Salaries in Bulgaria have been on the rise in recent year and unemployment has been declining. In some areas there has been a shortage of qualified labor. There is also a fairly large difference between salary levels in the capital city of Sofia, and the other major Bulgarian cities.

 

Average monthly salaries in Bulgaria by sector (2004)

Sector Average Salary (EURO) Public sector Private Sector Financial services 527 358 Production of raw materials 312 220 Energy, gas and water production and distribution 307 292 Processing industry 246 148 State administration 240 - Automotive, household appliances and trade 225 128 Transportation, warehousing and communication 220 199 Healthcare and social activities 194 118 Education 179 256 Construction 169 133 Real estate and business services 179 148 Agriculture, wood and fisheries 159 107 Hotels and restaurants 148 100 Other services 107 153 Average Salary 229 182 Source: National Social Security Institute

Salary comparison between Bulgaria and the European Union

Hourly pay Monthly salary Source: National Social Security Institute

Salary comparison for some positions - Bulgaria and other countries

SENIOR PROGRAMMER JOB DESCRIPTION: This professional carries out program development, including evaluation of program prerequisites, development of new programs, testing and documentation of programs etc. He/she also coordinates work between programmers and junior programmers. This person has at least a high school degree, university diploma in Computer Science, or supplementary courses in computer information systems. This person has at least 5 years relevant experience.

Country Total Yearly Cost (Euro) Low Salary High Salary US 52,000 80,000 France 43,000 55,000 Germany 47,000 57,000 United Kingdom 44,000 59,000 Ireland 35,000 52,000 Netherlands 38,000 47,000 Italy 42,000 52,000 Japan 59,000 83,000 BULGARIA 15,000 35,000

SALES REPRESENTATIVE JOB DESCRIPTION: Works on sales objectives within product range or assigned districts, pursues sales leads, promotes products, concludes orders, arranges internal sales logistics. Normal requirements: diploma, with 1-2 years of relevant experience.

Country Total Yearly Cost (Euro) Low Salary High Salary US 43,000  65,000 France 40,000 51,000 Germany 40,000 49,000 United Kingdom 29,000 40,000 Ireland 26,000 38,000 Netherlands 29,000 37,000 Italy 37,000 44,000 Japan 52,000 76,000 BULGARIA 3,600 8,000

MANAGING DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION: Heads an organization, with responsibilities covering production development, sales/marketing, finance and administration. Normal requirements: university degree with 5-12 years of relevant experience.

Country Total Yearly Cost (Euro) Low Salary High Salary US 150,000 258,000 France 141,000 197,000 Germany 136,000 176,000 United Kingdom 130,000 185,000 Ireland 87,000 143,000 Netherlands 116,000 149,000 Italy 140,000 200,000 Japan 150,000 200,000 BULGARIA 20,000 40,000

PLUMBER JOB DESCRIPTION: This person is an expert in plumbing who is working alone or is an employee of a plumbing company.

Country Total Yearly Cost (Euro) Low Salary High Salary US 43,000 65,000 France 35,000 51,000 Germany 33,000 49,000 United Kingdom 28,000 40,000 Ireland 26,000 38,000 Netherlands 25,000 35,000 Italy 26,000 42,000 Japan 52,000 76,000 BULGARIA 4,000 7,000