In January 2025, average net earnings in Croatia rose to EUR 1,392, up 2.2% MoM and 8.0% YoY, while gross earnings reached EUR 1,925, increasing 2.5% MoM and 9.2% YoY. Median net earnings stood at EUR 1,200, rising 3.8% MoM and 13.3% YoY. In Slovenia, net earnings fell to EUR 1,569 (-13.8% MoM) and gross earnings to EUR 2,464 (-11.7% MoM) due to lower extra payments, yet both remained higher YoY, up 4.6% and 4.8%, respectively.
Croatia
Turning our attention to the latest figures for January 2025, average monthly net earnings in Croatia stood at EUR 1,392. This represents a healthy increase of 2.3% nominally and 2.2% in real terms compared to December 2024. On a YoY basis, net wages experienced significant growth, rising by 12.3% nominally and 8.0% in real terms, continuing the positive, yet maybe not healthy, wage growth trend seen throughout recent months in Croatia.
Similarly, average monthly gross earnings per employee in legal entities for January 2025 reached EUR 1,925, reflecting a nominal rise of 2.6% and a real increase of 2.5% compared to the previous month.
Median net earnings, a particularly insightful indicator when discussing wages, rose to EUR 1,200 in January 2025. This represents a solid monthly increase of 3.8% and an impressive YoY growth of 13.3%.
In January, the highest average monthly net earnings were recorded in the Air Transport sector, amounting to EUR 2,184. Conversely, the Manufacture of Wearing Apparel sector reported the lowest average earnings, at EUR 919. Notably, the Public Administration and Human Health and Social Work sectors experienced significant wage growth, largely influenced by the newly implemented public sector wage reform.
Average monthly gross and net earnings in Croatia (Jan 2021 – Jan 2025, EUR)
Source: DZS, InterCapital Research
Slovenia
Last Friday, the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia published wage data for January 2025, revealing that average gross earnings stood at EUR 2,464, while net earnings averaged EUR 1,569.
Compared to December 2024, average gross earnings were lower by 12.1% in nominal terms and 11.7% in real terms. Average net earnings also decreased, down by 14.1% nominally and 13.8% in real terms. This decline was mainly due to significantly lower extra payments, which had temporarily boosted wages in December, as is typically the case, including 13th-month salaries and Christmas bonuses. These extra payments accounted for only 0.2% of total gross earnings in January, in contrast to 12.8% in December.
Despite the monthly decline, earnings for January 2025 showed positive YoY growth. Gross earnings rose by 6.9% nominally and 4.8% in real terms, while net earnings increased by 6.7% nominally and 4.6% in real terms.
Average monthly gross and net earnings in Slovenia (Jan 2023 – Jan 2025, EUR)
Source: SURS, InterCapital Research
Sector-specific data indicate a MoM decrease in average gross earnings in both private and public sectors compared to December 2024—down by 15.7% and 5.0%, respectively. This reduction was largely due to reduced extra payments, as already stated. Earnings in the institutional sector of general government remained stable compared to December.
YoY comparisons reveal the opposite, that average gross earnings increased in both sectors: the private sector saw a 5.0% increase, while the public sector experienced a more significant rise of 10.2%. Earnings in the general government institutional sector rose by 11.1%, influenced considerably by the newly introduced public sector wage reform effective from 1 January 2025.
In January 2025, the highest average net earnings were recorded in the Electricity, Gas, Steam, and Air Conditioning Supply sector at EUR 2,113, while the lowest was reported in Administrative and Support Service Activities, amounting to EUR 1,170.
In conclusion, the latest wage data for Croatia and Slovenia highlight distinct labor market trends in both countries. While Croatia continues to experience steady wage growth, particularly influenced by structural labor market shifts and public sector wage reforms, Slovenia’s figures reflect the seasonal drop in earnings following December’s extra payments but maintain a strong YoY growth trajectory. Despite short-term fluctuations, both economies demonstrate resilience, with earnings rising across most sectors over the past year. Looking ahead, sustained wage growth will be essential in balancing labor market stability, inflationary pressures, and economic competitiveness in both Croatia and Slovenia.