In most European Union (EU) countries, salaries are paid monthly, especially for full-time and long-term jobs. However, hourly pay is also common in certain sectors such as hospitality, agriculture, construction, and temporary or part-time work.

The payment structure depends on the type of job, employment contract, and national labor laws.

How Salary Payments Work in the EU

Across Europe, employment contracts usually specify:

• Salary amount (monthly or hourly)

• Payment frequency (weekly, biweekly, or monthly)

• Working hours and overtime rules

Most professional, skilled, and office-based roles follow a monthly salary system, while labor-based or short-term roles often use hourly wages.

Countries Where Monthly Salaries Are Common

In most EU countries, full-time employees are paid monthly. This includes:

• Germany

• France

• Italy

• Spain

• Netherlands

• Austria

• Belgium

• Sweden

Monthly salaries are standard for roles such as:

• Office and administrative jobs

• IT and engineering roles

• Healthcare professionals

• Skilled technical positions

Salaries are usually paid at the end of the month or on a fixed date.

Countries and Sectors That Commonly Pay Hourly Wages

Hourly pay is widely used in:

• Hospitality (hotels, restaurants, cleaning)

• Agriculture and seasonal farm work

• Construction and manual labor

• Warehousing and logistics

• Temporary or agency-based jobs

Even in countries where monthly pay is standard, these sectors often calculate wages by the hour and pay weekly or bi-weekly.

Minimum Wage Rules in the EU

Most EU countries have a legal minimum wage, which can be defined:

• Per hour (e.g., Germany, France, Netherlands)

• Per month (e.g., Spain, Portugal in some sectors)

Employers must comply with national minimum wage laws regardless of whether payment is hourly or monthly.

How Are Foreign Workers Paid?

Foreign and EU workers are generally paid the same way as local employees. Employers cannot legally pay foreign workers less for the same job.

Payment is usually made via:

• Bank transfer to a local or EU bank account

• Payslips showing taxes, social security, and deductions

Cash payments are rare and often illegal for formal employment.

Can You Choose Hourly or Monthly Pay?

In most cases, the payment structure is determined by:

• The type of job

• The employment contract

• National labor regulations

Some employers may offer flexibility, but many roles follow fixed industry standards.

Final Thoughts

EU countries use both hourly and monthly pay systems, depending on the type of work and employment contract. Monthly salaries are common for full-time and skilled roles, while hourly wages are typical for seasonal, temporary, or manual jobs.

Before accepting a job offer, always review the employment contract to understand how and when you will be paid.