If you’re considering working in Europe as a foreigner, “salary” depends a lot on which country you’re in, what skill level you have, the industry, and whether you speak the language. Below is a general overview with examples to give you realistic expectations.
What Affects Salaries for Foreign Workers
-
Skill level and experience: Entry-level vs mid-level vs senior roles differ a lot.
-
Industry / sector: Technology, finance, engineering tend to pay more than hospitality, teaching, or agriculture.
-
Country / cost of living: Western & Northern Europe pay more, but living costs are also higher. Eastern & Southern Europe often pay less, but costs are lower.
-
City vs rural area: Big cities pay more, but commuting, housing, and taxes may eat into take-home pay.
-
Visa / permit rules: Some visas (e.g. EU Blue Card) have salary thresholds, meaning employers must offer a minimum level of pay.
Broad Salary Ranges in Europe
| Category | Typical Salary Range (Gross/year) |
|---|---|
| EU average full-time employee | ~ €33,500/year gross |
| High-pay Western/Northern European countries (e.g. Germany, Belgium, Ireland) | €40,000 to €60,000+ for mid-level roles; specialists and senior roles can earn more |
| Lower wage EU/Eastern Europe / less expensive countries | €15,000 to €30,000 for many roles, depending on experience and sector |
Country Examples
-
Germany
Foreign workers often earn about €3,000-€3,500 per month gross in many roles. Mid to senior professionals, especially in tech or engineering, can earn significantly higher salaries. -
Portugal
General salaries are lower compared to Western Europe, ranging from €1,200-€2,500 per month gross, depending on sector and skill level. -
Slovakia
Blue-collar workers may earn €10,000-€20,000/year, while skilled professionals in IT or engineering can earn €20,000-€40,000/year.
What Are “Good” Salaries?
What counts as a “good salary” depends on your lifestyle expectations, city of residence, housing, taxes, and personal spending habits.
-
In Germany, a “comfortable” salary in big cities might be around €50,000-€60,000+ gross/year.
-
In Southern and Eastern Europe, a salary of €20,000-€30,000/year can already provide a good standard of living due to lower costs.
-
Highly skilled professionals in technology, engineering, finance, or healthcare usually command the highest wages across Europe.
Key Takeaways
-
Expect lower salaries in Eastern & Southern Europe, higher in Western & Northern.
-
High-demand industries such as tech, finance, healthcare, and engineering typically pay above average.
-
Language ability, experience, and location strongly influence salary potential.
-
Always look at net income (after tax and social security) when evaluating offers.