Greece is an increasingly popular destination for expats and professionals who want to work and live in a Mediterranean environment. One of the most common questions foreign workers ask before moving is: “What is the average salary in Greece?” Understanding wages, industries, and living costs is crucial before making the move.

Average Salary in Greece

The average gross monthly salary in Greece is about €1,300–€1,350, which equals €15,000–€18,000 annually. However, this figure includes both high and low earners. Many employees, especially in entry-level positions, earn below the average, while skilled professionals often earn above it.

Minimum Wage in Greece

Greece has a legally set minimum wage that applies to all workers:

• €830–€880 per month gross (depending on updates and collective agreements)

• This makes Greece’s minimum wage one of the lowest in the Eurozone, but it balances with a lower cost of living compared to Western Europe.

Salaries by Job Level

• Entry-Level Jobs: Around €1,000–€1,300/month gross. Common in retail, hospitality, and basic administrative roles.

• Mid-Level Professionals: Between €1,400–€1,800/month gross. Typical for roles in healthcare, education, or mid-management.

• Skilled & Senior Professionals: €2,000–€3,000+/month gross, especially in IT, engineering, finance, and multinational companies.

• Executive Roles: Top managers and directors may earn €4,000 or more per month, depending on company size.

Salaries by Sector

• Tourism & Hospitality: €1,000–€1,400/month (common for seasonal and service jobs).

• Healthcare: €1,300–€2,000/month for nurses and doctors, depending on specialization.

• Information Technology (IT): €1,800–€3,000/month, with high demand for developers, engineers, and data specialists.

• Finance & Banking: €2,000–€3,500/month for analysts, accountants, and managers.

• Education: €1,200–€1,800/month for teachers and university staff.

Regional Salary Differences

• Athens & Thessaloniki: Higher salaries due to more businesses, multinationals, and international organizations.

• Smaller towns & rural areas: Salaries are lower, but so is the cost of living.

• Tourist islands (Crete, Santorini, Rhodes, etc.): Wages vary widely, with many jobs seasonal and tips-based.

Benefits and Bonuses

Many Greek employers provide additional benefits such as:

• 13th and 14th-month salaries (often given as holiday and Christmas bonuses)

• Social security contributions (IKA/EFKA)

• Health insurance coverage

• Paid vacation (20–25 days per year on average)

Cost of Living vs Salary

Although salaries in Greece are lower than in many Western European countries, the cost of living is also significantly lower. For example:

• Rent in Athens is cheaper than in cities like Paris or Berlin

• Food, transport, and healthcare are relatively affordable

• A single person can live comfortably on €1,200–€1,500/month, depending on lifestyle

The average salary in Greece is around €1,300 per month gross, but wages vary greatly depending on job type, sector, and experience. While not as high as in Northern or Western Europe, Greece offers a more affordable lifestyle, rich culture, and attractive living conditions. For foreign professionals, especially in skilled fields like IT, healthcare, or finance, Greece provides solid career opportunities with room for growth.