Moldova’s salary growth: what to know about wages in 2024
The average gross monthly salary in the last quarter of the year surpassed 15,000 lei (~750 euro). Data from the National Bureau of Statistics indicates a 12% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
The highest salary is reported in the information technology and communications sector, amounting to nearly 37,000 lei (~1,850 euro).
Finance and insurance, as well as energy production and supply, rank among the top three highest-paying fields. On average, salaries in these sectors exceed 28,000 lei and 24,000 lei, respectively. Conversely, wages in the lowest-paying sectors are about three times smaller, ranging between 10,000 and 11,000 lei. These include the arts, recreation and leisure activities, agriculture, and hospitality.
According to official data, wages in some industries have risen significantly. Salaries in the extractive industry saw a nearly 27% increase, while those in energy production and supply grew by 24%. Administrative services experienced an almost 23% rise, and wages in the hospitality sector increased by 21.8%.
The National Bureau of Statistics also reports a 0.6% increase in the average number of employees in the last quarter of the year compared to the same period in 2023. Most Moldovans say they require a minimum income of 20,000 lei to meet their living costs.
Many respondents stated that their salaries are too low. According to them, families with children should earn up to 30,000 lei to cover their expenses.
"In my opinion, families with children need at least 20,000 lei—at the very least."
"I earn 10,000 lei. I work in a laboratory, and salaries in our field are quite low. Ideally, two people in a household should earn at least 20,000 lei, or at the very minimum, 15,000 lei combined."
"- What sector do you work in?"
"- Healthcare."
"- And your salary?"
"- Six thousand. Ideally, wages should be between 11,000 and 12,000 lei. You simply can't live on 6,000 lei these days."
"- Do you think salaries are enough?"
"- Definitely not."
"- How much do you think a family needs to live comfortably?"
"- The bare minimum? Around 20,000 to 30,000 lei, and that’s without children."
However, some people interviewed expressed satisfaction with their earnings.
"- How much should a family earn to make ends meet?"
"- At least 16,000 lei."
"- Are you satisfied with your salary?"
"- You always want more, but it's okay."
"- What field do you work in?"
"- IT."
"- Salaries are fine. It’s normal, it’s okay. The most important thing is peace."
"- How much do you think a family needs to sustain itself?"
"- I’d say at least 20,000 lei per month."
Translation by Iurie Tataru
