In 2025, the average gross annual salary of employees under an employment or service contract in Bulgaria reached 31,239 leva (?15,969), according to preliminary data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI).

Compared to 2024, this represents an increase of 12.0%, with wages in the public sector rising by 12.6% and in the private sector by 11.7%.

By sector, the highest average gross salaries were reported in ?Creation and dissemination of information and creative products; telecommunications? at 64,537 leva (?32,980), followed by ?Production and distribution of electricity, heat and gaseous fuels? at 41,632 leva (?21,260), and ?Financial and insurance activities? at 41,620 leva (?21,254).

The lowest average salaries were recorded in ?Hotel and restaurant activities? at 17,043 leva (?8,710) and in ?Agriculture, forestry and fishing? at 19,402 leva (?9,918).

The data highlights a continued gap between high-paying sectors such as IT and energy, and lower-paid industries like hospitality and agriculture, despite the overall strong annual wage growth in the country.