Montenegro continues to show steady growth in wages, as confirmed by the latest data from the Statistical Office MONSTAT. In December 2024, the average salary in the country was 1 euros (excluding taxes and fees), which is 012% more than in November and 1,9% more than in December of the previous year. However, not all regions and industries have the same income levels. Let's figure out where you can earn the most today.
Cities with the highest salary levels
Of the 25 municipalities in Montenegro, only four have an average salary exceeding 1 euros:
In other cities, the average income level remains below the national average. For example, in popular regions such as Kotor (982 euros), Bar (936 euros) and Herceg Novi (963 euros), salaries remain below the 1 euro mark.
The lowest incomes were recorded in the following municipalities:
- Gusinye – 822 euros
- Petnitsa – 824 euros
- Tuzi – 829 euros
- Ulcinj – 848 euros
Which industries generate the most income?
The distribution of salaries by economic sector shows that the highest incomes are received by specialists in the following areas:
- Financial activities and insurance – 1 euros (despite a drop compared to November, when the average income was 685 euros).
- Real estate – 1 euros.
- Information technology and communications – 1 euros.
- Energy (electricity, gas, steam) – 1 euros.
- Mining industry – 1 euros.
- Public Administration and Defense – 1 euros.
- Health and social protection – 1 euros.
- Scientific and technical activities – 1 euros.
Industries with the lowest wages:
- Agriculture, forestry and fisheries – 858 euros.
- Processing industry – 846 euros.
- Trade and repair of cars – 919 euros.
- Administrative and support services – 891 euros.
Salary growth: statistics and prospects
Experts note that in 2024, real wages increased by 7,1%, despite inflation of 3,3%. This indicates positive trends in the labor market and an increase in the purchasing power of the population.
Particularly noticeable growth in income was recorded in the following sectors:
- Administrative and support services – an increase of 10,4%.
- Real estate – +9,3%.
- Public Administration and Defense – +4,5%.
- Agriculture – +3,5%.
At the same time, wages decreased in the following areas:
- Financial activities and insurance – a drop of 11,6%.
- Building - a decrease of 2,9%.
- Health and social protection – a drop of 1,1%.
Where in Montenegro is it more profitable to work?
When it comes to which cities and industries generate the highest income, the picture becomes clear. People working in financial sector, IT and real estate, have the highest salaries, especially in large cities – Tivat, Podgorica, Budva and Zeta.
With this in tourist areas, such as Bar and Herceg Novi, incomes remain below the national average, despite the active development of the service sector.
Therefore, if your goal is a high salary and stable growth prospects, it is worth considering work in the field of finance, IT or real estate, and focusing on the central regions of the country, where the average income exceeds 1 euros. The Montenegrin labor market continues to change, and specialists with in-demand skills have good prospects for career growth and a higher standard of living.
Prospects for further wage growth
According to experts, in 2025, salaries in Montenegro will continue to grow, although the pace may slow down. The main factors influencing the level of income will be:
- Economic stability and investment inflow – the more foreign companies come to Montenegro, the higher the demand for qualified specialists.
- Rising cost of living – rising prices for housing and essential goods will require employers to raise salaries.
- Technological progress – the development of the IT sector and digital services will contribute to an increase in wages in these areas.
Therefore, if your goal is a high salary and stable growth prospects, it is worth considering work in the field of finance, IT or real estate, and focusing on the central regions of the country, where the average income exceeds 1 euros. The Montenegrin labor market continues to change, and specialists with in-demand skills have good prospects for career growth and a higher standard of living.
