKK (highest average, actual maximum salary is higher).


Salary Variance

This is the average salary including housing, transport, and other benefits. Salaries in Denmark 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 Denmark

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

5% of people earn
78,000 DKK or more
10% of people earn
61,000 to 78,000 DKK
20% of people earn
23,700 DKK or less
65% of people earn
23,700 to 61,000 DKK
Minimum Salary
10,300 DKK
Median
35,900 DKK
Maximum
181,000 DKK




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 Denmark range from 10,300 DKK (starting salary) to 181,000 DKK (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 35,900 DKK, which means that 50% of the population in Denmark 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 Denmark earn less than 25,900 DKK while 75% of them earn more. Also from the diagram, 75% of the population earn less than 54,300 DKK 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 Denmark. Around 65% of all reported figures are in the range 23,700 DKK to 61,000 DKK. Approximately 20% fall under the 23,700 DKK cap. Ten percent of wages are from 61,000 DKK to 78,000 DKK. Only 5% of people grossed 78,000 DKK 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 Denmark, 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 Denmark 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 Denmark is a substantial financial commitment, with tuition fees ranging from 204,000 DKK to 612,000 DKK 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 / Denmark

Salary comparison by gender Denmark 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 Denmark, the average difference between the salary of male and female employees is 4% across all career fields.

Male
41,700 DKK
Female-4%
39,900 DKK
Percentage increase and decrease are relative to the previous value


Average Annual Salary Increment Percentage in Denmark

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

Denmark

Employees in Denmark are likely to observe a salary increase of approximately 9% every 15 months.

Annual Salary Increment Rate Denmark
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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 Denmark is 7%.

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 Denmark

How much and how often are bonuses being awarded?Annual Salary Bonus Rate Denmark
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47% of surveyed staff in Denmark reported that they haven't received any bonuses or incentives in the previous year while 53% 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
53%
No Bonus
47%

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
Accountant28,500 DKK
Accounting Assistant21,400 DKK
Accounting Manager60,500 DKK
Bookkeeper18,500 DKK
Chartered Accountant37,500 DKK
Corporate Treasurer55,700 DKK
Financial Analyst51,200 DKK
Financial Manager75,700 DKK
Internal Auditor37,000 DKK

Administration / Reception / Secretarial
Administrative Assistant21,100 DKK
Office Manager33,300 DKK
Receptionist19,800 DKK
Secretary17,800 DKK

Advertising / Graphic Design / Events
Art Director39,000 DKK
Creative Director39,300 DKK
Graphic Designer24,700 DKK
Photographer22,200 DKK

Airlines / Aviation / Aerospace / Defense
Aerospace Engineer53,300 DKK
Air Traffic Controller44,000 DKK
Flight Attendant27,600 DKK
Pilot68,300 DKK

Architecture
Architect49,800 DKK
CAD Drafter19,800 DKK

Automotive
Mechanic14,600 DKK
Service Advisor27,300 DKK

Banking
Bank Branch Manager70,300 DKK
Teller14,400 DKK

Bilingual
Teacher30,000 DKK
Translator37,500 DKK

Business Planning
Business Analyst52,200 DKK
Business Development Manager62,500 DKK
Project Manager49,500 DKK

Care Giving and Child Care
Nanny16,000 DKK
Nursery Teacher14,500 DKK

Construction / Building / Installation
Civil Engineer38,500 DKK
Construction Project Manager66,800 DKK
Health and Safety Officer17,500 DKK

Customer Service and Call Center
Call Center Representative15,700 DKK
Customer Service Manager52,300 DKK
Customer Service Representative15,400 DKK

Engineering
Civil Engineer36,500 DKK
Electrical Engineer37,900 DKK
Engineer37,100 DKK
Mechanical Engineer36,200 DKK

Executive and Management
Chief Executive Officer87,500 DKK
Chief Financial Officer82,600 DKK
General Manager67,800 DKK
Project Manager43,100 DKK

Food / Hospitality / Tourism / Catering
Chef24,200 DKK
Executive Chef28,400 DKK
Hotel Manager74,900 DKK
Receptionist14,800 DKK
Travel Agent24,600 DKK
Waiter / Waitress13,100 DKK

Health and Medical
Dentist99,000 DKK
Dietitian77,500 DKK
Laboratory Technician28,700 DKK
Nurse31,800 DKK

Human Resources
Human Resources Manager60,500 DKK
Human Resources Officer25,000 DKK

Information Technology
Computer Technician30,300 DKK
Database Administrator39,700 DKK
Developer / Programmer37,600 DKK
Information Technology Manager66,900 DKK
Network Engineer33,100 DKK

Law Enforcement / Security / Fire
Police Officer23,600 DKK

Legal
Attorney78,300 DKK
Legal Assistant20,200 DKK

Media / Broadcasting / Arts / Entertainment
Journalist44,600 DKK

Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology
Biomedical Engineer34,200 DKK
Pharmacist53,200 DKK

Sales Retail and Wholesale
Cashier14,300 DKK
Sales Manager71,900 DKK
Sales Representative26,000 DKK

Teaching / Education
Elementary School Teacher28,800 DKK
Secondary School Teacher33,900 DKK

Average Hourly Wage in Denmark


240 DKK per hour

The average hourly wage (pay per hour) for all employees in Denmark is 240 DKK.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 Denmark is 59 DKK. 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
Copenhagen43,600 DKK

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 Denmark is 6% on average across all career fields.

Private Sector
39,700 DKK
Public Sector+6%
42,000 DKK
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 Denmark?

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 Denmark would range anywhere between 35,900 DKK and 54,300 DKK.

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 Denmark ranges from 10,300 DKK to 25,900 DKK. 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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